If you’re searching for a lighter twist on a beloved Japanese classic, Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu is about to become your new favorite. This recipe keeps all the irresistible elements of traditional agedashi tofu—crispy outsides, silky interiors, and that savory umami sauce—while making things quicker, healthier, and completely fuss-free. With a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you can enjoy restaurant-quality tofu at home, perfect for appetizers, side dishes, or even an easy weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu, it will be on regular rotation in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu is how few ingredients you actually need. Each element here plays a starring role, contributing either crunch, umami depth, or vibrant color. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish shine:
- Firm or medium-firm tofu (1 block, 14 oz): This type Appetizer.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): A light coating creates that signature crispy exterior without deep frying.
- Neutral oil (1 tablespoon, for brushing or spraying): Think grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil; it helps the tofu turn golden in the air fryer.
- Dashi broth (1/2 cup): The heart of the sauce, bringing a wave of umami flavor; look for instant dashi powder if you don’t have homemade.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds saltiness and depth; use low-sodium if preferred.
- Mirin (1 tablespoon): This sweet rice wine balances the savory notes in the sauce.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch is all you need to round out the sauce.
- Green onions (2, thinly sliced): For a fresh, peppery crunch and a pop of color.
- Grated daikon (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds coolness and a bit of zing; highly recommended if you have it!
- Bonito flakes (1 tablespoon, optional): Sprinkle these on top for smoky-savory flavor (skip for vegan version).
- Sesame seeds (1 teaspoon, optional): For a nutty finish and a little visual flair.
How to Make Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu
Step 1: Press and Prepare the Tofu
Start by gently pressing your tofu between layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Give it 15 to 20 minutes—this step is crucial for removing excess moisture and ensuring your Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu gets that coveted crispy crust. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes or rectangles, depending on your preferred shape for serving.
Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch and Oil
Lightly dust each tofu piece with cornstarch, making sure each side is coated but not overloaded. Shake off the excess so the coating stays light and crisp. Arrange the pieces on a plate and either brush or spray them with a thin layer of neutral oil—this helps the tofu turn golden and crunchy in the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the basket, giving them a little space for the air to circulate. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pieces are crisp and evenly golden. You’ll be amazed at how the air fryer transforms the tofu into crunchy, pillowy bites without a drop of deep-frying oil.
Step 4: Make the Savory Sauce
While the tofu is crisping up, prepare the sauce. Combine dashi broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm (not boiling). This savory bath brings everything together and soaks into the crispy tofu for that authentic Agedashi experience.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the hot, crispy tofu pieces in shallow bowls. Ladle a few spoonfuls of the warm sauce over each serving, making sure every piece gets a little soak. Top with green onions, and if you like, a sprinkle of grated daikon, bonito flakes, and sesame seeds for extra flavor, color, and texture. Your Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu
Garnishes
Traditional garnishes for Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu are more than just a pretty touch—they add bursts of freshness, umami, and crunch. Thinly sliced green onions bring zing, grated daikon offers a cool contrast, bonito flakes add that irresistible savory aroma, and sesame seeds give a gentle nutty flavor. Don’t be shy with these toppings; they really make the dish sing!
Side Dishes
This tofu is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with other Japanese staples. Try it alongside a steaming bowl of white rice, a simple miso soup, or a crisp cucumber salad. These sides help round out your meal and highlight the delicate flavors of the Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tofu as bite-sized appetizers on small plates with cocktail picks, or arrange them on a bed of shredded lettuce for extra crunch. You can even create a donburi-style dish by piling the tofu over rice and drizzling with extra sauce—perfect for lunch or a quick dinner!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu, store the tofu and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps keep the tofu from getting too soggy and preserves as much of that lovely crunch as possible.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze the cooked tofu pieces, they may lose some crispness and take on a slightly chewier texture after thawing. If you do freeze them, wrap the pieces individually to prevent sticking, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month.
Reheating
To bring back some of that signature crispiness, pop the refrigerated or thawed tofu pieces back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F. Heat the sauce separately until just warm, then assemble as usual. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the tofu rubbery.
FAQs
Can I make Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use a plant-based dashi (kombu and shiitake are great options) and skip the bonito flakes. You’ll still get all the umami and comfort of the original dish.
What type of tofu works best?
Firm or medium-firm tofu hits the sweet spot for Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu. Silken tofu is too delicate and will fall apart, while extra-firm can be a little dense for this style.
Can I use other starches instead of cornstarch?
Yes, potato starch or tapioca starch can be used in place of cornstarch for a similar crispy effect. Each gives a slightly different texture, so feel free to experiment!
Do I need to press the tofu every time?
Pressing the tofu is key for getting rid of extra water and achieving that crisp outer layer. If you’re in a rush, give it at least 10 minutes, but the longer you press, the better the results.
How do I make the sauce if I don’t have dashi?
If you don’t have dashi, try substituting with a light vegetable broth and a pinch of seaweed or mushroom powder for that signature umami kick. The sauce will still complement your Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu beautifully!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu at home—the crispy edges, the warm, savory sauce, and all those customizable toppings. Give it a try and let yourself fall in love with this lighter, easier version of a Japanese favorite. I can’t wait for you to experience just how delightful and satisfying this dish can be!
Print
Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A crispy and flavorful Japanese appetizer featuring firm tofu air-fried to golden perfection and served with a warm, savory dashi-based sauce. This healthier take on traditional agedashi tofu uses air frying for a light yet satisfying texture, garnished with green onions, grated daikon, bonito flakes, and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 block (14 oz) firm or medium-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for brushing or spraying)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup dashi broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Garnishes (optional)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon grated daikon
- 1 tablespoon bonito flakes
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Tofu: Gently press the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel for 15–20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes or rectangles. Lightly coat each piece with cornstarch, shaking off excess. Lightly spray or brush the tofu with neutral oil.
- Air Fry the Tofu: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Make the Sauce: While the tofu cooks, combine dashi broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir and warm the sauce until it is heated through but not boiling.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the crispy tofu in shallow bowls and pour a few spoonfuls of the warm sauce over each serving. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, grated daikon, bonito flakes, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
- Use vegan dashi and omit bonito flakes to make the dish vegan.
- Serve immediately to maintain the tofu’s crispy texture.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or can be served as an appetizer in a Japanese-style meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 tofu pieces with sauce
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
