This tandoori tofu recipe in air fryer or skillet is quick, delicious and easy to make. It is a perfect main.
Tofu is a plant-based high protein food which if nicely marinated and cooked turns out quite flavorful.
This is an Indian air fryer tofu recipe using tandoori marinade ingredients.
I make many recipes with tofu. You can try Teriyaki tofu, Kung pao tofu, Tofu Manchurian and Buffalo Tofu.
Tofu is healthy. It is very high in protein while being not so high in fat unlike paneer or Indian cottage cheese.
But if you have it raw, it tasted like chalk to me.
Marinate it and stir fry it, and it tastes so delicious. So much so that now I have it regularly.
I am sharing my vegan tandoori tofu recipe here. Do try it and let me know how you like it.
Ingredients:
Tofu: I have used 1 cup firm tofu cut into cubes
Seasoning: Minced ginger and garlic are used to flavor the tofu.
Spices: Turmeric powder, pepper, paprika, salt, garam masala, kasuri methi are used.
Soy yogurt: This is used to marinate the tofu.
Lemon juice and olive oil are also used in the recipe.
Variations and Substitutions
1. If you can't find kasuri methi or dried fenugreek leaves, you can skip it or use some dried oregano in its place.
2. Dairy eaters can use regular yogurt. They can also use paneer or cottage cheese in the recipe.
3. This recipe is spicy. Adjust the spices as per your taste.
Serving Suggestions
1. This recipe is perfect as an appetizer or main. Serve it hot with onion wedges, lime slices and green chutney.
2. Wrap: This delicious tandoori tofu can be served as a wrap in a tortilla or roti with veggies and sauces of your choice.
3. Salad: Serve it with greens, cucumber, onions and other veggies of choice for a filling and healthy salad.
4. Pair it with a cooling dip.
Instructions
Cut tofu into your desired shape ( I prefer cubes). Press it well and dry it with paper towels.
Mix all the ingredients of the marinade together and make a thick paste.
Rub it over tofu slices. Make sure the slices are covered with marinade on both sides. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
For Air frying
Preheat Air fryer at 390 F or 200 C for 6 minutes.
Brush oil on the Air fryer basket and on the marinated tofu.
Air fry at 390 F or 200 C for 8 minutes. Turn once mid way.
Your tandoori tofu or tofu tikka in Air fryer is ready to eat.
Serve it hot with onion slices and lemon wedges.
For Shallow frying
Heat a skillet or tawa.
Spread oil on it and lay the tofu cubes face down. Cook on both sides till it gets a char and tofu is cooked.
Don’t let the cubes burn.
Serve delicious tandoori tofu hot with onion rings, lime wedges and green chutney.
Expert Tips
1. You can adjust the spices as per your taste. This recipe is medium spicy.
2. Use firm tofu so that it retains its shape. Also press it well to release all the moisture and dry it well before marinating.
3. Dairy eaters can use regular yogurt and paneer in place of tofu.
4. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days in air-tight container. Reheat it before serving.
5. Do not freeze the tofu. Its texture is not so great after thawing.
Here's the recipe card:
📖 Recipe Card
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Tandoori Tofu Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz. firm tofu cut into cubes
- 1 tsp. ginger garlic paste or minced ginger and garlic
- ½ tsp. turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp. soy yogurt
- 1 tsp. paprika or Kashmiri chilli powder
- ½ tsp. pepper powder
- ½ tsp. garam masala powder
- 1 tsp. cayenne or red chilli powder optional
- ½ tsp. kasoori methi or dried fenugreek leaves
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 2 tsp. oil for shallow frying tofu
Garnish
- Onion rings lime wedges and green chutney
Instructions
- Press tofu well to release moisture. Dry it well. Cut tofu into your desired shapes.
- Mix all the ingredients of the marinade together and make a thick paste.
- Toss tofu cubes with the marinade. Make sure tofu cubes are covered with marinade on both sides. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
For Air frying
- Preheat Air fryer at 390 F or 200 C for 6 minutes. Brush oil on the Air fryer basket and on the marinated tofu.
- Air fry at 390 F or 200 C for 8 minutes. Turn once midway. Your tandoori tofu in Air fryer is ready to eat.
For shallow frying
- Heat a skillet or tawa. Spread oil on it and lay the tofu slices face down.
- Cook on both sides till it gets a char and tofu is cooked. Don’t let the cubes burn.
- Serve hot with onion rings, lime wedges and green chutney.
Notes
Nutrition
If you liked this vegan tandoori tofu recipe, then do give it a * star rating either on the recipe card or in the comments. Thanks.
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Reema D'Souza says
I have never tried tofu! But after reading this recipe I hope to give it a try some time.
Damyanti says
Mouthwatering as usual! I am yet to try tofu - when can I come over for a taste?
Rachna says
Come on over any time. 🙂
Rajlakshmi says
This looks incredible. I love tofu and have been trying only one way of cooking. This looks doable. Thank you for sharing such awesome recipes.
Rachna says
Glad to help, Raj!
Shilpa Gupte says
Yumm! This is something I will love! I don't remember eating tofu, but would love to try it out. Thanks for the recipe, Rachna!
Rachna says
Glad you liked it Shilpa.
Genevieve says
I would love to give this recipe a try however I have never heard of vegan curd, is this something that can easily be found in grocery stores? or is this something that needs to be home made?
Rachna says
It's vegan yogurt. You can use almond milk or any plant-based yogurt.
Ruma says
Looks yum! did you pressed the tofu to remove water from it or used it as is.
Rachna says
Yes I pressed it a bit to remove all moisture before using.