Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Peanut Sauce (Printable)
Golden air-fried tofu cubes with creamy peanut sauce. Ready in 30 minutes for a delicious protein-packed meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Tofu
01 - 14 oz extra firm tofu
02 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
→ Peanut Sauce
07 - 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter
08 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
09 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
10 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
11 - 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
12 - 1 clove garlic, minced
13 - 2-3 tbsp warm water
→ Garnishes
14 - 1 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts
15 - 2 tbsp sliced scallions
16 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
17 - 1 tsp sesame seeds
# How to Make It:
01 - Remove tofu from packaging and drain. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel, place a weight on top, and press for at least 10 minutes to remove excess liquid.
02 - Cut pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.
03 - In a bowl, gently toss tofu cubes with cornstarch, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
04 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
05 - Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
06 - While tofu cooks, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Add warm water gradually until smooth and pourable.
07 - Transfer crispy tofu to a serving plate. Drizzle with peanut sauce or serve sauce on the side for dipping.
08 - Top with chopped peanuts, scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The texture is impossibly crunchy without the mess of deep frying.
- It comes together in under thirty minutes for a stress free dinner.
02 -
- Do not overcrowd the basket or the tofu will steam instead of crisp up.
- Letting the pressed tofu sit for just five extra minutes makes a huge difference.
03 -
- Preheat the air fryer to ensure the skin crisps immediately upon contact.
- Store the sauce separately if you are taking this for lunch the next day.