Imagine a dish that transforms humble tofu into a crispy, golden-brown delicacy that melts in your mouth with an explosion of rich, savory flavor. Our Salted Egg Yolk Tofu prepared in an air fryer is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that bridges traditional Asian cuisine with modern cooking techniques. This irresistible dish promises restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen, with a fraction of the oil and maximum crunch factor that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g firm tofu, sliced
- 2 salted egg yolks, steamed and mashed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Drain the firm tofu and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Cut the tofu into uniform rectangular slices, approximately 1-inch thick, ensuring even cooking.
- Steam the salted egg yolks for 5 minutes until they become soft and easily mashable. Use a fork to mash the egg yolks into a fine, smooth paste.
- In a small bowl, mix the mashed salted egg yolks with melted butter and cornstarch until you create a smooth, creamy coating mixture.
- Lightly season the tofu slices with a pinch of salt, then carefully coat each slice with the salted egg yolk mixture, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes to ensure consistent cooking temperature.
- Arrange the coated tofu slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have space between each piece for proper air circulation.
- Air fry the tofu for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even golden-brown crispiness on all sides.
- Check the tofu's exterior for a crispy, golden-brown color and the salted egg yolk coating should look slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the coating to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or side dish, garnished with optional chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always thoroughly pat your tofu dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior. Excess water will prevent proper browning.
- Even Coating is Key: Use a pastry brush or your hands to evenly distribute the salted egg yolk mixture, ensuring every inch of the tofu is covered for maximum flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between tofu slices in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate, guaranteeing that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Temperature Matters: Preheat your air fryer to ensure consistent cooking and that satisfying crunch.
- Experiment with Garnishes: While optional, chopped green onions or cilantro can add a fresh dimension to this rich dish.Pro tip: If you don't have an air fryer, you can achieve similar results in a conventional oven, but the air fryer will give you the most consistent and crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 220mg
