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.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fritters (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: air fryer corn fritters, tofu fritters, healthy snack, vegetarian appetizer, crispy corn cakes