Agedashi tofu recipe air fryer is a well-loved Japanese dish renowned for its crisp exterior and silky, soft inside. It is traditionally fried in a deep fryer and served with a savory broth made of dashi, creating an ideal blend of flavors and textures. It is perfect for an appetizer light or warm main dish, usually decorated with bonito, green onions, flakes, and grated daikon. But deep-frying can be difficult because of messy oil splashes, and that’s the reason why air fryers come into play.
Using an air fryer to cook aged dashi tofu can be a game changer. This cooking method drastically reduces the required oil and makes the dish healthier without losing its crispy texture. The air fryer moves hot air around the tofu and creates a golden brown crust while keeping the inside moist and smooth. It’s an easy and efficient method of making agedashi tofu recipe air fryer. It’s ideal for those who wish to savor the meal without having to worry about calories or the cleanup.
We’ll take you through the process of making agedashi tofu recipe air fryer using an air fryer, ensuring you have the perfect balance between crispy and soft tofu with only a little effort. From choosing the best kind of tofu to making the dashi-based sauce, every step will be explained to make it easier for you to create this delectable Japanese dish from at the ease of your home. Whether you’re an experienced chef or just starting out, the age dashi tofu air fryer recipe will give a wonderful new flavor to your menu.

Table of Contents
What is Agedashi Tofu recipe air fryer?
Agedashi tofu recipe air fryer is a classic Japanese dish made of crisp, deep-fried tofu served in a delicious broth called dashi. The dish emphasizes its contrast of the crisp outside layer and the soft, smooth tofu within, making it a wonderful delight for anyone who loves tofu. Sometimes served with bonito, green onions, flakes, and grated daikon, this dish is a comfort food that tastes delicious and tasty. The traditional method of making age dashi tofu is deep-frying; let’s look at a healthier and more practical alternative using the air-fryer.

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Agedashi Tofu recipe air fryer?
Air fryers have revolutionized cooking at home by allowing you to get a crispy texture without needing a lot of oil. When you’re cooking age dashi, the air fryer is a fast and efficient method to achieve the crisp exterior that deep-frying can provide, but with less oil and less cleaning. The hot air that circulates through the air fryer simulates the effects of deep cooking, creating a gorgeous crispy and golden crust while making interiors of tofu soft and supple. This cooking method lets you taste the delicious traditional flavors of age dashi tofu more healthily.
Selecting the Right Tofu for Agedashi Tofu recipe air fryer
The kind of tofu you choose is essential for the most effective outcomes. To make age dashi tofu, it is recommended to select extra-firm or firm tofu since it retains its shape better when fried. Silken tofu, although soft and smooth, tends to crumble too easily. While making the tofu, it’s important to press it gently to eliminate any moisture so that it can have a crisper texture after it is air-fried. Wrap the tofu with a clean towel and gently press it using a weight for around 15 minutes before cooking. This will ensure that the exterior layer of tofu is crisp and well-cooked while the inside remains soft.

Key Ingredients for the Dashi Broth
The broth of Dashi is the delicious liquid that holds the dishes together. Dashi is usually made of Kombu (dried seaweed) and bonito flakes (dried fish flakes), giving the dish its distinctive umami taste. If you want to make it vegetarian, you can choose Dashi, which is made from Shiitake and kombu. The broth is usually seasoned with mirin, soy sauce, and sugar to achieve an effervescent sweet-salty blend. To make it easier, buy instant dashi powder or concentrate, which can make preparation easier and doesn’t compromise the flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami.
- Mirin: A sweet rice wine that adds a mild sweetness to the broth.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar helps balance the savory flavors.
- Kombu and Bonito: These ingredients form the base of the dashi broth, contributing deep, rich umami flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Agedashi Tofu recipe air fryer

