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.
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 love this recipe, please give it 5 stars! ★★★★★
📋 Recipe
Sticky Air Fryer Orange Tofu
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound 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:
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch, (or arrowroot powder)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Cut the tofu in cubes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Meanwhile add all the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and mix with a spoon. Set aside.
- 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.
Gayle
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
Thank you, Gayle! I'm so happy you enjoyed it.
Shelley
Mine didn’t come out crispy... used arrowroot and the Breville air fryer... maybe more than 10 minutes? Sauce was delicious!
Amy
Thank you, Shelley! I haven't used the Breville, but I would definitely try air frying the tofu for a little longer next time.
airfryers
Will try it This will be my first attempt at tofu and tofu in an air fryer.
Hopefully it will be great
Thanks
Amy
I hope you enjoy it!
James
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
Thanks so much, James! You made my day. 🙂
Angel
Dang with all these recipes using an air fryer, now I'll have to invest in one!!!! Any recommendations on a good air fryer???
Amy
Sure! I have this one: https://amzn.to/2DRxZm4
And I know a lot of people who have this one and love it (and it's more affordable): https://amzn.to/2DRcwtM
Sarah
I am making this tonight in my new air fryer. I put the recipe in my Weight Watchers food calculator and it is only 2 pts - THAT MAKES ME HAPPY. Plan on serving with rice which will boost the points but because it is healthy and low in points - I CAN!
This will be my first attempt at tofu and tofu in an air fryer.
Amy
How exciting! I can't wait to hear how you like it, Sarah!
Cassidy
Sounds delicious, there seems to be so many things you can cook in an air fryer!
Amy
Thanks Cassidy! Yes, the air fryer is a great appliance!
Cadry
This sounds so good, Amy! I remember being obsessed with orange peel chicken in my early twenties. This vegan air fryer version is right up my alley!
Amy
Thanks Cadry! I hope you like it!
Cindy
I don't have an air fryer, but I'm tempted to get one. This looks amazing!
Amy
Thanks Cindy! I think it's a great investment!
Dreena Burton
Dang! That tofu looks FABULOUS, Amy! Looks far better than anything you could get at a restaurant, and surely tastes far better.
Amy
Thanks so much, Dreena!
Dianne
This looks so perfect! The air fryer really is the best for cooking tofu!
Amy
Thanks Dianne! It really is!
Linda
My local Costco has air fryers for $60 and I want one so much. I just don't know where I'd store it, as my cabinets are packed! I think this delicious dish just convinced me to clean out some space for it.
Amy
That's a great deal! I keep mine out of the counter tucked back in the corner. It gets enough use to keep out. 😉
Loralee
I am making it but baked the tofu instead of airfrying!!
Amy
Baking is a great alternative!
francesca
Oh my gosh, Amy, I've been wanting an air fryer for so long now, but I always tell myself: will I really use it? Won't it just be clutter in my tiny kitchen?
but after seeing this... and reading this recipe... the air fryer is going straight into my letter to Santa ;D seriously though, this recipe is exquisite, I love tofu but I've never seen tofu look SO good, SO yummy. I think I'll wait for the new year's sales and then I'll be air frying like there's no tomorrow
Amy
Francesca, I know you will love having an air fryer! I really think it's the best way to prepare tofu. I'm sure you can find one on sale. And thank you for the lovely compliment!
Jennifer Bliss
I still have to get into airfrying! Sounds great!
b
Oh my gosh, this looks fabulous!!
Amy
Thanks Becky!