Never heard about tofu balls? I have tried different tofu shapes for this recipe using granola coating but I fell in love with these air fried tofu balls coated with granola. They are the perfect blend of crunch and softness, seasoned with a fabulous za’atar and zest granola from Early Riser and enhanced by the fresh flavors of young scallions and by the spiciness of cayenne pepper. Ideal addition for a savory-sweet and healthy bowl, with raw veggies.
You can pair my air fried tofu balls (gluten free and plant-based) with a tasty Tahini sauce (try my go to Tahini dressing) or a savory peanut sauce, some brown rice or quinoa, cucumber and radishes and you have a delicious protein lunch ready in less than 35 minutes.
How to make the tofu balls?
Making tofu balls is a delicious way to enjoy meatless balls and the more you make them, the easier it is.
First, you need to reduce your Za’atar and zest granola (or any other granola) into flour, so you have the perfect coating.
Then using your hands, you break up your firm tofu block into 8 to 10 pieces (silk tofu will not work for this recipe). I use a type of cheese cloth to squeeze firmly my tofu and remove as much water as possible for 1 to 2 minutes. This will help tofu to break down and tofu balls to stick well together.
Now you should have a crumbly texture. Add it to a medium bowl and add spices, a bit of the granola flour and young onion that is finely cut. Using a spatula, mix it well together and keep breaking down the remaining tofu pieces. I press as well the mixture firmly to the bottom of my bowl to see if it sticks together. If it seems still too crumbly with big pieces, use your hands to break down the mixture again until it starts to stick together.
Then you roll balls by pressing tightly 1 big tablespoon of the tofu mixture between your hands. I like to use a metal spoon to help me press firmly the mixture into my hand, then I squeeze the ball again few times (it helps to stick) and form gently unequal balls. The first attempt might feel a bit tricky but once you have done few balls, you’ll understand quickly how it works. I have a link here to my Instagram reels to help you how to make them.
If you feel it is not sticky enough, you can add 2 tablespoon of cornstarch or tapioca starch and let it sit 5 to 10 minutes. But as these 2 are processed flour, I tried to reduce them as much as I can and play a bit more with my hands to create easily my tofu balls.
Finally coat them in the granola flour before cooking.
These delicious tofu balls are slightly uneven with a beautiful homemade look.
Benefits of my homemade air fried tofu balls recipe
This recipe is great for many reasons! First and foremost, it’s packed with good quality tofu, which is an excellent source of plant-based protein. Make sure you go for organic and non GMO tofu.
The high-quality granola adds another layer of nutrition, providing fiber, healthy fats, and minerals, while bringing delightful texture and flavor to each bite. Because the granola can be easily customized, you can introduce a variety of wholesome ingredients and go for gluten free granola, etc..
What makes these tofu balls even better is that they are not fried, instead, they are air-fried or baked, significantly reducing the amount of added oil and calories compared to traditionally fried foods. This cooking method also retains the nutrients of the ingredients, ensuring you enjoy all the health benefits without the excess fat.
Additionally, there’s no egg or cheese in this recipe, making these crunchy balls entirely plant-based. They are perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
Why tofu is good for you: a protein powerhouse ?
Tofu is made from soybean curds is incredibly nutritious. As a great source of plant-based protein, it contains about 10 grams of protein per 1/2 cup, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans (or plant-based like me) looking to boost their protein intake.
In addition to its high protein content, tofu seems to be rich in essential amino acids, which are known to be crucial for muscle building and repair. Plus, tofu provides a complete protein profile, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs.
Don’t forget that tofu is low in calories and packed with calcium, iron, and magnesium, great for overall wellness. Incorporating protein-rich foods like my air-fried tofu balls into your diet is a fabulous addition, healthy and plant-based.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your meals or simply want a nutritious snack (hot or cold), tofu serves as a versatile and healthy choice.
