Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Tofu Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Tofu is his take on a crispy, flavorful tofu dish that’s quick and easy to make with an air fryer. The recipe keeps things simple but delivers on texture and taste, making tofu more accessible and delicious, even for those who might not usually enjoy it. The air fryer gives the tofu a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. What makes it extra special is the marinade. a blend of soy sauce, garlic and a few other key ingredients that infuse the tofu with tons of flavor.

For anyone who’s struggled with getting tofu crispy in the oven or on the stove, this method is a game-changer. Using the air fryer cuts down on the oil and mess while still producing that satisfying crunch. It’s a healthier way to enjoy a plant-based dish.

Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

Ingredients Needed

The ingredient list for this recipe is pretty straightforward and you might already have most of these in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Firm Tofu – You want a block of firm tofu here. Soft or silken tofu won’t hold up in the air fryer and will end up mushy.
2. Soy Sauce – Adds saltiness and depth of flavor. You could swap this for tamari if you’re gluten-free.
3. Olive Oil or Sesame Oil. This helps the tofu crisp up and adds richness. Sesame oil, in particular, gives it a lovely nutty taste.
4. Garlic Powder – Essential for giving the tofu that savory kick.
5. Cornstarch or Cornflour – This is the key to making the tofu crisp up nicely in the air fryer. It forms a thin, crispy coating.
6. Maple Syrup (optional) – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
7. Chili Flakes (optional) – For a little heat and extra flavor, if you like things spicy.

Equipment Needed

1. Air Fryer – The star of the show. You can use any air fryer with a basket or drawer style as long as it’s big enough to hold your tofu pieces without overcrowding.
2. Mixing Bowl – To toss the tofu with the marinade.
3. Paper Towels or Tofu Press. To press out the excess water from the tofu. This is important to get that crispy texture.
4. Cutting Board and Knife. For cutting the tofu into cubes or strips.
5. Measuring Spoons – To make sure you get the marinade ingredients just right.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Tofu

1. Prepare the Tofu: Start by draining the tofu and pressing out the water. Use a tofu press or simply wrap the tofu in paper towels and place something heavy on top for 10-15 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes or strips-whichever you prefer.
2. Marinate the Tofu: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, maple syrup (if using) and chili flakes. Toss the tofu in this mixture, making sure all the pieces are well-coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
3. Coat with Cornstarch: After marinating, sprinkle the tofu with cornstarch. This step is crucial. it helps create that crispy crust when cooked. Toss the tofu gently until all pieces are lightly dusted.
4. Air Fry the Tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil (you can use a spray or brush). Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the basket, making sure there’s space between each piece. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The tofu should come out crispy and golden on the outside, tender on the inside.
5. Serve: Once done, serve the tofu immediately. You can enjoy it on its own, toss it with a salad or serve it with rice or noodles. It also works well with dipping sauces like soy sauce, tahini or peanut butter.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Tofu taught me a few things about tofu and air fryers that I didn’t know before. First, the importance of pressing the tofu really hit home. I always knew it was a step but I didn’t realize how much water can be in tofu and how pressing it out really improves the texture. This makes a huge difference, especially for air frying.

Also, I was surprised by how crispy the tofu gets without being deep-fried. The air fryer is so efficient at getting that golden crust without needing excessive oil. It’s a much lighter, healthier way to enjoy crispy tofu which is awesome.

The cornstarch step is essential for getting that perfect texture. I initially didn’t think it would make much of a difference but it does. It gives the tofu a little crunch and that’s the key to making it enjoyable, especially if you’re new to tofu.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Tofu

Jamie Oliver’s air fryer tofu recipe is already a winner but tweaking it to match your personal flavor profile or dietary needs can elevate it even further. Here are a few ways to experiment with the recipe:

1. Marinade Variations:

   If you love bold flavors, try adding a bit of sriracha or gochujang to the marinade for a spicy kick. Alternatively, for a sweeter touch, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or agave. Play around with different soy sauce varieties-tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter, milder flavor.

