Air Fryer Tofu and Asparagus Scramble Recipe

Tofu: A versatile plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well and provides a satisfying texture.

Asparagus: A nutrient-rich vegetable that adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and a bit of crunch.

Olive oil: Used to coat the ingredients, helping them to cook evenly and adding a subtle richness.

Turmeric: A spice that imparts a warm, earthy flavor and a vibrant yellow color to the dish.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Provides a mild, sweet onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and sharpness to balance the flavors.

To ensure even cooking and a delightful texture, make sure to drain and press the tofu thoroughly before crumbling it. This step removes excess moisture, allowing the tofu to absorb the seasonings better and achieve a crispier finish in the air fryer.

• tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh is another soy product that has a firmer texture and a nutty flavor, making it a great alternative to tofu.

• asparagus - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli has a similar texture and can be cut into small florets to mimic the size and shape of asparagus pieces.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in cooking.

• turmeric - Substitute with curry powder: Curry powder contains turmeric along with other spices, providing a similar color and an added depth of flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can be minced and used in place of garlic powder for a more robust and aromatic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with fresh onion: Fresh onion can be finely chopped and used instead of onion powder to add a more intense and fresh onion flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, which can elevate the flavor profile of the dish.

• Allow the tofu and asparagus scramble to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled scramble to an airtight container. For best results, use a glass container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The scramble will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the scramble in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. The scramble can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw the scramble in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the scramble in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• If the scramble seems dry after reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or a drizzle of olive oil to bring back some moisture.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or vegetable broth to the pan.
  3. Add the leftover tofu and asparagus scramble.
  4. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover scramble in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover scramble evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover scramble in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
  2. Place the leftover scramble in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

• Air fryer: This is the main cooking appliance used to cook the tofu and asparagus mixture, giving it a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the crumbled tofu, asparagus pieces, olive oil, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Spatula: Helpful for mixing the ingredients together in the mixing bowl to ensure even coating of the spices and oil.

• Knife: Used to trim and cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the asparagus.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Tongs: Useful for shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Pre-mix spices: Combine turmeric, garlic powder, and onion powder in advance to save time when seasoning.

Use pre-cut asparagus: Purchase pre-cut asparagus to skip the trimming and cutting step.

Press tofu ahead: Press and drain the tofu the night before to reduce prep time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.

Air fryer liners: Use air fryer liners to minimize cleanup time.