If you’re looking for the perfect air fryer tofu recipe, which is crispy on the the outside, yet soft on the inside, then you’ve come to the right place. These tofu balls come together in minutes, are healthy and a great vegetarian option!
This air fryer tofu recipe is made by blending a few simple ingredients, rolling the mixture into balls, and then coating them in crushed cornflakes. 10-15 minutes in the air fryer and voila! One VERY crispy snack. These tofu balls are super easy to make and are great for all occasions. The perfect appetizer to impress your friends, a nourishing snack between meals or side dish for lunch.
Health benefits of tofu
Tofu is a great staple to be incorporating in your diet with plenty of great benefits for your body. Here are some key benefits from eating tofu:
- Source of complete protein
- Nutrient dense
- Supports heart health
- Helps manage cholesterol
- Supports bone health
- Supports lower blood sugar levels
Why you’ll love these tofu balls
- Quick and easy to make: Tofu mixture takes a few minutes to come together, then roll and air fry for 10-15 minutes!
- No tofu pressing required: Usually tofu recipes require you to press your tofu beforehand but with this recipe you can skip this step and blend your firm tofu straight away.
- They’re satisfying yet healthy: Tofu and nutritional yeast both provide many nutritional benefits but you don’t feel like you’re compromising on flavour. Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring.
- Super flexible recipe: You can change the spices to suit your taste, add in shredded veggies, or make whatever sauce you want to go with it!
Ingredients
Tofu: needs to be firm or extra firm! Silken tofu will be too silky and watery for this recipe.
Nutritional yeast: This is a great source of extra protein and vitamins and minerals. It also adds a nutty, cheesy flavour which complements the neutral flavour of tofu.
Crushed Cornflakes: These are needed to coat the tofu balls in before air frying, giving them that perfect crispy outer-layer.
Spices: onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and siracha/chilli flakes (optional)
Equipment
Blender or food processor: This is needed to blend the tofu mixture and crush the cornflakes. If you don’t own one, these can both be done by hand although it may take a little longer
Air-fryer: this is used to air fry the tofu balls and this recipe is best suited for air frying!
Sauce suggestions
Serving these crispy tofu balls with a sauce is an absolute must, as tofu has a neutral taste and the sauce will add a good flavour kick. This recipe can be served with whatever sauce you’re currently craving or have on hand. If you’re stuck on ideas, some flavourful sauces that have been tried and tested are:
- Sriracha mayo
- Hummus (original, garlic hummus, pesto hummus, spicy hummus)
- Smokey bbq sauce
- Sweet chilli sauce
- Remoulade sauce
- Ketchup
15 Minute Air-Fried Crispy Tofu Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornflakes unsweetened
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 300 grams tofu firm or extra firm
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- sriracha or chill flakes, to taste optional
Instructions
- Blend cornflakes and smoked paprika in a food processor/blender. Blend until cornflakes are finely crumbed. Set aside in a bowl.
- In the same food processor, blend tofu, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and sriracha/chilli flakes (if using).
- Once the mixture has come together, roll roughly a tablespoon of the mixture in your hands to form a ball shape.
- Roll each ball into the crushed cornflakes. Gently tap and press slightly to coat the ball evenly.
- Repeat until each ball has been rolled and coated in cornflakes.
- Place tofu balls in the air-fryer basket and air fry at 180C for 10-15 minutes. The balls are ready when they look crispy and golden brown in colour.
- Serve tofu balls straight away with sauce of choice. Enjoy!