2. Herb & Spice Swap:

   Add ground coriander or cumin for earthy depth. If you’re craving more of an Asian-inspired vibe, toss in some grated ginger and minced garlic along with a bit of sesame oil. For a Mediterranean twist, go for a mix of oregano, thyme and a drizzle of olive oil.

3. Texture Tweaks:

   Some prefer their tofu crispy all over, others like a little chew in the center. For extra crispiness, increase the cooking time slightly but keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Alternatively, press the tofu for a longer period before cooking to reduce moisture and achieve that golden crispier exterior.

4. Coating Options:

   Instead of the standard cornstarch, try using rice flour or chickpea flour for a gluten-free crisp. Adding some nutritional yeast to the dry coating will not only give it a cheesy flavor but will also enhance the crispiness. If you’re aiming for more texture, coat the tofu with panko breadcrumbs after dipping it in the marinade.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover air fryer tofu (or if you intentionally made a double batch!), storing it correctly will ensure it stays as tasty as possible.

1. Refrigeration

   • Store leftover tofu in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation from making it soggy.
   • It’ll last for 3-4 days in the fridge. After that, it may lose some of its crispiness but it’s still perfectly safe to eat.

2. Freezing:

   If you want to save your tofu for later, freezing works surprisingly well! Lay the tofu pieces on a baking sheet and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a ziplock bag or container for long-term storage. Frozen tofu can last up to 3 months.

   • When ready to eat, you can either reheat it in the air fryer again for that crispy texture or simply thaw and toss it into soups or stir-fries for a more tender result.

3. Reheating

   • To bring back that crispy crunch, reheat tofu in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway. This will help maintain the original texture without it becoming too dry or rubbery.
   • If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also reheat in a pan with a little oil but keep the heat medium to prevent burning.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Tofu?

Now, let’s talk about sides and accompaniments! Air fryer tofu is incredibly versatile and can pair with just about anything. Here are some mouth-watering suggestions to complement the tofu:

1. Rice & Grains

   • Jasmine rice, brown rice or quinoa are all perfect bases to lay your crispy tofu on. You can make a simple fried rice with veggies or add a flavorful sauce like soy-ginger for extra punch.
   • For a slightly healthier option, consider cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.

2. Vegetable Sides

   • Steamed or sautéed greens like spinach, kale or bok choy bring a beautiful, nutritious contrast to the tofu’s texture. A drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds make for a simple, yet elegant, finish.
   • Roasted sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts or broccoli are also great choices-try seasoning them with a bit of garlic and chili flakes for an extra kick.

3. Salads

   • Tofu loves to be thrown into vibrant salads! Try a crisp cabbage slaw with a sesame dressing or mix it with roasted veggies and a tangy tahini or avocado dressing.
   • A simple Asian-style salad with shredded carrots, cucumbers and a soy-vinegar dressing is a fresh, crunchy counterpart to the crispy tofu.

4. Sauces And Dips

   • Pair your tofu with sauces like a peanut sauce, spicy mayo or a tangy teriyaki drizzle. These elevate the flavors and add moisture which balances out the crispy exterior.

5. Wraps & Bowls

   • For a lighter option, serve tofu in a lettuce wrap with thinly sliced veggies and a spicy hoisin sauce.
   • Or, create a hearty bowl by layering tofu with grains, vegetables and a rich sauce, then top it with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.

FAQs

How Do I Prepare The Tofu For Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Recipe?

Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into cubes or slices. Coat with your favorite seasonings and a little oil before air frying.

What Temperature Should I Set The Air Fryer For Jamie Oliver’s Tofu?

Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). This helps the tofu become crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.

Can I Add Vegetables To Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Tofu Recipe?

Absolutely! Toss some veggies like bell peppers or broccoli in with the tofu. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on their size and texture.