Preparing the Tofu
Begin by draining the tofu, then pressing it to eliminate excess moisture. To ensure optimal air-frying, the tofu can be cut into pieces, around 1 inch in diameter. You can coat the tofu with potato starch or cornstarch to get a crispy crust. This will help the tofu achieve that golden crispness. If you wish, spice the tofu up with a pinch of pepper and salt.
Air Frying the Tofu
Pre-heat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190degC). Lay the tofu cubes out on a single level within the basket for your air fryer and leave a space between them to ensure even cooking. The tofu is air-fried in 12-15 mins, rotating them halfway through to ensure uniform crispness. After cooking, the tofu should be golden brown and have a crispy exterior.
Making the Dashi Broth
While the tofu cooks cooking, make the broth from dashi. Mix the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil at medium-low temperature, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves. The broth should be tasted, and the seasoning should be adjusted. When the broth is done, take it off the stove and store it in a warm place.
Assembling the Dish
After the tofu has been crispy and air-fried, transfer it onto the dish for serving. Pour the broth of dashi hot over the tofu, allowing cubes to soak up some of the flavorful liquid. Sprinkle using finely chopped green onions, daikon grates, and bonito flake. Serve as soon as the tofu is crisp on the outside but soft inside.

Additional Variations and Customizations
While the basic recipe for agedashi tofu recipe air fryer is simple and delicious, there are several ways to customize the dish:
- Spicy Option: Add a little chili oil or chili flakes to the dashi broth for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, or spinach to the broth for extra flavor and texture.
- Crispy Toppings: For an extra crunchy topping, you can sprinkle some tempura crumbs or fried onions over the tofu before serving.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Agedashi tofu recipe air fryer pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Rice: Serve your agedashi tofu recipe air fryer over steamed white rice, brown rice, or sushi rice for a satisfying meal.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Consider serving sautéed greens or vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms on the side for added nutrition.
- Pickled Vegetables: Japanese pickles like pickled daikon or pickled ginger complement the umami flavors of the tofu and broth.

healthy ingredients table for agedashi tofu recipe air fryer
Ingredient | Quantity | Health Benefits |
---|---|---|
Firm Tofu | 1 block (14 oz) | High in plant-based protein, low in calories, and contains essential amino acids. |
Cornstarch | 2-3 tbsp | Used for crispiness with minimal fat; a gluten-free option for coating. |
Soy Sauce | 2 tbsp | Rich in umami, but choose low-sodium soy sauce to keep salt content lower. |
Mirin | 1 tbsp | Adds natural sweetness with fewer calories compared to sugar-based sweeteners. |
Sugar | 1 tsp | Optional: Adds slight sweetness, can be replaced with a natural sweetener like stevia. |
Kombu | 1 small piece | Seaweed rich in iodine and fiber; an excellent source of essential minerals. |
Bonito Flakes | 1 tbsp (optional) | Adds umami flavor, though can be omitted for a vegetarian version. |
Grated Daikon | 1 tbsp (optional) | Low in calories, high in vitamin C, and provides digestive benefits. |
Green Onions | 1 tbsp (optional) | High in vitamins A, C, and K, and provides a burst of flavor with minimal calories. |
This table gives an overview of the health benefits of each ingredient, showcasing that agedashi tofu recipe air fryer can be a nutritious and balanced dish when prepared thoughtfully!

Tips for the Perfect Agedashi Tofu recipe air fryer
- Make sure to press the tofu well. Pressing the tofu prior to air-frying is essential for obtaining a crisp texture. If you don’t do this step, the tofu won’t be as crisp.
- Cover the tofu evenly using starch: Ensure that the tofu cubes are coated evenly with starch for an even, crisp texture. Toss the tofu lightly in the bowl to ensure the sides are entirely covered.
- Do not overload an air fryer. Overcrowding the tofu will prevent it from properly crisping. Tofu can be cooked in small batches if necessary.
- Keep the Dashi warm. After serving, pour the hot broth of Dashi over the tofu as soon as possible to ensure the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and soft inside.
Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer
This recipe for aged dashi tofu made with air fryers is healthier and more practical than traditional techniques. Air fryers eliminate the requirement for a lot of oil and make frying less messy with no splashes. Tofu is perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside. The broth of dashi gives it a rich, savory taste. This method can also reduce time and clean up instead of deep-frying. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to experience authentic Japanese tastes with no hassle. If you’re a fan of tofu or are a novice at cooking an air fryer, the age dashi tofu recipe will be a hit with its delicious and satisfying outcomes.
agedashi tofu recipe air fryer From DelishDish!

