Name: Air Fryer Corn Fritters With Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1/2 cup firm tofu (crumbled); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup green onions (finely chopped); 1/4 cup cilantro (finely chopped, optional); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk); 1 large egg; Non-stick cooking spray or oil for cooking

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious snack that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with wholesome goodness, you need to try these Air Fryer Corn Fritters With Tofu. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of corn and the hearty texture of tofu, creating fritters that are perfectly seasoned and ridiculously addictive. Plus, using the air fryer means you get that golden crispiness with less oil, making it a lighter treat you can feel good about enjoying anytime.

Air Fryer Corn Fritters With Tofu Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward and relies on everyday ingredients that balance each other beautifully. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect flavor, texture, and color that make these fritters shine.

1 cup corn kernels: Fresh, frozen, or canned all work and bring natural sweetness and crunch.
1/2 cup firm tofu: Crumbled tofu adds protein and a lovely bite without overpowering the fritters.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This holds the fritters together making them nice and firm.
1/4 cup green onions: Finely chopped for a fresh, mild onion flavor that livens up every bite.
1/4 cup cilantro (optional): Adds a burst of bright, herbal notes that pair beautifully with the corn.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a gentle smoky warmth and lovely color to the fritters.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing the flavors perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice.
1/4 cup milk: Or plant-based milk, to moisten the batter just enough.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.
Non-stick cooking spray or oil: Keeps those fritters from sticking and helps get that beautiful air-fried crispiness.

How to Make Air Fryer Corn Fritters With Tofu

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the fritters cook evenly and get that perfect golden crust right from the start. Having the air fryer at the right temperature is key to crispy results without sogginess.

Step 2: Mix the Corn and Tofu Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, crumbled tofu, green onions, cilantro if using, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients well so that every bite bursts with flavor and you get a balanced texture between the soft tofu and the crisp corn.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, milk, and egg until smooth. This batter acts as the glue binding your fritters together. Gently fold the batter into the corn and tofu mixture. Be careful not to overmix to keep the fritters light and avoid heaviness.

Step 4: Shape the Fritters

Use a spoon or your hands to scoop out small portions of the mixture and form them into patties about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. This size gives you the perfect balance—crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and easy to handle whether you’re serving as snacks or appetizers.

Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Before placing your fritters, lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or brush it with a little oil. This step prevents sticking and helps achieve an even crisp on the fritter bottoms.

Step 6: Air Fry the Fritters

Arrange the fritters in a single layer within the basket. If you have a lot of batter, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding—which can cause steaming instead of crisping. Lightly spray the tops of the fritters with cooking spray or brush with a bit of oil for an all-over golden finish. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip each fritter carefully and cook for another 10 minutes until they are beautifully golden and crispy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the fritters from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. This resting time helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle. Now they’re absolutely ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Air Fryer Corn Fritters With Tofu

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice instantly elevate these fritters. The freshness of garnishes balances the fritters’ richness and adds a colorful touch that invites you to dig in immediately.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Corn Fritters With Tofu with bright, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad, avocado slices, or a homemade salsa. These complement the fritters perfectly, adding freshness and extra layers of flavor to your meal or snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these fritters into a party favorite by serving them with a variety of dipping sauces like chipotle mayo, tangy yogurt dip, or sweet chili sauce. You can also serve them stacked with layers of greens and sauces for a stunning appetizer platter that’s both eye-catching and mouthwatering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They stay moist inside while keeping a bit of their crispiness, making them just as enjoyable the next day.

Freezing

To freeze your fritters, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Air Fryer Corn Fritters With Tofu can keep well for up to two months without losing their delicious texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the fritters in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. This method prevents them from becoming soggy, keeping the delightful crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use canned corn for Air Fryer Corn Fritters With Tofu?

Absolutely! Canned corn works wonderfully and is a time-saver. Just make sure to drain it well before mixing to avoid soggy fritters.

Is firm tofu the best choice for this recipe?

Yes, firm tofu holds its shape well and provides a nice texture that won’t crumble too much when mixed with the other ingredients.

Can I make these fritters vegan?

You can easily swap out the egg for a flax egg or another vegan binder and use plant-based milk to keep the recipe fully vegan while still maintaining great texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can cook these fritters in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat until golden on both sides, though the air fryer gives that unbeatable crispy, less-greasy finish.

How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart?

Be sure to use firm tofu and mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing loosens the structure, and using enough flour and egg helps bind everything together firmly.

Final Thoughts

Trying this recipe for Air Fryer Corn Fritters With Tofu means welcoming a snack or side dish that is both fun to make and incredible to eat. They’re perfect for sharing, satisfying any craving for something crispy and flavorful, and simple enough to whip up on any day. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every golden, crispy bite!

Air Fryer Corn Fritters With Tofu Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8–10 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Air Fryer Corn Fritters with Tofu are a healthy and crispy snack or side dish made with fresh or frozen corn, protein-packed tofu, and flavorful spices. Cooked in the air fryer for a perfectly golden and crunchy finish without excess oil, they make a delicious plant-based appetizer or light meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
Mix Corn and Tofu: In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, crumbled tofu, finely chopped green onions, cilantro if using, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly.
Prepare Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, milk (or plant-based milk), and egg until smooth and free of lumps. Fold this batter gently into the corn and tofu mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the fritters tender.
Form Patties: Using a spoon or your hands, shape the mixture into small patties approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter, suitable for air frying.
Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or apply a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
Arrange Fritters: Place the formed patties in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops of the fritters with cooking spray or oil for crispiness.
Air Fry the Fritters: Cook the fritters for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each one over and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes until they turn golden brown and become crispy on the outside.
Serve: Remove the fritters from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving warm as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Notes

You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn; if using frozen, thaw and drain any excess moisture.
For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk.
Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the fritters from becoming tough.
Cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Serve with a dipping sauce like vegan mayo, sour cream, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.
Leftover fritters can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer for a crispy finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American