Air Fryer Orange Tofu features cubes of crispy oil-free tofu smothered in a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce. This easy vegan recipe is delicious with rice and veggies and ready in well under an hour.
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Growing up, we loved eating at Chinese restaurants. Some were more authentic than others. And I image some weren't very authentic at all.
But now that I'm vegan and gluten-free, I try to recreate the dishes I remember eating as a child at home. Some of my favorites are air fried lemon tofu, sugar snap peas, and silken tofu salad.
I love putting an Asian spin on the Mediterranean diet by using ingredients like tofu, tamari, and fresh ginger in recipes. So now that deep-fried sticky sweet Orange Chicken of my youth has become Air Fryer Orange Tofu!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- The tofu is crispy without using any oil.
- The sauce is sweet, sour, and spicy.
- It's made with pure maple syrup instead of sugar.
Ingredients
For the tofu:
- Extra-firm or super-firm tofu
- Tamara (or substitute soy sauce if not gluten-free)
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
For the sauce:
- Orange zest
- Orange juice
- Water
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh ginger
- Fresh garlic
- Pure maple syrup
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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Instructions
- Marinate the tofu cubes in tamari and cornstarch. Allow to rest for at least 15 minutes.
- Air fry, shaking half way through.
- Mix the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
- While the tofu is cooking, heat the sauce in a skillet until thick.
- Toss the cooked tofu in the sauce and serve.
Serving suggestions
Air Fryer Orange Tofu pairs well with rice and vegetables. Try it with other Asian-inspired recipes like stir fried sugar snap peas and sesame asparagus.
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, do not freeze.
More vegan tofu recipes
And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration & fun!
If you make this recipe, please leave a rating and feedback in the comment section below. And tag me on Instagram @veggiessavetheday so I can see your remakes.
Love and Veggies,
Amy
📋 Recipe
Sticky Air Fryer Orange Tofu
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Ingredients
- 14-16 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed (or use super-firm tofu which does not require pressing)
- 1 Tablespoon tamari
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch, (or arrowroot powder)
For the sauce:
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch, (or arrowroot powder)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cut the tofu in cubes.14-16 ounces extra-firm tofu
- Place the tofu cubes in a quart-size plastic storage bag. Add the tamari and seal the bag. Shake the bag until all the tofu is coated with the tamari.1 Tablespoon tamari
- Add the tablespoon of cornstarch to the bag. Shake again until the tofu is coated. Set the tofu aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- Meanwhile add all the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and mix with a spoon. Set aside.½ cup water, ⅓ cup orange juice, 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Place the tofu in the air fryer in a single layer. You may need to do this in two batches.
- Cook the tofu at 390℉ for 10 minutes, shaking it after 5 minutes.
- After you're done cooking the batches of tofu, add it all to a skillet over medium-high heat. Give the sauce a stir and pour it over the tofu. Stir the tofu and sauce until the sauce has thickened and the tofu is heated through.
- Serve immediately with rice and steamed vegetables, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Dina says
This sauce is so good!!!! I can make it as spicy as I like! Thank you! 🙏🏼
Sarah says
Hello! I used fresh squeezed orange juice, should I have added some sugar? How much? The sauce came out a little bitter.
Amy Katz says
Hi Sarah, you can add a little sugar if the sauce tastes bitter. Start with a little and taste it as you go.
Katie Chevalier says
This was so good! My meat-loving husband even liked it!
Amy Katz says
Thank you, Katie! That's the best compliment. 🙂
Sue says
Hi, my airfryer decided to retire, can i bake these in a toaster oven?
Amy Katz says
You can try them in a regular oven or in your toaster oven. I don't know what temperature or time will work the best, but I'm sure you can experiment.
Dana says
So good! Not too sweet. Thanks for all of your hard work bringing these great recipes to us!
Amy Katz says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Dana!
Susan says
I was using an air fryer for the first time and grumbling as I was making this recipe because I've been burned (no pun intended) many times with random recipes I've found on the internet. But you, Amy Katz, have got it goin' on! The Orange Tofu is outstanding! (And using an Air Fryer is easy and awesome.) Thank you!
Amy says
Thank you so much, Susan! Enjoy your new air fryer!
Roberta says
I have been looking for the best way to get crispy air fryer tofu. Thank you for teaching me how.
I made the crispy orange tofu tonight and my husband loved it!!! He is the carnivore in the house!
Shelley— I used arrowroot powder and I have a Philips Air fryer. It crisped up very nicely by 10 minutes, shaking at the 5 minute mark.
Gayle says
This is the first “official “ air fryer recipe I have made. It was delicious and easy. I don’t generally buy new kitchen gadgets because of space in my small kitchen and because I typically like to cook the old fashioned pots and pans way. But I LOVE my air fryer. Everything I have made has been exceptional.
Amy says
Thank you, Gayle! I'm so happy you enjoyed it.
Shelley says
Mine didn’t come out crispy... used arrowroot and the Breville air fryer... maybe more than 10 minutes? Sauce was delicious!
Amy says
Thank you, Shelley! I haven't used the Breville, but I would definitely try air frying the tofu for a little longer next time.
James says
I have to be honest I am shocked!!
I just made this, and it was really good!
AS I was making it, I thought “ this is not going to be enough corn starch” but was wrong!
My favorite part was the sauce for sure! I loved spice from the red pepper flakes.
Served with a side of broccoli over rice
Was delicious! Will deff be following your FB page
Thank you
Amy says
Thanks so much, James! You made my day. 🙂