Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Your long hard days of trying to get crispy tofu are over with this Thai-inspired air fryer tofu bites! It’s an easy, plant-based protein dinner option that is packed with so much flavor and will forever change the way you think about tofu. Let’s make it!
Preparing the Tofu
There are so many types of tofu in the store and since starting this series, I’ve learned so much about each one and their purposes in different recipes. To make katsu, we’ll be using extra-firm tofu. It holds its shape really well and doesn’t have that much moisture which means it can crisp up really nicely and resemble the structure of meat.
Start by wrapping the block of tofu in two or three paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place a cast iron skillet or anything heavy on top for 15 minutes to help drain any water. This will make it even more crispy.
After 15 minutes, unwrap the tofu and chop it into small individual cubes. You can also just break it into small chunks with your hands if you want a more natural shape instead of perfect cubes. Either method is fine!
Now that you have it in pieces or chunks, transfer it to a large gallon-size Ziploc bag or a mixing bowl if you don’t have one. Add the following ingredients:
- soy sauce
- sesame oil
- olive oil
- cornstarch
Seal the Ziploc bag if using one and shake everything together until combined well and that’s it for the preparation!
Making the Peanut Satay Sauce
Now for the most flavorful part of this recipe, the peanut sauce which is traditionally served with chicken satay but I love it in these bowls. It takes less than five minutes to make and these are all the ingredients you need:
- creamy peanut butter
- lime juice
- sweet chili sauce
- chili paste
- ginger paste
- garlic paste
- soy sauce
- hot water
All everything above to a small bowl and whisk together well until combined and smooth!
Airfrying the Tofu
To air fry the tofu, start by heating your air fryer to 375°F if your air fryer requires preheating. Spray the tray with oil and add the tofu. Make sure not to overcrowd it so the pieces are not touching each other.
Airfry for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the tofu is crispy on the edges and golden! Take out of the air fryer and it’s ready to go!
What to Serve This With
Since this recipe is inspired by Thai flavors I love serving it with jasmine rice or Coconut Rice. Along with the peanut sauce on top, you can load it with veggies such as:
- cucumbers
- pickled red onions
- green onions
- cilantro
- shredded carrots
- and so much more!
Looking for More Vegetarian Recipes? Try These Out
- Crispy Potato Tacos
- Bang Bang Cauliflower
- Spinach and Cheese Rolls
- Halloumi Fries
- Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
- Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potato Copycat
If you tried this recipe and loved it, drop by down below and let me know how you liked it with a rating and comment! Feel free to also leave a question there about this recipe and I’ll get right back to it.
To see more recipes and behind-the-scenes, follow along on Instagram and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest pinning away so stop by and see what’s up.
Dinner | Main Course
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Bites
Ingredients
TOFU- 14 ounces extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- oil spray, for air frying
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- juice of half a lime
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
MAKE THE PEANUT SAUCE- To a bowl, add the peanut butter, lime juice, sweet chili sauce, chili paste, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and hot water. Mix together until you have the consistency you want. Feel free to add less or more water depending on how thick or thin you want the sauce. Set aside.
- Start by wrapping the block of tofu in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Take a cast iron skillet or anything heavy and press it down on the tofu and leave it like that for 10 to 15 minutes to drain all the water.
- Cut the tofu into individual cube pieces.
- Add the tofu to a large gallon-size Ziploc bag or large mixing bowl and add the soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cornstarch. Seal the Ziploc bag if using it and shake it all together.
- Set the air fryer to 375°F.
- Spray the tray with oil and add the marinated tofu, making sure they're not touching and are spaced apart.
- Airfry for 15 to 20 minutes, spraying with oil again halfway through. They are done once golden and crispy on the edges.
- Take the tofu out and serve in a rice bowl with the peanut satay sauce and any other veggies you like such as pickled onions, cucumbers, green onion, and lots of cilantro!
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WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS RECIPE?
HI, I’M HAJAR
Welcome to Moribyan! This is my blog where I love to share all my favorite recipes and lifestyle tips with you all. If I’m not cooking here, I’m either at Trader Joe’s, the gym, or eating a bagel.
LET’S CONNECT
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Hey Hajar!
Loved loveddd this recipe!
I’ve had this pinned from your instagram for some time and finally got to try it last night. It was super easy and very quick for a meatless dinner. I’ve been trying to explore more vegetarian options that are filling and this was great. The only thing I did differently was adding a bit more soy sauce and oil to the tofu coating because it got a little too dry and pasty with even just 3 tablespoons of cornstarch.
All in all, my husband and I both really enjoyed it and agreed that it definitely has to become one of our regulars, so thank you!! 🙂
Much love from your Dubai fan xx