Air Fryer Zucchini and Tofu Skewers with Soy Glaze
Enjoy Your Vegetables! Easy Air Fryer Zucchini and Tofu Skewers with Soy Glaze
Introducing a recipe for zucchini and tofu skewers that perfectly balances protein and vegetable nutrition. The zucchini sweetens as it cooks, creating a delicious harmony with the mild and nutty tofu. This dish is made even more irresistible with a flavorful soy glaze that will have you loving your vegetables. Air frying zucchini gives it a delightful chewy texture on the edges and a tender interior. You get the best of both worlds in terms of texture and taste! This is a fantastic option not only for vegetarians but also for anyone seeking a healthy meal, a diet-friendly dish, or a nutritious vegetable side.
Main Ingredients- 1 Zucchini (approx. 300-400g)
- 0.5 block Tofu (approx. 150-200g)
- 1/4 Red chili pepper (optional, for garnish)
- Scallions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Savory Soy Glaze- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced garlic (optional)
- 0.5 to 1 Korean chili pepper (e.g., Cheongyang pepper), finely chopped
- 0.5 Tbsp Maesilcheong (plum syrup) or corn syrup (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame oil (or perilla oil)
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced garlic (optional)
- 0.5 to 1 Korean chili pepper (e.g., Cheongyang pepper), finely chopped
- 0.5 Tbsp Maesilcheong (plum syrup) or corn syrup (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame oil (or perilla oil)
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s crucial to remove excess moisture from the tofu. Slice the tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 cm thick, into squares or half-moons. Then, place the tofu slices on a few layers of paper towels. Cover the top with more paper towels and gently press down to absorb as much water as possible. Removing the moisture will help the tofu maintain its shape and achieve a crispier texture when cooked.
Step 2
Wash the zucchini thoroughly, trim off the ends, and slice it to a similar thickness as the tofu, about 0.5 cm to 0.7 cm thick. If you slice it too thinly, it might crumble during cooking. Maintaining this thickness ensures that the zucchini becomes slightly chewy on the edges and tender on the inside.
Step 3
While the zucchini and tofu are cooking, let’s prepare the delicious soy glaze! In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 0.5 tablespoon of gochugaru, 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic (you can omit this if you prefer less garlic flavor), 0.5 to 1 finely chopped Korean chili pepper, 0.5 tablespoon of maesilcheong (plum syrup), and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil (or perilla oil). Mix everything well. You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of maesilcheong or substituting it with corn syrup. Feel free to adjust the soy sauce and gochugaru quantities to your personal taste.
Step 4
Now, let’s use the air fryer to cook the zucchini and tofu to perfection. Arrange the tofu and zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, making sure they don’t overlap. If your tofu and zucchini are lean, a light spritz of cooking oil from an oil sprayer can prevent them from sticking and drying out. Preheat your air fryer, then cook at 180°C (350°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. Midway through, shake the basket or flip the ingredients to ensure even browning. After about 10 minutes, check for doneness. If you desire a crispier, more golden-brown finish, increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
Step 5
Voilà! Here are your beautifully golden-brown zucchini and tofu, fresh from the air fryer. Even without the soy glaze, the natural sweetness of the zucchini and the nutty flavor of the tofu create a wonderful taste experience. You can enjoy them plain before adding the glaze!
Step 6
Arrange the perfectly cooked zucchini and tofu on a serving plate. It’s time to add the prepared soy glaze. Instead of pouring all the glaze at once, we recommend drizzling it little by little according to your preference. This allows you to control the saltiness and flavor intensity, ensuring every bite is just right.
Step 7
Finally, to enhance the flavor and texture even further, garnish with finely chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and thinly sliced red chili peppers or more chopped Korean chili peppers (optional). This not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds layers of flavor and crunch, completing your delicious Air Fryer Zucchini and Tofu Skewers. Enjoy your meal!
