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Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Balls

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Delicious and crispy air-fried tofu balls, perfect as a snack or appetizer, with a savory filling of tofu, garlic, ginger, and more.

Ingredients

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  • 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 tsp 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. Press for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  3. Make the tofu mixture: Crumble pressed tofu and add soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onions, carrot, and cilantro. Stir to combine.
  4. Add binders and seasonings: Mix in panko, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
  5. Shape the tofu balls, about 1-1.25 inches in diameter.
  6. Prepare the crispy coating with panko, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and oil.
  7. Coat each tofu ball in the crumb mixture.
  8. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray tops with oil.
  9. Air-fry at 380°F (190°C) for 10-14 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  10. Make the dipping sauce by mixing soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sweetener, and sriracha.
  11. Serve hot tofu balls with dipping sauce on the side.
  12. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

You can easily freeze uncooked coated tofu balls for future use. Adjust spice levels and customize ingredients to your taste.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recypez.com/crispy-air-fried-tofu-balls/

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