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Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Balls

Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Balls That Will Crush Your Cravings

Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Balls offer a deliciously satisfying plant-based snack bursting with flavor that will crush your cravings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 44 minutes
Servings: 4 balls
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tofu Balls
  • 14 oz extra-firm tofu Pressing well is key to achieve the perfect texture!
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari Adds a savory depth.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil Offers a rich, nutty essence.
  • 2 cloves garlic Finely minced for an aromatic touch.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger Finely grated for a zesty kick.
  • 2 green onions Finely chopped.
  • 1 small carrot Finely grated (about ⅓ cup).
  • ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro or parsley Optional but recommended.
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs Light and crispy.
  • ¼ cup cornstarch Ensures that your balls hold their shape.
  • 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast Adds umami flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground.
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika Gives a hint of smokiness.
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes Optional for heat.
For the Coating
  • ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs Helps achieve a crisp exterior.
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch Assists in creating an even crunch.
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil Toss with the crumbs.
  • Pinch salt and pepper Season the coating.
For the Dipping Sauce
  • 3 tablespoon soy sauce To dip each tofu ball.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice Adds acidity.
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil Deepens flavor.
  • 1–2 teaspoon maple syrup, honey, or sugar Sweeten to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce Optional for spiciness.
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds Provides crunch and nuttiness.
  • 1 tablespoon finely sliced green onion Adds freshness.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Press the Tofu: Wrap the tofu in a towel, place a weight on top, and press for 20–30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
  3. Crumble the Tofu: Break the pressed tofu into a large mixing bowl until resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
  4. Mix in Flavorful Ingredients: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onions, grated carrot, and cilantro, combining gently.
  5. Add Binding Ingredients: Mix in panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and optional chili flakes until combined.
  6. Adjust the Mixture: If too wet, add panko; if too dry, add water or soy sauce.
  7. Shape the Tofu Balls: Roll mixture into balls about 1 to 1.25 inches in diameter.
  8. Prepare the Coating: Combine panko, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and oil in a shallow bowl.
  9. Coat the Tofu Balls: Roll each ball in the coating mixture.
  10. Air Fry the Tofu Balls: Place in air fryer in a single layer and cook for 10–14 minutes, shaking halfway.
  11. Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Mix soy sauce, vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, maple syrup, and optional sriracha in a bowl.
  12. Serve and Enjoy: Serve golden tofu balls with dipping sauce and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 7gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure even cooking by not overcrowding the air fryer. Serve with customized dipping sauce for enhanced flavor.

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