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Crispy Tofu Delight with Roasted Veg and Gnocchi

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Crispy Tofu Delight with Roasted Veg and Gnocchi

A satisfying, vibrant dish featuring golden crispy tofu paired with hearty roasted vegetables and tender gnocchi, all perfectly cooked in the air fryer.

~45 mintotal~355 kcalper serving~12g protein~29g carbs~22g fat

Estimated. Worked out from the ingredients using the UK food composition tables, so treat it as a guide rather than a measurement. A typical recipe lands within about a quarter of the true figure. Makes about 3.

Ingredients

  • 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 400g gnocchi (store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Steps

  1. 1. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).

  2. 2. In a bowl, toss the cubed tofu with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate.

  3. 3. Place the marinated tofu in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through.

  4. 4. While the tofu cooks, in another bowl, mix the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

  5. 5. After the tofu has cooked for 10 minutes, add the seasoned vegetables to the air fryer basket with the tofu. Cook for an additional 8 minutes, shaking halfway through.

  6. 6. During the last 6 minutes, add the gnocchi directly into the basket to cook alongside the tofu and vegetables.

  7. 7. Once everything is cooked, remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve garnished with fresh basil.

Optional Enhancements

  • Use tempeh in place of tofu for a nutty flavor.
  • Swap out zucchini for asparagus for a different texture.
  • Use store-bought vegan pesto instead of seasoning for added flavor.

Plant & Growing Tips

Cherry Tomatoes

  • Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors into a sunny spot.
  • Provide stakes or cages for support as plants grow.
  • Water consistently at the base of the plant to prevent blossom end rot.

Zucchini

  • Direct sow seeds after the last frost in rich, well-drained soil, spacing plants at least 2-3 feet apart.
  • Water deeply and consistently, especially during fruiting.
  • Protect young plants from strong winds.

Bell Pepper

  • Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, transplanting into a warm, sunny location with fertile soil.
  • Protect young plants from cold snaps and provide consistent moisture.
  • Consider container growing for smaller spaces.

Fresh Basil

  • Sow seeds or plant starts in a sunny spot with good drainage after all danger of frost has passed.
  • Pinch off flower buds to encourage bushier growth and prevent bitterness.
  • Can be grown in pots on a windowsill for year-round harvesting.

Natural Pest Control

  • Aphids: Spray affected plants with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap.
  • Squash bugs: Inspect zucchini plants daily, hand-pick adults and eggs, or use row covers for young plants.
  • Tomato hornworms: Hand-pick these large caterpillars from tomato plants, especially in the early morning or evening.
  • Slugs/Snails: Use beer traps or copper tape barriers around basil plants.

Harvest

Cherry Tomatoes

  • Pick fruits when they are fully coloured and firm; harvest frequently to encourage more production.
  • Harvest by gently twisting the fruit from the vine when ripe.
  • Leaving them too long can lead to splitting or over-ripening.

Zucchini

  • Harvest when fruits are young and tender, typically 6-8 inches long; regular picking promotes continuous production.
  • Use a knife to cut the stem, leaving a small piece attached to the fruit.
  • If left too long, zucchini become tough, seedy, and less flavourful.

Bell Pepper

  • Pick when peppers reach full size and desired color (green, red, yellow), cutting the stem rather than pulling.
  • Harvest green peppers earlier for a sharper flavour or wait for them to change colour for sweetness.
  • Overripe peppers can become soft and lose their crispness.

Fresh Basil

  • Harvest leaves by pinching off stems just above a leaf node, encouraging the plant to branch out.
  • Regular harvesting promotes new growth and prevents the plant from flowering too soon.
  • If allowed to flower, the leaves may become bitter.

Storing & Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer for best results.

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