Air Fryer Bang Bang Tofu Recipes

Steps:

• Drain the tofu, wrap each block in several layers of paper towel and set on a large plate. Place a heavy pan on top (cast-iron works great for this) to press excess liquid from the tofu; allow to rest for 15 minutes.
• Slice each tofu block into six 1/2-inch-thick slices. Drain the large plate of any excess liquid, wipe dry and place the tofu slices back on the plate. Put 1 tablespoon of the oil in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to coat both sides of the slices with the oil. Season both sides of the slices with 1 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
• Lay the tofu slices flat in the basket of the air fryer and cook, flipping halfway through, until lightly golden and crisp, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F again.
• Toss the green beans in a large bowl with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Cook the beans, tossing halfway through, until tender and blistered, about 10 minutes.
• While the beans cook, combine the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, mirin, brown sugar, chili-garlic paste, cornstarch, garlic and 3 tablespoons water in a small saucepan and stir until the cornstarch is dissolved. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly reduced, thickened and shiny, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Transfer the beans to a large serving plate and shingle the tofu slices on top. Drizzle the sauce over the tofu and beans and garnish with the scallions.

Steps:

• Cut block of tofu in half vertically and set side by side on a plate lined with multiple layers of paper towels. Add a thick layer of paper towels on top, weigh down with a heavy object (I used my bread box) and press for 30 minutes to remove as much liquid as possible.
• Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl. Drizzle with soy sauce and carefully toss to coat.
• Combine cornstarch, onion powder, paprika, and white pepper in a small bowl. Add to tofu and carefully coat tofu with cornstarch mixture. Drizzle with sesame oil. Place tofu pieces in one layer in the basket of your air fryer. You might need to work in batches.
• Air-fry at 390 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 6 minutes. Turn tofu pieces over and air-fry until crispy, about 6 more minutes.

Steps:

• Prepare the tofu: Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
• Remove the tofu from the package and lay on the prepared baking sheet. Top with 2 more paper towels and another baking sheet and weigh down with a heavy pan or cast iron skillet. Press the tofu for 30-60 minutes to remove excess liquid before frying. This can be done up to 2 days ahead; store the pressed tofu in an airtight container until ready to use.
• After pressing, transfer the tofu to a cutting board and cut into 1-inch cubes.
• In a medium bowl, stir together the potato starch, ground ginger, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Add the tofu cubes and toss until well coated on all sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the inside of the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
• Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, shake off the excess flour from each piece of tofu and place in the air fryer. Fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. Transfer to a medium bowl while you repeat with the remaining tofu.
• While the tofu fries, make the sauce: in a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, ginger, honey, sambal, garlic, and rice wine. Cook over medium heat until the sauce reduces and starts to thicken, 5-7 minutes.
• In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup water and the cornstarch to make a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, until thickened. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin out with water as needed.
• Pour the sauce over the tofu and toss until well coated. Save any remaining sauce for dipping if desired, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Arrange the tofu on a platter and top with the sesame seeds, scallions, and a squeeze of lime.
• Serve over steamed rice with your favorite steamed vegetable, such as broccoli.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• Place tofu onto a plate lined with several paper towels. Cover with more paper towels and another plate. Set a 3- to 5-pound weight on top and press tofu for 30 minutes; drain and discard any accumulated liquid and cut tofu into 1/2-inch cubes.
• Combine soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and sesame oil in a small bowl; mix well. Add tofu cubes and marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
• Place tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 5 minutes without shaking the fryer. Continue air frying, shaking occasionally, until browned, about 10 more minutes.