001: AIR FRYER: TIKKA TOFU KEBAB

🔥 Tofu Tikka Kebab — The Fire Feast Scroll

Archetype: The Flame-Carrier — gentle heat, smoky edges, bright citrus calm.

💡 Why This Works

Pressed tofu + yogurt-spice marinade = a caramelized crust with tender centers. The air fryer’s focused heat delivers tandoor vibes fast — skewers optional, flavor not.

⚡ Energy & Time

• Active: 10–12 min • Total: 30–60 min (incl. marinate)
• Effort: Low (RPE 4/10)
• Gear: Air fryer (default), skewers (optional), bowl

🎭 Flavor & Mood

Smoky, tangy, gently spicy — street-market nostalgia with clean, modern edges.

🥣 What It Is

Firm tofu cubes in a classic tikka marinade (yogurt, lemon, spice), air-fried to charred-gold and finished with lime + herbs.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 2)

• Tofu: 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu, pressed 20–30 min, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
• Veg (optional): Bell pepper chunks • red onion petals • cherry tomatoes
• Tikka Marinade: 1/3 cup (80 ml) plain yogurt • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp oil • 1 tsp grated garlic • 1 tsp grated ginger • 1 tsp garam masala • 1 tsp Kashmiri chili or paprika • 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1/2 tsp ground coriander • 1/4 tsp turmeric • 3/4 tsp salt • black pepper
• Finish: Lime wedges • chopped cilantro or mint • pinch chaat masala (optional)

✍️ Method (Air Fryer default)

1. Marinate: Whisk marinade. Fold in tofu (and veg). Rest 20–60 min (room temp) or up to 12 hrs (fridge).
2. Skewer (optional): Thread tofu + veg. For baskets, you can cook loose without skewers.
3. Air fry: Preheat to 375°F / 190°C (3 min). Arrange in a single layer on parchment or a light foil sling. Cook 10–12 min, turning at 6 min. (For extra char, finish 1–2 min at 400°F / 205°C.)
4. Serve: Squeeze lime, shower with herbs, dust chaat masala. Eat hot.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Crispier crust: Toss tofu with 1 tsp cornstarch before marinating.
• Sauce dip: Quick mint-yogurt = yogurt + mint + pinch sugar + lime + salt.
• Other devices: Oven 425°F / 220°C 15–18 min (flip once) • Grill medium-high 8–10 min (turning).

📦 Storage & Reheat

• Refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat air fryer 350°F / 175°C for 3–4 min; add a fresh lime squeeze.

📜 Lore / Origin

Tikka is the ember-kissed language of spice — once clay-oven thunder, now air-born flame. Tofu steps in like a quiet hero, wearing the fire like a crown.

🌺 Benefits

• Plant protein: steady energy, satisfying bite
• Low-oil char: lacquered edges without deep frying
• Weeknight ritual: fast, fun, flavorful

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Ease & Gadget Efficiency: 20/20
• Texture & Authenticity: 20/20
• Time & Cleanup: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Ember-born, weeknight-ready.