Print

Air Fryer Chinese Tofu Recipe

Air Fryer Chinese Tofu Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

This Air Fryer Chinese Tofu recipe offers a deliciously crispy and flavorful plant-based dish inspired by General Tso’s sauce. Perfectly marinated and air-fried tofu is coated with a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce, making it a perfect healthy vegan alternative to traditional takeout.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu Marinade

  • 1 firm tofu block, drained, pressed, and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons tapioca flour (or arrowroot)

General Tso Sauce

  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1 tablespoon tapioca flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Remove tofu from its package, drain, and wrap in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Let it rest for 10 minutes to press out excess moisture, then dice into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Marinate Tofu: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Add the cubed tofu and let it marinate for 5 minutes, ensuring the tofu absorbs the flavors.
  3. Coat Tofu and Air Fry: Remove tofu from the marinade and toss evenly with 2 tablespoons tapioca flour. Place tofu cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even crispiness.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: While the tofu cooks, combine the vegetable broth, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, rice vinegar, lime juice, and ginger powder in a small bowl.
  5. Cook Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in the tapioca flour mixture and continue cooking until the sauce thickens, approximately another 5 minutes.
  6. Toss Tofu in Sauce: Add the crispy air-fried tofu to the saucepan and gently mix to coat evenly. Turn off heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the sauce fully.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and serve over rice with optional green onions for garnish. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy Air Fryer Chinese Tofu!

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu removes excess water, helping it crisp better in the air fryer.
  • You can substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
  • Arrowroot powder can be used instead of tapioca flour for coating and sauce thickening.
  • The marinade time can be extended up to 30 minutes if you want more intense flavors.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, tofu can also be baked in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by varying the amount of maple syrup and lime juice to your liking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Air Fryer Tofu, General Tso’s Tofu, Vegan Chinese Recipe, Crispy Tofu, Plant-based Main Dish

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/air-fryer-chinese-tofu-recipe/