This Air Fryer Firecracker Tofu is a quick and tasty 20-minute meal. The sweet and spicy firecracker sauce makes it extra delicious, and it’s super easy to make!
Air-fried tofu is one of the easiest and most delicious protein-packed meals you can make at home. The air fryer gets the tofu perfectly crispy, and the quick firecracker sauce adds bold, sweet-and-spicy Asian flavor. Since tofu has a very mild, almost neutral taste, it soaks up sauce like a sponge—making every bite full of flavor.
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Reasons to love it
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Protein-Packed & Vegan – A satisfying plant-based meal with a gluten-free option.
- Versatile – Serve it with rice, quinoa, lettuce cups, or even in tacos.
- Irresistible Flavor – The sweet and spicy firecracker sauce brings it all together.
- No Stove Needed – Made entirely in the air fryer—no oven or stovetop required.
Secret to Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Want ultra-crispy tofu from the air fryer? Here’s how to make it happen:
- Start with extra-firm tofu. Soft or silken tofu are too soft and won't get a crispy texture. Use extra-firm or super-firm tofu.
- Pressing is optional with extra-firm tofu, but for maximum crispiness, press it for 15–30 minutes to remove excess moisture. I skipped this step for my air fryer tofu recipe to make it quick.
- Tear, don't cut! Instead of cutting the tofu into cubes, try tearing it into 1-inch chunks. This creates irregular, jagged edges that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer by increasing surface area and improving browning.
- Use cornstarch. Toss your tofu nuggets in a bit of cornstarch before air frying. It's a secret in Chinese cooking to get a crispy stir fried dishes.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Spread extra-firm tofu in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. If they’re packed too closely, the tofu will steam instead of crisping up.
Air Fryer Firecracker Tofu
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons light brown sugar not packed
- 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 block (14 ounces) extra firm tofu drained and patted dry
- 1 teaspoon oil (sesame or vegetable)
- 11/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Make the firecracker sauce by mixing brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce and red pepper flakes together until sugar is dissolved.
- Cut the tofu into 1” cubes or tear into pieces for an even more crispy exterior.
- Add the cubed tofu into a bowl, and one tablespoon of the combined sauce and oil. Toss well until evenly combined.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch on top and give a good toss.
- Place tofu in a single layer in the air fryer at 400°F, leaving space between pieces. Cook for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway (10 minutes for softer tofu, 13 to 15 for crispy). Remove when it’s just how you like it!
- Return the air-fried tofu to the bowl, pour all remaining sauce over it, and toss well to coat. Garnish with scallions and serve with rice and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
Success Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. If you're using a smaller air fryer, cook the tofu nuggets in two batches. Give each piece enough space to crisp up properly — airflow is key!
- Tear for extra crispiness. For even crispier results, tear the tofu into 1-inch chunks instead of cutting it into cubes. The uneven edges help create a crunchier texture.
- Use the right tofu. Always use extra-firm or super-firm tofu. Softer varieties won’t hold up or get crispy.
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How to make firecracker tofu in the air fryer?
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
Ways to serve firecracker tofu
Over rice or quinoa -Serve the sweet and spicy tofu over steamed rice or cooked quinoa for a quick, satisfying 20-minute dinner. Finish with chopped scallions for a fresh touch.
In lettuce wraps - Spoon the crispy tofu into lettuce cups and top with roasted cashews and scallions for a light and flavorful bite.
As tacos - Create Asian-inspired tacos by serving the firecracker tofu in warm flour tortillas with chopped lettuce, shredded cabbage, or a drizzle of spicy mayo.
More great tofu recipes
If you’re looking for easy, flavorful, high-protein recipes, tofu is a versatile ingredient that delivers every time. Here are more delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Teriyaki tofu has a crispy exterior with a creamy, tender interior. It is outrageously delicious and is ready in about 30 minutes. The homemade teriyaki sauce is better than takeout!
- Thai red curry with tofu and veggies is bursting with bold flavor—and it’s way better than takeout! Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect quick and tasty dinner to serve with rice.
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Kitchen at Hoskins on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
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