Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Peanut (Printable version)

Golden crispy tofu bites paired with creamy, savory peanut sauce for a quick plant-based meal.

# Ingredient list:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu
02 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
04 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Peanut Sauce

08 - 4 tablespoons natural peanut butter
09 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
10 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
12 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
13 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
14 - 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water
15 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, optional

→ Garnish

16 - 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
17 - 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
18 - Fresh cilantro leaves
19 - Lime wedges

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it press for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
02 - Cut tofu into 3/4 inch cubes.
03 - In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with soy sauce and oil. Sprinkle with cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
04 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes.
05 - Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tofu is crispy and golden.
06 - Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Add warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
07 - Serve crispy tofu hot, drizzled with peanut sauce. Garnish with chopped peanuts, scallions, cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • It delivers incredibly crispy tofu with very little oil.
  • The savory, creamy peanut sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and salty.
  • It is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and easily made gluten-free.
  • A complete meal or snack ready in just 30 minutes.
02 -
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; a single layer ensures even air circulation and maximum crunch.
  • Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure the cubes are browned on all sides.
  • If the peanut sauce is too thick, continue adding warm water one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.
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