Air Fryer Curry Tofu with Greek Yogurt Tomato Sauce
Crispy cubes of pressed tofu are seasoned with aromatic curry spices and air-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt and tomato sauce. This protein-packed dish combines the convenience of air frying with bold Indian-inspired flavors including curry powder, cumin, coriander, and a hint of cayenne heat. The contrast between the crispy exterior of the tofu and the rich, tangy sauce makes this an ideal weeknight dinner that's both satisfying and flavorful. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu, pressed dryfirm tofu1:1vegetarian
slightly less crispy texture
- 4 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- 1
Press tofu by placing on cutting board with heavy skillet on top for 10 minutes
- 2
Dice the pressed tofu and toss with sesame oil, soy sauce, diced onion, and all seasonings in large bowl
- 3
Arrange seasoned tofu in air fryer basket in single layer with space for air circulation
- 4
Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, shaking basket frequently
- 5
Meanwhile, combine Greek yogurt, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water in small saucepan
- 6
Simmer sauce over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until thickened
- 7
Toss cooked tofu with sauce and serve over rice if desired
Tips
Press tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture for better crisping and flavor absorption.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if needed for optimal crispiness.
Shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even browning on all sides of the tofu.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover tofu in sauce for up to 3 days in airtight container
Tofu can be pressed and seasoned up to 1 day ahead; store covered in refrigerator
Best served immediately while tofu is crispy, over rice or with naan bread
Common Mistakes
Don't skip pressing tofu or it will be soggy and won't crisp properly
Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket to prevent steaming instead of crisping
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes, bake the seasoned tofu at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or pan-fry in a skillet until golden.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in microwave or air fryer to restore some crispiness.
Can I freeze the cooked tofu?
Freezing is not recommended as it changes the texture. The sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.