How to Make Takoyaki in an Air Fryer [+Recipe!]
Imagawayaki, Ikayaki, and Takoyaki, what do the three of them have in common? Besides the fact that the three of them are popular Japanese street foods that have inspired variants all across the globe, they (along with several other street foods) have the suffix ‘yaki.’
What does yaki mean? Yaki refers to a method of cooking food either by frying or grilling it. With regards to frying it, street food is usually thought to be fried in piping hot oil.
However, ever since street food has found its way into households with frozen variants, people have been looking towards incorporating ways of making street food more homey and healthy. One way is by frying them in an air fryer.
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Can You Make Takoyaki in an Air Fryer?
The short answer: yes. Takoyaki isn’t just a street food anymore, it’s a common household staple that’s found its way into households all across Japan (as well as the world). Brands have now introduced frozen variants of octopus balls.
Now, the question is: How would you make them in an air fryer? Most people are pretty skeptical when it comes to cooking octopus meat all the way through in an air fryer.
Home cooks and experts alike will tell you the same thing, an air fryer isn’t a superficial fryer. It’s more of a healthy alternative to bathing something in oil all over. Admittedly, it might take longer.
Easy Air Fryer Takoyaki Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pack frozen takoyaki balls
- 1 bunch spring onions chopped
- takoyaki sauce
- mayonnaise
- Aonori powdered seaweed
- bonito flakes
- ½ tsp cooking oil spray is easiest
Instructions
- Unfortunately, you can't make takoyaki balls from scratch when using an air fryer because you couldn't form the balls from the batter, but you do have packets of ready-made takoyaki that are perfect to use. Don't worry, we'll still make them extra delicious!
- First, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Then, place your takoyaki balls in the basket of the air fryer. Make sure that the balls are not overcrowded in the basket so that they can cook evenly. It's better to do a few at once and then make another batch than to cram them all in there.
- Then, spray the takoyaki with a little cooking oil spray. Cook the takoyaki for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.You do not need to add additional oil to the air fryer to cook takoyaki. The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the balls, which cooks it evenly without the need for oil.
- Add both the mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce to the top of each ball once they're one and add just a pinch of spring onion and bonito flakes on top.Now they're ready to serve.
Check out all of these specialty takoyaki makers we wrote about a while back
Commonly Asked Questions
Does an air fryer cook the octopus meat all the way through?
Yes, all you’ll have to do is adjust its temperature between 60-80 degrees Centigrade. Check the dumpling with a toothpick and it’s dough consistency to make sure it’s properly cooked. Alternatively, if you’re using bread crumbs, you can assess based on how brown the bread crumbs turn.
Also read: is Takoyaki supposed to be gooey inside?
Isn’t Takoyaki prepared in a designated Takoyaki pan?
Yes, Takoyaki is traditionally prepared in a pan known as the Takoyaki pan. The pan consists of circular molds which makes it easier to shape the dumpling when it’s semi-cooked.
However, it isn’t a necessity, although it is a convenience for sure. You could just as easily mold them without the pan till it’s firm enough and place it in an air fryer.
Is the taste any different?
It isn’t and that’s the best part! Using an air fryer can cut down on the calories without compromising on its taste. Although the dough might appear a bit less firm than if you had deep fried it, but not enough to make it taste any less delicious.
Conclusion
Takoyaki also known as octopus balls is popular Japanese street food loved and adored all across the globe. Frozen variants of the dish are produced by leading brands. Takoyaki can be made in an air fryer just as easily as it could be in a deep fryer with fewer calories and the same flavor!
Also read: this is how you make takoyaki at home
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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.