Save to Pinterest My roommate swore by air fryers, and I was skeptical until she made these tofu bites one Thursday night. The kitchen filled with this nutty, caramelized smell that completely won me over, and watching those golden cubes emerge from the basket felt like a small kitchen miracle. Now I make them whenever I need something crispy and satisfying without the guilt of deep frying. The peanut sauce is where the magic happens, transforming simple tofu into something you actually crave.
I served these at a dinner party last month and a friend who'd never eaten tofu came back for thirds. She kept asking what made it so crispy, and honestly, it was just the combination of cornstarch and the air fryer working their thing. Seeing her realize that tofu could actually be delicious was one of those small moments that made cooking feel worthwhile.
Ingredients
- Extra-firm tofu (400 g): This is non-negotiable because softer tofu will fall apart; look for the firmest block your store has and don't skip the pressing step.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): It brings umami depth and helps season the tofu from the inside out before coating.
- Olive or sesame oil (1 tbsp): Sesame oil adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the peanut sauce.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): This is your secret weapon for that crispy, golden exterior that rivals any deep-fried version.
- Garlic powder and smoked paprika (1/2 tsp each): Together they add warmth and complexity without overpowering the peanut sauce.
- Natural peanut butter (4 tbsp): Use the kind with just peanuts and maybe salt, not the sweetened versions, so you control the sauce's sweetness.
- Rice vinegar or lime juice (1 tbsp): The acid brightens everything and keeps the sauce from tasting heavy.
- Fresh ginger and garlic: These wake up your palate and make the sauce taste homemade rather than bottled.
- Maple syrup or honey (1 tbsp): A touch of sweetness balances the savory and spicy elements.
Instructions
- Press out the excess moisture:
- Wrap your tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and set something heavy on top like a cast iron skillet or a few cans. After 10-15 minutes you'll feel how much water it releases, and this step is absolutely worth the wait because it's what lets the tofu actually crisp up.
- Cut into perfect cubes:
- Aim for roughly 2 cm pieces so they cook evenly and develop that golden crust all over. A sharp knife makes this easier and safer than a dull one.
- Season and coat with confidence:
- Drizzle the pressed tofu with soy sauce and oil first, then sprinkle the cornstarch and spices over everything. Toss gently but thoroughly so every cube gets an even coating, which is the key to uniform crispiness.
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 200°C (400°F) and let it warm for 2 minutes so the tofu hits the basket at the right temperature.
- Air fry until golden and crispy:
- Spread the tofu in a single layer with some space between pieces, then cook for 12-15 minutes. About halfway through, shake the basket to encourage even browning and help them get crispy on all sides.
- While they cook, whisk the peanut sauce:
- Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Whisk until smooth, then add warm water a tablespoon at a time until you reach that perfect drizzle consistency, not too thick and not too thin.
- Bring it all together:
- Plate the hot tofu and drizzle generously with peanut sauce. Top with chopped peanuts, scallions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to finish.
Save to Pinterest There was this one time I forgot to press the tofu and the bites came out soggy and disappointing, which taught me a hard lesson about shortcuts. Now I actually see the pressing time as part of the ritual, something to do while I gather my other ingredients and prep the sauce.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
Before I started using my air fryer, I thought tofu couldn't get crispy without a deep fryer or tons of oil. The circulating hot air crisps the cornstarch coating from all angles, creating a texture that honestly rivals anything fried in oil, but with way less mess and cleanup. It's one of those kitchen moments where technology actually lives up to the hype.
The Peanut Sauce Philosophy
This sauce is forgiving and adaptable, which is why I keep making it. You can lean more savory by reducing the maple syrup, or spicier by doubling the chili flakes if that's your mood. I've even whisked in a splash of coconut milk once when I was out of water, and it created this almost Thai-curry vibe that was unexpectedly perfect.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These tofu bites are best eaten straight from the air fryer when they're still warm and crispy, but they hold up reasonably well for a few hours at room temperature if you're meal prepping. I like serving them over fluffy jasmine rice or with a simple salad of shredded cucumber and carrots dressed in the same peanut sauce.
- Pair with steamed bok choy or sautéed snap peas for a complete meal.
- Keep leftover peanut sauce in the fridge for three to four days and use it on grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or as a dip.
- The tofu itself is best eaten fresh but can be reheated gently in the air fryer for a minute to restore crispiness.
Save to Pinterest This dish has become my go-to when I want to prove to people that plant-based cooking is actually fun and delicious. Every time someone tries it, there's this moment of surprise when they realize how satisfying crispy tofu with peanut sauce can be.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I get tofu crispy in an air fryer?
Press the tofu to remove moisture, coat it evenly with cornstarch and spices, then cook in a preheated air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway to ensure even crisping.
- → Can I substitute peanut butter in the sauce?
Yes, almond butter or other nut butters can be used, though this will alter the flavor profile slightly. Adjust sweetness and tang accordingly.
- → Is it necessary to press the tofu before cooking?
Pressing tofu removes excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture when air frying and prevents sogginess.
- → How can I make the peanut sauce spicier?
Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the peanut sauce to increase the heat to your preference.
- → What are good side dishes to serve with this tofu?
Steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or fresh salad complement the flavors and make a balanced meal.