If you love the comforting flavors of traditional agedashi tofu but want a lighter, simpler way to enjoy it at home, this Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe is your new best friend. Crunchy on the outside, silky on the inside, and bathed in a warm, savory tentsuyu sauce, this dish captures all the magic of classic Japanese cuisine without the hassle of deep-frying. The air fryer cooks the tofu to golden perfection while keeping it tender inside, making every bite a delightful contrast of textures and flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are all about creating the perfect balance of crispy tofu and flavorful sauce. Each component plays a special role, ensuring your Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe turns out just right — from the light crispiness to the umami-packed dipping sauce.
- Firm or extra-firm tofu (14 ounces): The sturdy base that crisps up beautifully without falling apart.
- Cornstarch or potato starch (2 tablespoons): This coating gives the tofu its signature crisp exterior in the air fryer.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the tofu’s subtle flavor right before frying.
- Spray oil or neutral oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the tofu crisp up evenly without sticking.
- Dashi stock (1/2 cup) or low-sodium vegetable broth: The heart of the dipping sauce, bringing deep umami.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds savory, salty depth to the sauce.
- Mirin (2 tablespoons): Brings sweetness and a gentle tang to balance the flavors.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the dipping sauce with just a touch of sweetness.
- Grated daikon (optional): Adds a refreshing, mild bite as garnish.
- Sliced green onions: Brighten the dish with fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Bonito flakes (optional): Provide a smoky, oceanic aroma that’s classic in agedashi tofu.
- Shredded nori or toasted sesame seeds: Offer extra texture and a touch of sea-salty goodness.
How to Make Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
Start by pressing the tofu for 15 to 30 minutes to squeeze out excess moisture—this simple step is key to achieving that crisp, golden crust without sogginess. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes or rectangles, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry tofu ensures the starch coating will stick perfectly and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 2: Coat the Tofu
Place your tofu pieces in a bowl and toss with cornstarch and salt until each cube is evenly coated. This dry coating is what transforms the tofu’s silky texture into a satisfyingly crunchy bite. A light spray or brush of oil on each piece helps that crust develop even more during cooking.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the tofu in a single layer inside the basket—it’s important not to overcrowd so the air can circulate freely and crisp every side. Air fry the tofu for 10 to 12 minutes total, flipping halfway through cooking until you see a gorgeous golden-brown crust forming all over the cubes.
Step 4: Prepare the Tentsuyu Dipping Sauce
While the tofu crisps up, bring together the dipping sauce by combining dashi (or vegetable broth), soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan. Gently simmer the mixture over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves, then remove it from heat. This warm sauce adds a beautiful rich flavor that complements the crunchy tofu perfectly.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your crispy tofu to a shallow serving bowl and pour the warm tentsuyu sauce over just before serving. Finish with garnishes like sliced green onions, grated daikon, bonito flakes, and shredded nori or toasted sesame seeds for that authentic touch. Serving immediately keeps the tofu delightfully crisp under the luscious sauce.
How to Serve Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe
Garnishes
Agedashi tofu isn’t complete without its signature garnishes, which all add layers of flavor and texture. The grated daikon adds a cool, refreshing contrast to the deep umami of the sauce and tofu. Sliced green onions bring a crisp freshness, bonito flakes give a smoky and slightly fishy pop of flavor (optional for vegetarians), and a sprinkle of shredded nori or toasted sesame seeds enhances every bite with a subtle, toasty note.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe pairs beautifully with other Japanese favorites like steamed rice, miso soup, or a simple cucumber sunomono salad. These light sides complement the tofu without overwhelming it and create a balanced, satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, serve this dish in individual small bowls topped with microgreens or edible flowers for a stunning presentation. You can also place the tofu cubes on a bed of lightly sautéed spinach or alongside pickled vegetables to introduce contrasting colors and flavors that brighten your table and excite the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the tofu separately from the dipping sauce to maintain its crisp texture. Wrap the tofu in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The sauce can be kept in a separate container in the fridge as well for easy reheating.
Freezing
While tofu freezes well, this Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe is best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispiness. Freezing the cooked tofu may alter its texture, making it softer when thawed. If you must freeze, freeze only the uncooked tofu cubes and then air fry fresh after thawing.
Reheating
To bring back some of the original crunch, reheat leftover tofu in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. Warm the dipping sauce gently on the stove or microwave separately. Pour the heated sauce over the crispy tofu just before serving to enjoy your second helping nearly as much as the first.
FAQs
Can I use silken tofu for this recipe?
Silken tofu is too delicate for air frying as it will likely fall apart during cooking. Firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal for this Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe because it holds its shape and crisps well.
What can I substitute for dashi stock in the dipping sauce?
If you don’t have dashi, a low-sodium vegetable broth works well as a substitute and keeps the sauce vegetarian or vegan while still delivering great flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your mirin doesn’t contain gluten. This way you can enjoy this Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe without worry.
Why is pressing the tofu important?
Pressing removes excess moisture which helps the tofu crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Without pressing, the tofu might be soggy and the cornstarch coating won’t stick well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the tofu and sauce separately ahead of time, but it’s best to air fry the tofu right before serving to maintain its crispy texture and pour the sauce over just before eating.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a traditional Japanese dish with a modern, health-conscious twist. The crispy exterior and silky interior soaked in savory tentsuyu sauce make it an irresistible treat. Give it a try and share it with friends and family—you’ll love how easy it is to elevate tofu into something spectacularly delicious!
Print
Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu recipe offers a lighter, healthier twist on the traditional Japanese appetizer. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, the tofu is air fried to perfection and served with a flavorful tentsuyu dipping sauce made from dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Garnished with green onions, grated daikon, bonito flakes, or nori, this dish is a delightful vegan-friendly and gluten-free option that captures authentic Japanese flavors with minimal oil.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 14 ounces firm or extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- spray oil or 1 tablespoon neutral oil
Dipping Sauce (Tentsuyu)
- 1/2 cup dashi stock (or low-sodium vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Garnish
- Grated daikon (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Bonito flakes (optional)
- Shredded nori or toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Press and Prepare Tofu: Press the tofu for 15 to 30 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes or rectangles. Pat the pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness when cooking.
- Coat Tofu: Toss the tofu pieces with cornstarch and salt until evenly coated. Lightly spray or brush the tofu with oil to help achieve a golden crispy exterior during air frying.
- Air Fry Tofu: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the tofu in a single layer inside the basket to allow even airflow. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure all sides become golden and crispy.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce: While the tofu cooks, combine the dashi stock (or vegetable broth), soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat to blend the flavors, then remove from heat and keep warm.
- Serve: Transfer the crispy tofu to a shallow serving bowl. Pour the warm tentsuyu dipping sauce over the tofu just before serving to preserve the crispy texture. Garnish with sliced green onions, grated daikon, bonito flakes, shredded nori, or toasted sesame seeds as desired.
Notes
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispy texture of the tofu.
- Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Traditional agedashi tofu is deep-fried, but this air fryer version reduces oil usage and calories while still delivering satisfying crispiness.
- Grated daikon and bonito flakes add authentic Japanese flavors and textural contrast but can be omitted for a vegan version.
