Go Back
- 1 block firm tofu - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions - Sesame seeds When preparing Air Fryer Spicy Tofu Bites, you want to choose the right ingredients. Start with firm tofu. It holds its shape well and gives a nice texture. Press the tofu to remove moisture. This step is key to getting crispy bites. Next, cornstarch acts like a magic dust. It provides that crunchy coating we all love. Olive oil adds a touch of richness without overwhelming the flavor. Soy sauce brings umami, making the bites savory and delicious. Now, let's spice things up! Sriracha adds heat. Adjust it to your liking for extra kick. Garlic powder gives a nice depth, while smoked paprika adds a smoky note. Ginger powder brightens the flavor and balances the heat. Don't forget salt and pepper for seasoning. For garnish, use chopped green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and a nice crunch. Together, these ingredients make your Air Fryer Spicy Tofu Bites a tasty treat that’s hard to resist! Start by pressing the tofu. This step helps remove extra moisture. Wrap the block in a clean kitchen towel. Place a weight on top for 15 to 20 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. In a large bowl, combine the cubed tofu with cornstarch and seasonings. Add olive oil, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together. Make sure each tofu cube is evenly coated. This will help create that crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the tofu bites in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding. This helps them crisp up well. Cook the tofu bites for 15 to 20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking and browning. Once done, let them cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Pressing tofu is key for crispiness. It removes extra moisture that makes it soggy. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place a weight on top. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. This will help the tofu absorb flavors and get crispy. Cornstarch is a great tool for texture. It creates a crunchy coating when you air fry the tofu. Toss the pressed tofu cubes with cornstarch before cooking. This step makes a big difference in the final dish. You can change the heat level with sriracha. Use less for a milder taste or add more for extra kick. If sriracha is too hot, try mixing in some ketchup or honey. These will add sweetness without too much heat. If you want even milder flavors, swap sriracha with barbecue sauce. It gives a nice taste but keeps it gentle on the tongue. Spicy tofu bites are great with dips. Try serving with soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a creamy garlic dip. These pair well with the crunchy tofu. You can also add tofu bites to salads or wraps. They add protein and flavor to any meal. Toss them in a bowl with veggies or grains for a hearty dish. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your spicy tofu bites easily. Adding spices like cumin or chili powder gives them a new kick. You might also mix in some colorful veggies. Bell peppers or zucchini add crunch and flavor. Try different combinations to find what you love! You don't have to use an air fryer. You can oven-bake these tofu bites as well. Just set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them for crispiness. If you want, you can even pan-fry the tofu. Heat some oil in a skillet and cook the bites until they are golden brown. Make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free if you need that option. Look for brands that guarantee it. You can also explore other vegan sauces for extra flavor. Coconut aminos or tamari work well too. These swaps can help you enjoy this recipe without worry! To store your spicy tofu bites, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat your tofu bites, use the air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) for about five minutes. This helps restore their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy. To freeze, lay the tofu bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer for best results. Air fryer spicy tofu bites take about 15 to 20 minutes to cook. The cooking time can change based on your air fryer model. For best results, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) before adding the tofu. Shaking the basket halfway through helps them cook evenly. Check for a golden color and crisp texture for the perfect bite! Yes, you can make this recipe without cornstarch. If you skip it, the tofu may not be as crispy. You can use rice flour or potato starch as a substitute. Both options work well but may alter the texture slightly. You might also try skipping the coating for a softer bite. You can serve spicy tofu bites with many tasty sides. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed rice or quinoa - Fresh salad with greens and veggies - Dipping sauces like soy sauce or sriracha mayo - Noodles in a light broth - Wraps with crunchy veggies These sides will enhance the flavors of your spicy tofu bites and create a great meal! You now have a great recipe for spicy tofu bites. We discussed the key ingredients like tofu, cornstarch, and seasonings. You learned how to prepare, mix, and air fry the tofu for a crispy finish. Remember to adjust spices to your liking and perhaps try different cooking methods. These tips make cooking fun and easy. Enjoy your spicy tofu bites as a snack or meal. With practice, you'll master this dish and impress friends and family.

Air Fryer Spicy Tofu Bites

Savor the crunch with these Air Fryer Spicy Tofu Bites! Perfectly crispy and packed with flavor, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious plant-based snack. With just a few steps, you’ll have golden bites seasoned with sriracha, garlic, and smoked paprika that are sure to impress. Click through for the full recipe and make your next meal a hit with this tasty treat that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ginger powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Start by pressing the tofu block to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a weight on top for about 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed tofu, cornstarch, olive oil, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Gently toss until all the tofu cubes are evenly coated.

      Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

        Place the tofu bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they crisp up nicely.

          Cook the tofu bites for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until they are golden and crispy.

            Once done, remove the tofu bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes.

              Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4