air fryer Agedashi Tofu recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- small saucepan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Tofu press (optional)
- Small bowl for cornstarch (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 block of firm tofu 14 oz
- 2-3 tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar optional
- 1 small piece of kombu seaweed
- 1 tbsp bonito flakes optional
- 1 tbsp grated daikon optional
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions optional
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil spray for air fryer
Instructions
- Press the Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place a weight on top for about 15 minutes to ensure it is well-drained. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Coat the Tofu: Lightly coat the tofu cubes with cornstarch (or potato starch). You can place the starch in a small bowl and gently toss the tofu cubes to ensure an even coating. Season the tofu with a pinch of salt if desired.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping. The tofu should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Prepare the Dashi Broth: While the tofu is cooking, prepare the dashi broth by combining soy sauce, mirin, and sugar (if using) in a small saucepan. Add the kombu and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, and once the broth has simmered for about 5 minutes, remove it from the heat and discard the kombu. Optionally, you can add bonito flakes for additional flavor.
- Assemble the Dish:Once the tofu is crispy, transfer it to a serving dish. Pour the hot dashi broth over the tofu cubes, allowing them to soak up some of the liquid. Garnish with grated daikon, chopped green onions, and bonito flakes (if using).
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the agedashi tofu immediately while the tofu is still crispy and the broth is hot.
Notes

conclusion : agedashi tofu recipe air fryer
Ultimately, air fryer-agedashi is a novel, healthier version of the adored Japanese traditional. With the help of an air fryer, you will get the same crisp exterior and soft interior that traditional deep-frying provides while reducing the amount of oil required. This technique minimizes the dish’s weight and makes cooking easier and more accessible to experienced and novice cooks at home. The crispy texture of tofu with the umami-rich and savory Dashi broth provides an excellent combination of flavors that provides satisfying and healthy food.
This recipe is an excellent opportunity to taste the comforting flavor of agedashi tofu recipe air fryer without the hassle and mess of deep-frying. Air fryers make the process easier and faster, and you will take less time cooking and more time taking in your dinner. Additionally, with the option of modifying variations and garnishes, it is possible to customize the recipe to suit your preferences easily. Suppose you’re looking to spice it up with vegetables or even a gluten-free alternative. In that case, The flexibility of this recipe will allow it to meet diverse dietary preferences and tastes.
In the end, air fryer-age dashi is a great recipe to include in your menu to make something light or a unique appetizer for an evening gathering. Its simple ingredients and wonderful flavor and texture create an excellent dish that will surely delight you. So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, crispy, and bursting with umami, try this air-fried age dashi tofu recipe. It. It’s sure to become your new favorite!

FAQs: agedashi tofu recipe air fryer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use soft tofu for this recipe?
It’s best to use firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe. Soft tofu may break apart when air fried, affecting the texture of the dish.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free. Be sure to check other ingredients like mirin and dashi to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
3. How can I make the dashi broth vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian or vegan option, simply omit the bonito flakes and use a kombu and shiitake mushroom-based dashi broth.
4. Can I add extra vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy to the dashi broth for added flavor and nutrition.
5. How do I make the tofu extra crispy?
Press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture, then coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch. The air fryer will help achieve the crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
Share Your Twist!
While this air fryer-agedashi tofu recipe air fryer is already a delicious and healthier version of a Japanese classic, you can always get creative and make it your own! Here are a few ways to add your personal twist:
- Spicy Kick: Add chili oil, chili flakes, or a splash of sriracha to the dashi broth for an extra spicy flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy in the broth for added texture and nutrients.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to give the dish a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
- Sweet Variations: Add a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the dashi broth for a unique sweet-savory flavor profile.
- Crunchy Toppings: Top the tofu with crispy tempura crumbs, fried onions, or sesame seeds for an extra crunch.
Get creative and let your taste buds guide you! Don’t forget to share your twist with us, and enjoy the process of making this dish your own!