Get ready to transform the humble tofu into a mind-blowing culinary experience that'll make even meat-lovers do a double-take! This Vegan Chili Garlic Sesame Air Fried Tofu is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines the perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and savory in every single bite. Whether you're a seasoned vegan, a curious foodie, or someone looking to spice up their meal routine, this dish promises to be your new obsession that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by pressing the firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and place a heavy object on top, such as a cast iron skillet or a few cans. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- While the tofu is pressing, prepare the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. Gently add the tofu cubes to the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the tofu marinate for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the tofu will cook evenly and develop a nice crispy texture.
- After marinating, carefully place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the tofu for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crisping. The tofu should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving dish. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the top for added flavor and crunch.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve the Vegan Chili Garlic Sesame Air Fried Tofu as an appetizer or over rice or noodles as a main dish.
Tips
- Pressing is Crucial: Always press your tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This ensures a crispier texture and helps the marinade absorb better.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don't rush the marinating process. Let the tofu sit in the sauce for at least 5 minutes to soak up all those incredible chili garlic and sesame notes.
- Single Layer is Key: When air frying, never overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each tofu cube gets crispy and golden.
- Shake, Shake, Shake: Halfway through cooking, give your air fryer basket a good shake to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
- Customize Your Spice: Adjust the chili garlic sauce quantity to match your heat tolerance. More sauce means more kick!
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, this tofu is amazing served over steamed rice, in a Buddha bowl, or as a protein-packed salad topper.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
