Tofu: Air-Fried & De-Mystified!

Well, I'm pretty sure I cracked the code on crispy tofu in the air-fryer without coating it in oil or corn starch and other stuff.

(Don't worry - I will also tell you how to oven cook these if you don't have an air fryer.)

PRINTABLE RECIPE HERE:

Vegan Cooking Level: Intermediate

Tofu De-Mystified...

First, I want you to have all the facts you need to understand about tofu so that you are confident that tofu is a health protective food that neither causes breast cancer nor causes boys to grow boobs. As a breast cancer this is very important to me and I have researched this thoroughly and consulted an integrative oncologist in addition.

If you need more facts on the nutritional aspects or safety of soy as well as to learn how to buy tofu and how to prepare it for any recipe, please check this prior post I wrote and video I made showing what to do exactly!

Tofu Air-Fried...

Ingredients

1 14-ounce block of extra firm Organic Tofu, pressed and sliced

2 tbsp. tamari

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

2 shakes cayenne, dusted across (or 2 pinches)

1 tbsp. nutritional yeast

Optional: A few shakes of "Everything But The Bagel" makes it even crispier and tastier

How-To

Step 1: After pressing the tofu thoroughly (this is important!), cut into 1-inch cubes and place gently into a large flat bowl (so they are NOT all on top of each other in a deep bowl).

Step 2: Scatter the tamari over the tofu and mix gently with your fingers, turning over the cubes gently. Not every cube will be covered evenly and that's ok because you don't want to saturate your cubes or they will not be crispy.

Step 3: Scatter the rest of the seasonings over the cubes and when all done, mix gently again with fingers.

Step 4: Cut a piece of parchment paper the size of the bottom if you are using an air fryer basket unit (not necessary for shelf style toaster/oven air fryer combo units) and gently place the seasoned cubes in a single layer in the basket or on the shelf.

Step 5: Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 10 minutes total. In a basket air-fryer like pictured, you'll want to shake gently and turn over at the half-way point. In my Cuisinart air fryer/toaster oven unit, you cannot use parchment paper (it burns!) and there is no need to turn the cubes over or do anything at the half -way point except watch your cubes for perfection! You may find that you like your cubes slightly softer (less time) or slightly chewier (more time).

OVEN INSTRUCTIONS: Set Oven to 400 Degrees F. Place seasoned cubes on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes, turning and then 5-10 min more. Test for how you like them to be done: softer (less time) versus chewier (more time).

Kids can pop these as is and they are best when eaten immediately on top of rice with veggies or on top of a salad with zoodles and dripping with my amazing peanut/tahini Ginger Goddess Sauce!

Ginger Goddess Sauce

1/3 cup tahini* or nut butter

1/3 cup tamari (or soy sauce or liquid aminos)

1/4 cup lime juice

1-2 tbsp. pure maple syrup (optional)

2 cloves garlic, shredded

1-inch nub of ginger, shredded

1/8 tsp sriracha or cayenne pepper (optional or more if you like it hot!)

*can substitute tahini for peanut (or any nut) butter to make peanut sauce

*can add 1/4 c. water if you want a thinner sauce or a bit more nut or seed butter if you want a thicker sauce.

Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk (or to a jar and shake or a blender and blend) until combined. Sauce recipe can be served heated or cold and doubles wonderfully. Keeps in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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