So we got an air fryer. 😁 Super stoked! I have so many things I want to try with this thing (which is actually this one, in case you’re looking for one, which does so much for than air crisp!), including this coconut “fried” tofu. I wasn’t totally a skeptic about this thing, but I had no idea just how crispy I was going to get. My mind is now blown.
Now I should post a disclaimer: you don’t have to have an air fryer to make this recipe. You can totally make it in the oven but it’s a little extra special with this air fryer. And another disclaimer for those who are not totally on board with the plant based thing, or you have skeptics in the fam… you can also make this with chicken (see my note in the recipe below).
But anyway, back to my tofu! It’s super coconut-y, super crispy, and so perfect. Especially with the pepper jelly dipping sauce. Here’s what you need for the coconut “fried” tofu:
- extra firm tofu
- coconut flour
- light coconut milk
- flax eggs (ground flax seeds and water)
- finely shredded coconut
- panko (gluten free or whole wheat if you wish; I like this chickpea panko)
Before using hte tofu, you need to get the liquid out by “pressing” it. For instructions on that see my post here on making vegan feta so you’ll know what I mean. Then, you’ll want to use the three step dipping process to get the best texture possible. If the coconut flour, coconut milk AND coconut flakes are getting too coconut-y for you, you can always use a different flour like chickpea flour or another milk like almond or soy milk. But the trifecta here is really fantastic.
Once you’ve cut your tofu into squares, they’ll take a dip in the coconut flour, then in the mixture of milk and flex eggs, then in the mixture of coconut flakes and panko. Then into the fryer (or oven) they go! And the dipping sauce is a must!
Tip: If you’re using a conventional oven, they are going to get crispier if you put them on a wire rack sitting on a baking pan so you can get that 360 degree air flow in the oven. If you don’t have a wire rack, make sure you flip the tofu halfway through to get an even cook. Feel free to throw in some other herbs in spices to change it up, I’d love to see your pics!