Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce (Printable Version)

Golden crispy tofu bites paired with creamy savory peanut sauce, perfect for a quick, healthy plant-based meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu
02 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
04 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Peanut Sauce

08 - 4 tablespoons natural peanut butter
09 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
10 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
12 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
13 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
14 - 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water
15 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, optional

→ Garnish

16 - 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
17 - 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
18 - Fresh cilantro leaves
19 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it press for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
02 - Cut tofu into 3/4 inch cubes using a sharp knife.
03 - In a mixing bowl, toss tofu cubes with soy sauce and oil. Sprinkle with cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
04 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes.
05 - Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tofu is crispy and golden.
06 - Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Add warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
07 - Serve crispy tofu hot, drizzled with peanut sauce. Garnish with chopped peanuts, scallions, cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Tofu actually tastes incredible when it's properly crispy—this method finally delivers on that promise.
  • The whole meal comes together faster than takeout, and you know exactly what's in every bite.
02 -
  • If you skip pressing the tofu, the interior stays watery and no amount of air frying will fix it—moisture is your enemy here.
  • Cornstarch is non-negotiable; it's what creates the crispy shell that makes people think you deep-fried this.
03 -
  • If you have time, marinate the pressed tofu in soy sauce and spices for up to an hour before coating with cornstarch—the flavors penetrate deeper and the result tastes more intentional.
  • Keep the air fryer basket moving; those halfway shakes are what separate golden from burnt, and they take five seconds.
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