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Air Fryer Crispy Tofu

Air Fryer Crispy Tofu

Gina Howe

Ingredients:

1 pkg firm/extra firm tofu

Wet mix:

  • 1¼ cup plain soymilk

  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard

  • 2 tbsp hot sauce

  • ½ tsp salt

Dry mix:

  • ¾ cup flour

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp poultry seasoning

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Large pinch ground pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked if available)

Coating:

1½ cups crushed Corn Flakes or panko crumbs


Creamy Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup Vegenaise

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened soymilk

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp dried chives

  • 1 tbsp dried parsley

  • ½ tsp dried dill

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ¼ tsp garlic salt/celery salt

  • ¼ tsp dry mustard powder

Directions for Ranch Dressing:

  1. Combine all ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly.

  2. Use as a dip for the crispy tofu or any other pairing of your choice!

Instructions:

Directions Air Fryer Crispy Tofu:

  1. Press tofu until thoroughly drained. Slice into 12 pieces crosswise.

  2. Whisk together the soymilk, mustard, hot sauce, and ½ tsp. salt in a medium bowl. In another bowl, mix the flour, spices and 1 tsp salt. In a final bowl, place the crushed Corn Flakes or panko crumbs.

  3. Dip a tofu slab into the soymilk mixture, then drop into the flour mix. Now repeat the process by dipping the flour-coated tofu into the wet soymilk mixture followed by a final dip in the Corn Flakes/panko crumbs. Place each breaded tofu slab on parchment-lined air fryer sheet.

  4. Spray the tops of the tofu with vegetable oil to encourage browning.

  5. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees. Alternatively, preheat oven to 425 degrees.

  6. Air fry for around 8-10 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake for about 12-15 minutes per side.



MORE FROM THE AUTHOR:


Tofu can be a savory substitute for fried chicken. Try this recipe.


The days of missing crispy fried chicken are a thing of the past for vegans.


Stop in at a nearby KFC or your local grocery store, and you can find options like Beyond Fried Chick'n nuggets or the Impossible Chick'n Nuggets. Gardein has Ultimate Plant Based Chick’n Tenders and sandwich patties. Options are endless.


The following recipe will not elicit the exact mouth-feel of these faux chicken products due to its softer tofu center, but it maintains a delightfully crispy exterior with a rich and savory flavor. It can be either baked/air-fried or browned in some oil on the stovetop.


I find that the air fryer and baking method allows for the use of less oil and still comes out perfectly crispy. If using the oven, bake at 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes per side. Dip these nuggets into the homemade ranch recipe for a huge burst of flavor.

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