Snack

Air Fryer Crispy Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce

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If you think tofu is bland and boring, get ready for a flavor-packed plot twist. We’re taking this humble block of soy and turning it into a crispy, golden, air-fried wonder with just the right amount of kick. That’s right—this isn’t your average tofu Tuesday. We’re talking bold textures, fiery flavor, and a crunch that sings louder than your favorite kitchen playlist. Say hello to Airfryer Crispy Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce—your new go-to dish when you’re craving something quick, addictive, and secretly good for you.

The real hero here? The air fryer. With zero deep-frying mess and all the crisp factor, it transforms tofu into crispy cubes that practically bounce with texture. You don’t need to drown your tofu in oil or babysit it over a hot skillet—just toss, fry, and forget (well, for 15 minutes). The magic is in the marinade and a simple cornstarch coating that locks in flavor while giving you that crunch we all dream about.

And then there’s the sauce. Oh, the sauce. It’s a spicy garlic bombshell that coats every crispy bite with the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. Think garlicky glaze with chili heat and a little soy sauce sass. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything—rice, veggies, maybe even your fingers. No judgment.

This recipe is also weeknight-friendly and meal-prep approved. Tofu’s high-protein, plant-based profile means it’s satisfying and versatile, whether you’re feeding vegans, vegetarians, or just that one friend who’s suddenly “eating cleaner.” Pair it with rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or just eat it straight from the bowl—it’s hard to go wrong.

Ready to crisp it up and turn up the heat? Your air fryer is waiting, your taste buds are on standby, and that block of tofu is about to meet its destiny. Let’s get cooking!

Air Fryer Crispy Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce

Recipe by Julia Vuong
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: SnackCuisine: Chinese
Servings

1

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1 block of extra firm tofu

  • 2 tbsp 2 cornstarch

  • 1 tsp 1 garlic salt

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 paprika

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 garlic powder

  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 white pepper

  • 1 tbsp 1 vegetable oil or oil spray

  • Spicy Garlic Sauce
  • 5 5 garlic cloves

  • 1 tbsp 1 green onions

  • 1 tbsp 1 cilantro

  • 1/2 1/2 jalapeno

  • 2 2 thai chilis

  • 1 tsp 1 gochugaru

  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 sesame seeds

  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 sugar

  • 1 tbsp 1 soy sauce

  • 2.5 tbsp 2.5 red or black vinegar

  • 2.5 tbsp 2.5 vegetable oil

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 sesame oil

Directions

  • Pat dry the tofu block with a paper towel. Rip into irregular pieces but keep it at least 3/4 inch thickness. Coat with cornstarch. Place into the air fryer and spray with oil. Air fryer at 400F degrees for 12-15 minutes, shaking and flipping halfway through.
  • Season the tofu immediately with garlic salt, paprika, garlic powder, and white pepper.
  • In a heat safe bowl, mix sliced green onions, cilantro, minced garlic, gochugaru, sesame seeds, sugar, diced jalapeños/thai chilis. Heat up vegetable oil in a pan until wooden chopstick end bubbles immediately when dipped inside. Pour hot oil over the mixture. Mix in soy sauce, red vinegar, and sesame oil.
  • Enjoy!

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