Can I swap the Za’atar granola for regular granola to coat my tofu balls?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for alternatives, you can easily swap the za’atar and zest granola used in this recipe for any other granola of your choice. Whether you prefer a sweet or a nutty blend, feel free to get creative here.
If you are looking for homemade alternatives, check my delicious crunchy homemade granola. Simply combine rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and your favorite spices or sweeteners, then bake until golden and crunchy. This way, you can control the ingredients and customize the flavor to perfectly complement your air-fried tofu balls.
Experimenting with different granola varieties can add unique flavors and textures, making your tofu balls even more exciting.
Cooking options : air fryer or oven
You have flexibility in how you cook these delicious tofu balls!
Air Fryer Method: For perfectly crispy tofu balls, air fry them at 180 C for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crunchy. Finally add an extra 2 minutes at 190 C for extra crispiness.
Oven Method: Prefer to use your oven? Simply preheat it to 200 C and bake the tofu balls on a lined baking sheet for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. You can flip them halfway through to help achieve an even texture.
Both methods will yield tasty results, so choose the one that works best for you!
Ideal for meal prep and quick snack options
The tofu balls can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Once cooked, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. If you have any leftovers, simply reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore the crispy texture. This makes them a convenient option for meal prep but also quick snacks throughout the week, as I like to eat them cold too.
Heatlhy air fried tofu balls and,
Crunchy, crispy and protein-packed !
If you make it
If you make my air fried tofu balls with Za’atar granola, tag me on Instagram as @live.and.taste and use #liveandtaste hashtag.
Feel free to ask me any question or leave me a comment (reply) below the recipe, I will be thrilled to reply to you.
Healthy greetings from Laetitia
AIR FRIED TOFU BALLS, WITH ZA’ATAR GRANOLA
INGREDIENTS
- 1 firm (or extra firm) tofu block (340 gr.)
- ½ cup Za'atar granola or any other granola (50 gr.) - (for the mixture and for coating)
- 1 young onion (scallion), cut into tiny pieces
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
- 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy) or paprika doux
- Fresh time - (optional)
- Himalayan salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat air fryer for 4 minutes to 180 C.
- Add ½ cup of granola into a small blender and pulse until you reach a medium fine flour (if you blend too much you will end up with a nut butter consistency). Set aside.
- Open the tofu container (throw the water away or keep it for your smoothie) and using your hands, break up your tofu block into 8-10 pieces. Using a cheese cloth or a nut milk bag, squeeze it firmly (the tofu will continue to break down) and remove as much water as possible from the tofu (again throw the water away or keep for another recipe).
- Add crumbly tofu into a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Chop young onion (scallion) into small and tiny pieces and add to the tofu bowl.
- Grate garlic clove and add it to the tofu mixture along with 1 tbsp granola flour, 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, fresh time (optional), salt and pepper . Using a spatula first, mix it all together and if needed, use your hands to squeeze the tofu and other ingredients together. Finally, using a spoon, press tightly and strongly the sticky mixture to the bottom of the bowl.
- To make balls : (1) Take a large tablespoon of tofu mixture and press it firmly into your palm with one hand until it begins to hold together. (2) You can use a metal spoon to press the mixture into your hand a few times, which will help it stick and form a ball shape. (3) While shaping, make sure to squeeze the mixture a few extra times to ensure it sticks together well. Repeat the process. (4) Keep in mind that the balls don’t need to be perfectly round. We aim for medium-sized, slightly uneven balls with a rustic/homemade look.
- Once you’ve finished forming the tofu balls, add the leftover granola flour to a shallow plate. Gently toss the tofu balls in the granola flour to coat them evenly.
- Bake them in the air fryer using an air fryer paper for 20-25 minutes or until golden crisp. Check halfway through and you can turn them over gently. Finally, add 2 extra minutes at 190 C in the air fryer for an extra crisp.
- Enjoy straight away with brown rice or quinoa, a Tahini or peanut sauce and some raw cucumber and radishes. Or let it cool down and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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