Crispy Asian Tofu (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)

crispy asian tofu in a bowl with brown rice, cilantro, and chopsticks.

5 from 70 votes

Crispy Asian Tofu (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)

This easy crispy Asian tofu can be made in the air fryer in 10 minutes and is coated in a delicious homemade Asian sauce.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: Chinese, Japanese

Servings: servings

Calories: 105kcal

Author: Allie Petersen

Ingredients

Crispy Asian Tofu

1 16 oz block extra firm tofu drained and pressed
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder

Asian Sauce

2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1.5 tbsp soy sauce* (sub with low sodium version or tamari for gluten free)
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp ginger paste*
2 tsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp water

Optional

sesame seeds
cilantro
green onion diced

Instructions

Cut your pressed tofu into 1 inch cubes. Place in a gallon size bag with cornstarch and garlic powder. Gently shake until coated. (Can alternatively do this in a glass container to save plastic).
2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 16 oz block extra firm tofu
Add tofu cubes to air fryer, avoiding too much overlap. Cook tofu in air fryer at 400F for 5 minutes, shake gently, then air fry for another 5-7 minutes until lightly browned and crispy.
*Cooking time can vary based on your air fryer. Cook until tofu cubes have a golden brown outer coating.
Whisk your Asian sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1.5 tbsp soy sauce*, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp ginger paste*, 2 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp water
In a medium size saucepan over low-medium heat, add in air-fried tofu with your Asian sauce and mix well until tofu is evenly coated.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes until sauce starts to simmer, thicken, and caramelizes on the tofu.
Optional: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onion, or cilantro
sesame seeds, green onion, cilantro
Serve over noodles, rice, veggies or enjoy by itself!

Notes

⭐️Make this bowl gluten-free: Swap the soy sauce for tamari and use a Tamari Hoisin Sauce for a gluten-free version.

⭐️Ginger paste is blended ginger you can find at the grocery store in a squeeze tube bottle. If you don't have paste, you can use 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger for ever 1 teaspoon of ginger paste.

Other tips:

Make sure to press your tofu (even if it's extra firm) to create the best texture.
If you like things LESS SALTY you can use low sodium soy sauce instead of regular. I think the regular soy sauce compliments this tofu well, but some may prefer a low sodium version.
This recipe creates 2-4 servings, depending on how hungry you are and what you are serving this with. If you want to ensure leftovers, make sure to double this recipe!

Nutrition