Air Fried Crispy Tofu Bites are one of the easiest and most satisfying plant based snacks you can make in the air fryer. The tofu turns golden and crunchy on the outside while staying soft and tender inside, and the air fryer does all the work with minimal oil. These bites are perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or healthy snacking. They deliver the same crispiness you get from frying but with a lighter and cleaner finish.

Air frying is one of the best methods to crisp tofu because it creates a golden, crunchy exterior without needing a lot of oil. The circulating hot air surrounds every side of the tofu, which helps the corn starch coating crisp evenly and prevents sogginess. Unlike pan frying, there is no risk of the tofu sticking or breaking apart, and you do not have to constantly flip or monitor it. The result is tofu that is light, crispy, and perfectly textured every single time, making the air fryer the easiest and most reliable way to get restaurant quality crunch at home.

The real star of this recipe is the spicy garlic sauce that you dip the tofu into. It is packed with garlic, ginger, Thai chilis, and warm seasonings that sizzle together when hot oil is poured over the aromatics. The sauce is savory, spicy, slightly tangy, and coats every crispy bite of tofu so well. It adds bold flavor without being heavy and makes this dish incredibly addictive.

This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in under 15 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy days. The corn starch coating helps the tofu crisp beautifully in the air fryer, and you only need a light spray of oil to get that restaurant style crunch. It is a great option for anyone who wants a high protein, flavorful snack that fits into a healthier cooking routine. The tofu also reheats well, so you can enjoy leftovers without losing texture.

Air fried tofu is also very versatile and pairs well with rice bowls, salads, noodles, or grain bowls. You can keep the spicy garlic sauce as a dip on the side or pour it directly over the tofu for a saucy finish. It is strong enough to act as a dressing or drizzle for other dishes too, which makes this recipe even more useful for weekly meal prep. With just a few ingredients and a good air fryer, this dish becomes a weeknight staple.

If you love crispy textures and bold flavor, these tofu bites will quickly become a favorite. They taste restaurant quality but use pantry ingredients and require barely any effort. The spicy garlic dip adds heat and umami in every bite while the tofu stays crunchy and satisfying. Once you try them, you will want to make them again and again.

Substitutions

Tofu:
Extra firm tofu works best, but firm tofu can be used if pressed well. For a soy free option, use chickpea tofu or paneer.

Corn Starch:
Swap with potato starch or tapioca starch for a similar crispy coating. All purpose flour can work in a pinch, but will be slightly less crispy.

Oil Spray:
Any neutral oil spray works, such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil. A light brush of oil can be used if you do not have spray.

Thai Chilis:
Use jalapeños, Fresno chilis, chili flakes, or sriracha for heat. Adjust to your spice preference.

Black Vinegar:
Sub with rice vinegar, white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar mixed with a small pinch of sugar.

Print

Crispy Tofu Bites (w/ Spicy Garlic Sauce)

Recipe by Julia Vuong

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: SnacksCuisine: Chinese

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Total time

22

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 block 1 extra firm tofu

• 2.5 tbsp 2.5 corn starch

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 salt

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 paprika

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 garlic powder

• 2 tbsp 2 sliced green onions

• 1 tbsp 1 avocado spray oil

• pinch of salt and pepper for after fry

• Spicy Garlic Sauce

• 5 5 minced garlic cloves

• 1/2 tbsp 1/2 minced ginger

• 2 2 thai chilis

• 2 tbsp 2 sliced green onions

• 1 tsp 1 gochugaru

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 sesame seeds

• 1 tsp 1 sesame oil

• 1 tsp 1 oyster sauce

• 1 tsp 1 sugar

• 2 tbsp 2 soy sauce

• 3.5 tbsp 3.5 diluted black vinegar

• 1/4 cup 1/4 neutral oil (vegetable, canola, etc.)

Directions

• Prepare the Tofu
  Drain the tofu and wrap it in paper towels.
  Remove as much excess moisture as possible.
  Cut the tofu into bite sized cubes.
• Coat the Tofu
  In a bowl, mix together corn starch, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
  Add the tofu cubes and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated.
  Spray lightly with avocado oil spray to help the coating crisp.
• Air Fry
  Preheat the air fryer to 385°F.
  Arrange tofu in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.
  Air fry for 9-11 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy on the outside.
  Remove, lightly season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
• Make the Spicy Garlic Sauce
  In a heat safe bowl, add minced garlic, minced ginger, Thai chilis, sliced green onions, gochugaru, sesame seeds, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and sugar.
  Heat ¼ cup neutral oil in a small saucepan until sizzling hot.
  Carefully pour the hot oil over the aromatics. It should sizzle immediately.
  Add soy sauce and diluted black vinegar.
  Stir until everything is combined and glossy.
• Serve
  Spoon the spicy garlic sauce over the crispy tofu bites or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Top with extra green onions. Serve hot.
• Enjoy!