Air Fryer Firecracker Tofu
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!
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 411kcal
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)
- 1 ½ 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.
- Be sure to pat the tofu dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture — this helps it crisp up better. Then cut into 1-inch cubes or tear into bite-sized pieces for even more crispy, golden edges.
- 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.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the tofu in a single layer, making sure there’s a little space between each piece for even crisping. Air fry at 400°F for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway through. Go for 10 minutes if you prefer softer tofu, or 12–14 minutes for a crispier texture. Remove once it's golden and cooked to your liking!Using a smaller air fryer? No problem — just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Return the air-fried tofu to a bowl, pour all remaining sauce over it, and toss well to coat. Garnish with scallions and serve with rice, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
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.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 711mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 282mg | Iron: 3mg