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A close-up view of golden brown, crispy air fryer tofu balls, showcasing their perfect texture and savory coating.

Air-Fried Tofu Balls: The Ultimate Crispy & Easy Recipe

Discover the best Air-Fried Tofu Balls! This recipe is incredibly crispy, easy to make, and packed with flavor. A healthy, vegetarian appetizer or main course that your whole family will love.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 215
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 14 ounce Extra-Firm Tofu pressed for at least 30 minutes
  • 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Grated Ginger freshly grated
  • 2 Scallions finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 clove Garlic minced

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer
  • 1 Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. After pressing the tofu, crumble it into a large mixing bowl using your hands or a fork. The texture should be similar to ground meat.
  2. Add the soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, grated ginger, and chopped scallions to the crumbled tofu. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
  3. Take about one to two tablespoons of the tofu mixture and roll it firmly between your palms to form a compact ball. Place it on a plate or baking sheet and repeat with the remaining mixture.
  4. In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch. Gently roll each tofu ball in the mixture until it's evenly coated.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the tofu balls in a single layer, ensuring they aren't touching. You may need to cook in batches.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu balls are golden brown and crispy.
  7. While the tofu is cooking, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
  8. Serve the hot and crispy air-fried tofu balls with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

Tip 1: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket! Cook in a single layer for the crispiest results, working in batches if needed.
Tip 2: Ensure your tofu is pressed very well. The less water it has, the crunchier your final tofu balls will be.