Spoon Simple
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Peanut Sauce
Achieve perfectly crispy tofu cubes with minimal oil, tossed in a savory and slightly sweet peanut sauce, making a fantastic vegetarian dinner option.
Prep 20 min
Cook 18 min
Total 38 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Crispy Tofu
- 1 (14 oz) block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Step 2 — For the Peanut Sauce
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp warm water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Step 3 — For Serving (Optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Chopped peanuts
- Chopped cilantro
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Tofu
Press the extra-firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder.
- 2
Coat Tofu
Add cornstarch to the bowl with the tofu and toss gently until all cubes are evenly coated.
- 3
Air Fry Tofu
Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- 4
Make Peanut Sauce
While the tofu cooks, whisk together all peanut sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Add more warm water, 1 tsp at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
- 5
Combine and Serve
In a large bowl, toss the crispy tofu with the peanut sauce. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition per serving: 420 cal · 25g protein · 30g carbs · 24g fat · 5g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
