Tofu Chx Parmesan - Air Fryer or Stovetop
A delicious, grain-free tofu version of chicken parmesan.
Servings 2 (4 tofu steaks)
Ingredients
- 1 block tofu, medium firmness
- chicken flavored vegetable bullion enough for 2 cups of broth (do not add water before reading instructions)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 2 Tbsp vegan Parmesan (I like the shredded kind) or substitute 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp dried basil
- pinch sea salt
- pinch ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup Slow Cooker Marinara or marinara of choice
- 1/8 - 1/4 cup Fresh Almond Mozzarella (depending on how cheezy you are) or storebought vegan mozzarella
- oil for cooking if using the air fryer, you will only need a tiny bit of spray to prevent the tofu from sticking
Instructions
Tofu Prep:
- Before attempting to make this meal, you will first need to freeze the tofu overninght, defrost it, and refreeze it one more time.
- After the tofu has been defrosted for the second time, drain and press the tofu as normal. Make sure to press well for at least 1 - 2 hours.
- Cut the block of tofu lengthwise, down the middle, so you have two blocks, half as thick. Now cut these down the middle, horizontally, leaving you will four rectangular pieces.
- Dissolve enough bullion for 2 cups of broth in only ONE cup of water. Marinate the tofu pieces in the broth for 1 hour. I use an 8" x 8" baking dish to marinate in. If the marinade covers the tofu completely you don't have to worry about flipping it. If your pan is larger and the tofu isn't completley covered in the broth, you will need to flip the tofu after 30 minutes.
Get Cooking:
- Mix the almond flour, vegan Parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Remove a tofu piece from the marinade and lightly press it between both hands to remove some of the broth and keep it from dripping. Coat the the tofu with the almond flour mixture. Repeat with the remaining pieces of tofu.
- If using the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. When ready, lightly spray the bottom of the basket with oil before adding in the tofu pieces. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do two batches. I have an upper rack in mine and can fit two pieces on the bottom and two on top. Air fry the tofu for 10 minutes, flip them over, and air fry another 3 - 5 minutes, until lightly browned. If using a skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Wait for the oil to get really hot and when it is, add the tofu. Fry the tofu for about 4 - 6 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Flip each piece and fry for another 2 - 4 minutes, until lighlty browned. Remove tofu and place on paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Add the fried tofu to a baking dish and top each piece with a couple spoon fulls of marinara sauce. Top the marinara with the mozzarella.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 5 - 10 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and the cheese is melty (if using storebought, my fresh mozz is always melty). If your sauce was refrigerated it may take longer to get hot. Serve and enjoy!