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Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Katsu with Crunchy Cabbage Salad and Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe

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3.9 from 7 reviews

Crispy Tofu Katsu is a delightful Japanese-inspired dish featuring extra firm tofu coated in a seasoned flour and panko breadcrumb crust, then air-fried to golden perfection. This recipe includes a flavorful soaking step to infuse the tofu with salt, ensuring maximum taste and crispiness. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, served best with crunchy cabbage salad and a zesty peanut lime or traditional katsu sauce.

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Tofu Preparation

  • 350 - 400 g extra firm tofu
  • 2 tsp salt (for soaking)

Breading

  • ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp all purpose flour (separate from above)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs

Dressing / Serving

  • Oil spritz (optional, for air frying)
  • Crunchy cabbage salad (for serving)
  • Peanut lime dressing or traditional katsu sauce (⅓ cup ketchup, 2 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup)

Instructions

  1. Soak the Tofu: Soak your block of extra firm tofu in boiling salted water (about 2 teaspoons salt) for 10-15 minutes to infuse flavor from inside. Use boiling water poured over tofu, then drain well before proceeding.
  2. Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with ¼ cup all purpose flour mixed with ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper; the second with a batter of 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp cornstarch, and ⅓ cup water whisked together; the third with ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs. Have extra flour and breadcrumbs handy if needed.
  3. Slice the Tofu: Cut the tofu lengthwise into 3 to 4 larger slices, each about ½ inch thick to create a manageable shape for breading.
  4. Bread the Tofu: Dip tofu slices first into the seasoned flour mixture ensuring they are fully coated, then into the wet batter, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs covering all sides. Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for the wet batter or clean fingers between steps to avoid clumping.
  5. Cook the Tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Lightly spritz the breaded tofu with oil if desired, then air fry for 9 minutes on each side until crispy and golden. Alternatively, deep fry in 1.5 inches of high smoke point oil (like canola) for 3 minutes on each side until crisp.
  6. Serve: Plate the crispy tofu katsu with crunchy cabbage salad and drizzle with the remaining peanut lime dressing or serve with a traditional katsu sauce made from ⅓ cup ketchup, 2 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp maple syrup.

Notes

  • Soaking tofu in salted boiling water enhances its flavor significantly.
  • Keep extra flour and breadcrumbs nearby for re-coating if needed during breading.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, feel free to add more seasoning or spices to the flour mix.
  • Oil spritzing before air frying helps achieve extra crispiness but is optional.
  • This recipe can be adapted to deep frying if you want a traditional katsu texture.
  • Serve with fresh crunchy salad and tangy dressings to complement the crispy tofu.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/crispy-air-fryer-tofu-katsu-with-crunchy-cabbage-salad-and-peanut-lime-dressing-recipe/