Air Fryer Recipe
Sticky Mango Tofu Skewers
Discover the exotic fusion of flavors with Sticky Mango Tofu Skewers, perfect for air frying and bringing a tropical twist to your dining table.
Ingredients
- 400g firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
Method
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk together tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
- Place tofu cubes in a shallow dish, pour over the marinade, and ensure each piece is well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Thread marinated tofu, mango chunks, and red bell pepper pieces onto skewers, alternating as you go.
- Lightly brush skewers with remaining marinade and place in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until tofu is golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove skewers from air fryer, let cool slightly, and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or sesame seeds if desired.
Why this works in an air fryer
The air fryer uses rapid convection to evenly cook the tofu, enhancing the caramelisation of the maple syrup and creating a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist.
Equipment notes
Assumes a standard 3.5L air fryer basket. In a dual-zone fryer, distribute skewers evenly to avoid overcrowding, which may require an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Common pitfalls
- Tofu not browning by minute 10? Increase temperature by 10°C; moisture may still be present.
- Mango becoming mushy? Use slightly underripe mangoes to maintain texture.
- Skewers burning? Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use.
- Tofu sticking to basket? Lightly oil the basket or skewers before placing.
Variations & substitutions
- Substitute pineapple for mango for a tangier flavour, reducing cooking time by 2 minutes.
- Use tamarind paste instead of rice vinegar for a more pronounced tang, adjusting sweetness to taste.
- Replace red bell pepper with courgette slices for a milder flavour, ensuring slices are thick enough to hold shape.
- Add chilli flakes to the marinade for a spicier kick, balancing with extra maple syrup if needed.
Storage & reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
