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Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe with Easy Creamy Peanut Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy air fryer tofu served with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. Perfect for vegetarians and vegans, this dish delivers satisfying crunch and bold flavors without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (14 oz / 400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil or neutral oil
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (natural and unsweetened)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu by wrapping the block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy object on top for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes.
  3. In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon oil. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Place tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  7. While tofu cooks, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, and warm water until smooth and pourable.
  8. Serve the crispy tofu drizzled with the creamy peanut sauce and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Press tofu thoroughly to remove moisture for best crispiness. Shake or flip tofu halfway through air frying for even browning. Adjust peanut sauce thickness with warm water. For nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini. If no air fryer, bake tofu at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes or pan-fry until golden.

Nutrition

Keywords: tofu, air fryer, crispy tofu, peanut sauce, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, quick dinner, plant-based

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/crispy-air-fryer-tofu-recipe-with-easy-creamy-peanut-sauce/