Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Tofu Skewers

Sweet and Sour Tofu Skewers in the Air Fryer

Overview:

Sweet and sour tofu skewers bring a delightful combination of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors to your plate. This recipe combines marinated tofu with colorful vegetables and pineapple chunks, threaded onto skewers and air-fried for a perfectly charred finish. These skewers are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or paired with rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 small red onion, cut into chunks

• ½ cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon ginger powder

• Bamboo or metal skewers

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Air fryer

• Tofu press (or a clean kitchen towel and heavy object)

• Mixing bowl

• Skewers (bamboo or metal)

• Spatula or tongs

Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Tofu:

   • Press the tofu to remove excess moisture using a tofu press or by wrapping it in a clean towel and placing it under a heavy object for 15 minutes.

   • Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.

2. Make the Marinade:

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder.

   • Add tofu cubes to the marinade, tossing gently to coat. Let the tofu marinate for at least 20 minutes.

3. Prepare the Skewers:

   • Thread the marinated tofu, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers, alternating for a colorful presentation.

Air Frying Steps:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

2. Arrange the Skewers:

   • Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking oil or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

   • Lay the skewers in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap.

3. Cook:

   • Air fry the skewers for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. The tofu should be lightly browned, and the vegetables slightly charred.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the skewers as is, or drizzle with extra sweet and sour sauce for enhanced flavor.

• Pair with steamed rice, fried rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.

• Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped scallions for a finishing touch.

Tips for Success:

• Soak Bamboo Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.

• Uniform Pieces: Cut the tofu and vegetables into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.

• Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for the best results.

• Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~190

• Protein: ~10g

• Carbohydrates: ~15g

• Fat: ~7g

These sweet and sour tofu skewers are a vibrant, flavorful air fryer recipe that’s sure to impress. Perfect for gatherings or as a satisfying weeknight meal!