Crispy Air Fryer Tofu: Versatile Meal with Pantry Ingredients

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to find yourself staring into an almost-empty fridge and pantry. If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t require a grocery run, look no further. This Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Peanut Soy Sauce is not only delicious but also relies mostly on pantry staples, making it a perfect weeknight go-to. Paired with rice and whatever vegetable you have on hand, it’s a meal that’s both versatile and convenient.

Why this dish should be in your meal rotation 

1. Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliance on ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. No need to stress about running to the store!

2. Quick and Easy: Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy tofu with minimal effort and time. The air fryer’s magic ensures a crunch without the need for deep frying.

3. Customizable: You can easily adjust the vegetable and rice options based on what’s in your fridge. This dish is all about flexibility and creativity.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Tofu:

• 16 oz firm tofu, crumbled into small pieces
• 2 tbsp soy sauce 
• 2 tbsp cornstarch 
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

For the Peanut Soy Sauce:

• 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
• ¼ c water (to thin out the sauce if needed)

For Serving:

• Cooked rice (white, brown, or any variety you have)
• Any vegetable (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or spinach)

Instructions

To prepare the tofu:

Press the Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. YoWrap the block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.

Crumble the tofu into small pieces. 

In a large bowl, toss the tofu with soy sauce, sesame oil, nutritional yeast, and cornstarch.  

Air fry the tofu:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Using cooking spray or olive oil, lightly coat the air fryer basket in oil. Add the tofu in a single layer and air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping half way through, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy. 

Make the peanut soy sauce:

In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic (or garlic powder), and grated ginger (or ground ginger). Adjust the consistency with water, adding a little at a time until you reach your desired thickness.

Cook Your Vegetable:

Sauté or Steam: Quickly sauté or steam any vegetable you have on hand. If sautéing, heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat, add your vegetables, and cook until tender-crisp. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.

Assemble and Serve:

Rice: Cook your choice of rice according to package instructions.

Combine: Serve the crispy tofu over the rice, drizzle with peanut soy sauce, and add your vegetable on the side. Garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro if you have them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Peanut Soy Sauce is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. The crispy tofu, combined with the creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet peanut soy sauce, makes for a dish that’s full of flavor and texture. Plus, using pantry ingredients means you won’t need to worry about making an extra trip to the store.

Not only is this dish quick and easy, but it’s also incredibly flexible. Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have in your fridge. From crunchy bell peppers to earthy broccoli, any veggie will complement the tofu beautifully. And if you’re looking for extra protein, throw in some edamame or a handful of nuts.

So, next time you’re staring into the abyss of an empty fridge, remember this recipe. With just a few staple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal ready in no time. Enjoy!