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air fry tofu recipe
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This recipe creates crispy air-fried tofu coated in a sweet chili lime glaze, offering a healthy, high-protein meal in under 30 minutes, mimicking takeout flavor without deep frying.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz or 400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) neutral oil
- 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch, for coating
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) chili garlic sauce, adjust to taste
- 1 tsp (5 g) fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 tsp (5 g) garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) water or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp (5 g) cornstarch, for slurry
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) cold water, for slurry
- 2 tbsp (5 g) fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Zest of 1/2 lime, for garnish
Instructions
- Press and Cut Tofu: Press the extra-firm tofu to remove excess water for at least 30 minutes. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes and pat dry once more.
- Coat Tofu: In a medium bowl, toss the dry tofu cubes with neutral oil. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cornstarch and toss until all sides are evenly coated with a light layer.
- Air Fry Tofu: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange coated tofu in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Prepare Glaze: While the tofu cooks, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons water/broth in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
- Thicken Glaze and Coat Tofu: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the slurry ingredients (1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water). Pour the slurry into the simmering glaze, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes until thick and glossy. Transfer the hot air-fried tofu to a mixing bowl, pour about half of the glaze over it, and gently toss to coat.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the glazed tofu immediately over rice or a platter. Drizzle with the remaining glaze and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime zest.
Notes
To achieve truly crispy results, use extra-firm tofu and press it thoroughly to remove water before cooking. For meal prep, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat them in the air fryer to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Air Fryer, Tofu, Vegan, Vegetarian, Sticky Glaze, Chili Lime, Asian, Takeout, Healthy, High Protein
