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Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Balls

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These Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Balls are an irresistible blend of textures and flavors, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, made easy with a simple air-frying technique.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (400 g) extra-firm tofu, pressed well
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (or neutral oil like canola)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated (or 1/2 ground ginger)
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped (white and green parts)
  • 1 small carrot, finely grated (about 1/3 cup)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro or parsley (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast or finely grated Parmesan (optional, for umami)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes or cayenne (optional, for heat)
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (for coating)
  • Pinch of salt and pepper (for coating)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (for dipping sauce)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice (for dipping sauce)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (for dipping sauce)
  • 1 – 2 tsp maple syrup, honey, or sugar (for dipping sauce)
  • 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for dipping sauce)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for dipping sauce)
  • 1 tbsp finely sliced green onion (for dipping sauce)

Instructions

  1. Press the Tofu: Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Place a flat plate on top and set something heavy on it. Press for 20–30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  3. Make the Tofu Mixture: Crumble the pressed tofu into a mixing bowl. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onions, carrot, and cilantro. Stir to combine.
  4. Add Binders and Seasonings: Mix in panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Ensure the mixture holds together.
  5. Shape the Tofu Balls: Scoop out 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls around 1–1.25 inches in diameter.
  6. Prepare the Crispy Coating: Mix panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Add oil and rub into crumbs.
  7. Coat the Tofu Balls: Roll each ball in the crumb mixture, pressing to adhere, then place back on the tray.
  8. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place tofu balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  9. Air-Fry the Tofu Balls: Cook for 10–14 minutes until golden brown, shaking halfway through.
  10. Make the Dipping Sauce: Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, maple syrup, and sriracha in a bowl. Stir in sesame seeds and green onion.
  11. Serve: Transfer hot tofu balls to a plate. Serve with dipping sauce and optional sides.
  12. Reheat and Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for 4–6 minutes.

Notes

Pressing tofu is crucial for achieving crispiness. Experiment with different spices and fillings to suit your taste.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://ameliasweets.com/2026/05/20/crispy-air-fried-tofu-balls/

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