This recipe will guide you through making deliciously crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Tofu. The tofu is coated in a flavorful sauce, air fried to perfection, and served with a tangy bang bang sauce for dipping. It's a healthy and vegan alternative to traditional bang bang shrimp, and the air fryer ensures a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or appetizer. Enjoy the taste and crunch of this irresistible tofu dish!
Ingredients
- 1 block of tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch or cornflour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
- Pour the plant-based milk into another shallow bowl.
- Dip each tofu cube into the cornstarch mixture, then into the plant-based milk, and then back into the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each cube is fully coated.
- Place the coated tofu cubes on a lined air fryer basket or tray, making sure they are not touching.
- Spray or brush the tofu cubes with a little oil to help them crisp up.
- Air fry the tofu cubes for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Meanwhile, prepare the bang bang sauce by combining the vegan mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, and lime juice in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Once the tofu cubes are cooked, transfer them to a plate and drizzle with the bang bang sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
This recipe is a vegan twist on the popular bang bang shrimp dish.
Air frying tofu results in a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying.
The bang bang sauce adds a tangy and spicy kick to the crispy tofu cubes.
This dish is a great option for those following a vegan or plant-based diet.
The tofu can be pressed ahead of time to remove excess moisture and improve its texture when cooked.