Description
This Crispy Tofu Peanut Sauce recipe features perfectly air-fried tofu cubes coated in a flavorful blend of spices and cornstarch, drizzled with a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy peanut sauce. Garnished with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh scallions, cilantro, and lime wedges, this dish makes for a satisfying vegetarian appetizer or main course that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu & Coating
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Peanut Sauce
- 4 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Press tofu: Wrap the block of extra-firm 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, which helps achieve a crispier texture when cooked.
- Cut tofu into cubes: After pressing, cut the tofu into approximately 3/4 inch cubes for even cooking and coating.
- Coat tofu: In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari) and 1 tablespoon oil (olive or sesame). Sprinkle cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper on top. Toss gently until all cubes are evenly coated with the seasoning and starch mixture.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 2 minutes to ensure a hot environment for crisping the tofu.
- Cook tofu: Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The tofu should be crispy and golden when done.
- Prepare peanut sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar (or lime juice), grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional chili flakes. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Serve: Transfer the crispy tofu to a serving dish. Drizzle generously with the peanut sauce and garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, sliced scallions, fresh cilantro leaves, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is crucial to remove moisture and achieve maximum crispiness.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different nut flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes or add sriracha to the peanut sauce for more heat if desired.
- Ensure tofu cubes are spaced out in the air fryer basket to crisp properly.
- This dish can be served as an appetizer, side, or main dish over rice or noodles.
