Air-Fried Tofu Butter Masala

A vegetarian twist on the classic butter chicken, this recipe features air-fried tofu simmered in a rich and creamy butter masala sauce. Perfect for tofu lovers and a delightful meat-free alternative for four people.

  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
Servings:
2 servings
(originally 4 servings)

Ingredients(scaled)

  • ½ block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • ½ 1/4 cup yogurt
  • ½ tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ½ 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • ½ 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • ½ Salt to taste
  • ½ tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ For the Butter Masala Sauce:
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ tomatoes, pureed
  • ½ tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • ½ 1/4 cup cashew paste (soaked cashews blended with water)
  • ½ Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
  3. Coat tofu cubes with the yogurt marinade and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu cubes and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15-20 minutes until crispy, shaking halfway through.
  6. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent.
  7. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
  8. Stir in tomato puree, garam masala, and paprika. Cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
  9. Add cashew paste and heavy cream. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Gently fold in the air-fried tofu cubes and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  12. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Nutritional Estimates
Per serving · 2 servings total
calories380
protein15g
carbohydrates22g
fat26g

Community Ratings & Comments

No ratings yet. Be the first!

Leave a rating

Leave a comment

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to leave one!

Try these other recipes