Crispy Tofu with Peanut (Printable Version)

Golden tofu cubes cooked crisp and dressed in creamy peanut sauce with tangy and spicy notes.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# Cooking Steps:

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 pressed tofu into 3/4 inch cubes.
03 - In a 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 -
  • Crispy edges and creamy centers happen in just 15 minutes without the guilt of deep frying.
  • The peanut sauce is so good you'll want to dip everything in it, from vegetables to rice to your fingers.
02 -
  • Pressing tofu isn't optional—it's the difference between crispy cubes and rubber bullets, and there's no shortcut that works as well.
  • The sauce thickens as it cools, so mix it thinner than you think you want it, and it'll be perfect by the time you eat.
03 -
  • Don't skip the marinating step if you have the time—an hour in soy sauce and spices lets the tofu absorb flavor at a deeper level and makes the final dish taste more complex.
  • Air fryer models vary in temperature intensity, so watch your first batch closely and adjust the time up or down by a minute or two based on how yours behaves.
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