Air fryer orange tofu and veggies are my go-to recipe for dinner. Easy to make and delicious to taste, that is what this recipe is all about. With a thick and zingy orange sauce, pillowy center, and caramelized crispy borders.
This Air Fryer Orange Tofu tastes exactly like a Chinese takeout meal! Crispy on the exterior and soft and moist on the interior.
The crispiness of air-fried tofu is combined with a vivid variety of fresh veggies, all tossed in a tangy and sweet orange sauce. The creative usage of the air fryer helps to produce a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
This crispy orange tofu goes well with rice, millet, barley, or any other grain you want. I love to add crisp veggies as sides of the tofu. You can add stir-fried, roasted, or air-fried veggies such as zucchini bolts, broccoli, diced potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.
How To Make Air Fryer Tofu With Veggies
This orange tofu recipe can be baked, pan-fried, or cooked without oil in an air fryer. Depending on your preference, add a pinch of red chili to make it hot or leave it moderate. But the star of the show, however, is the luscious orange sauce, which infuses every bite with a zesty and citrusy punch, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes.
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Ingredients For Air Fryer Tofu
Block of extra firm tofu -Pressed
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of white vinegar
Ingredients For Orange Sauce
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1/3 cup of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1 tablespoon of garlic
1 tablespoon of ginger
1 teaspoon of red chili flakes
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1 tablespoon of water
2 oranges
Sesame seeds (For garnishing)
Step-by-step cooking guide for orange tofu in air fryer
For Tofu
Step-1: Start by cutting tofu into small cubes with a knife.
Step-2: Apply some corn starch in a glass bowl and rub it on the glass bottom, it will prevent tofu from sticking to the bottom of the bowl.
Step-3: Add tofu cubes to the same glass bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarchto the glass bowl and save one tablespoon for slurry.
Step-4: Coat tofu cubes from all sides with cornstarch. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and gently mix with the help of a spatula.
Step-5: Set parchment paper in the air fryer basket and add tofu cubes to the basket.
Step-6: Cook at 350 F for 15 minutes.
For Orange Sauce
Step-1: While the tofu is being cooked in the air fryer, extract orange juice from 2 oranges. Also, peel a little orange zest for adding on top of final dish.
Step-2: Take a pan, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and put it on to stove on low to medium heat.
Step-3: Add garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
Add orange juice, soy sauce, white vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir and bring the mixture to a light boil. While boiling add cornstarch slurry and turn the flame to low. After a while, you will see small bubbles popping up.
Now take out the tofu from the air fryer and add to the pan with orange sauce mixture and coat well. Finally, garnish with sesame seeds and sprinkle with orange zest.
And that’s it, your air fried orange sesame tofu is ready to be served!
Add a side of your favorite veggies and make it a complete meal. I like to have tofu with steamed rice or smashed potatoes, air fried broccoli, and green beans.
In the Oven: If you want to cook tofu in the oven, use the same prep steps above and cook at 425 F for 30 minutes.
Notes & Tips
1- Firm tofu works best for this recipe as it doesn’t fall apart.
2- One block of firm tofu yields around 20 pieces.
3- While coating tofu, try to avoid touching the tofu as much as you can.
4- Setting parchment paper in the air fryer basket prevents the batter from dripping.
Reheating & storing guide
How to reheat?
You can reheat leftover tofu in the air fryer, stovetop, or oven.
For me, air fryer does the best job for reheating.
- Place the leftover tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket to ensure even reheating.
- Heat the tofu for about 3-4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
- Remove the tofu from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your reheated crispy tofu.
How to restore?
You can store leftover tofu in an airtight container for 3-4 days in your fridge.
Is air fryer tofu recipe healthy?
Yes, air fried tofu is healthy. Tofu is a good source of plant-based protein and contains essential amino acids. It can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
What types of vegetables work best for the Orange Tofu recipe?
You can pair any vegetables of your choice; it works great for all. As it already pairs with a tangy orange sauce, several vegetables can complement this dish well. My favorite veggies with tofu are bell peppers, broccoli, and green beans.
Can I use firm or extra-firm tofu for this dish?
I like to use extra firm tofu. Extra firmness is better as it prevents the tofu from breaking and getting part and makes the cooking process easier.
How long should I marinate the tofu before air frying it for the recipe?
I don’t marinate long; you can simply start cooking tofu after coasting it with spices. But if you want to marinate, then go ahead and marinate it for 20-30 minutes to infuse it with flavor.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Block Extra firm tofu -Pressed
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons White vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1/3 cup Brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 2 Oranges
- Sesame seeds (For garnishing)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Start by cutting tofu into small cubes with a knife.
- Apply some corn starch in a glass bowl and rub it on the glass bottom, it will prevent tofu from sticking to the bottom of the bowl.
- Add tofu cubes in the same glass bowl. And add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the glass bowl and save one tablespoon for slurry.
- Coat tofu cubes from all sides with cornstarch. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and gently mix with the help of a spatula.
- Set parchment paper in the air fryer basket and add tofu cubes to the basket.
- Cook at 350 F for 15 minutes.
- While the tofu is being cooked in the air fryer, extract orange juice from 2 oranges. Also, peel a little orange zest for adding to top of final dish.
- Add garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add orange juice, soy sauce, white vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir and bring the mixture to a light boil. While boiling add cornstarch slurry and turn the flame to low. After a while, you will see small bubbles popping up.
- Now take out the tofu from the air fryer and add to the pan with orange sauce mixture and coat well. Finally, garnish with sesame seeds and sprinkle with orange zest.
- Add a side of your favorite veggies and make it a complete meal.
