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Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Balls

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Delicious crispy air-fried tofu balls packed with flavor, perfect for dipping or serving over rice.

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. Prepare the tofu: Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towel. Press for 20-30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  3. Make the tofu mixture: Crumble the pressed tofu into a large mixing bowl. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, grated carrot, and chopped cilantro or parsley. Stir well.
  4. Add binders and seasonings: Mix in panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, nutritional yeast or Parmesan, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes, ensuring the mixture holds together.
  5. Shape the tofu balls: Scoop about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls about 1-1.25 inches in diameter.
  6. Prepare the crispy coating: Mix 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Drizzle in 1 tbsp neutral oil and mix to coat the crumbs.
  7. Coat each tofu ball in the crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  8. Arrange the tofu balls in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket.
  9. Air-fry at 380°F (190°C) for 10-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
  10. Make the dipping sauce while the tofu balls are cooking: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, and sweetener in a bowl, adding sesame seeds and green onion.
  11. Serve the tofu balls hot, drizzled with dipping sauce or served on the side with garnishes.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

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

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