Air Fryer Bang Bang Tofu: Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistibly Delicious!

Bang Bang Tofu is a vegetarian twist on the popular Bang Bang Shrimp. This recipe features crispy air-fried tofu tossed in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect as an appetizer, a main course served over rice, or a flavorful addition to salads and wraps.

This recipe leverages the magic of the air fryer to achieve perfectly crispy tofu without the need for deep-frying. The result is a healthier and equally delicious alternative that’s ready in minutes.

## Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bang Bang Tofu

* **Crispy Texture:** The air fryer makes the tofu incredibly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and slightly chewy on the inside.
* **Flavorful Sauce:** The Bang Bang sauce is a harmonious blend of sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, sriracha, and a few other key ingredients, creating a truly addictive flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or as a topping for various dishes.
* **Healthier:** Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed compared to deep frying, making this a healthier option.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

**For the Tofu:**

* 1 block (14-16 ounces) extra-firm or firm tofu, pressed
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)

**For the Bang Bang Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
* 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon soy sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

**Optional Garnishes:**

* Chopped green onions
* Sesame seeds
* Red pepper flakes

## Equipment Needed

* Tofu press (optional, but highly recommended)
* Air fryer
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Press the Tofu:**

This is a crucial step for achieving crispy tofu. Pressing removes excess water, allowing the tofu to crisp up better in the air fryer.

* **Using a Tofu Press:** Follow the instructions on your tofu press. Typically, this involves placing the tofu block in the press and tightening the screws or clamps to apply pressure. Press for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer (up to a couple of hours) for even better results. Change the water collected during the pressing if it fills the container.
* **Without a Tofu Press:** Wrap the tofu block in several layers of paper towels. Place it on a plate and then place a heavy object on top (such as a cast-iron skillet or several books). Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Change the paper towels if they become saturated.

**2. Prepare the Tofu:**

* Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch). The size can be adjusted to your preference, but keep them relatively uniform for even cooking.
* In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create a light coating that helps the tofu crisp up.
* Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and toss gently to coat them evenly with the cornstarch mixture. Make sure each piece is well covered. Shake off any excess cornstarch, as too much can lead to a powdery texture.
* Drizzle the tofu with the neutral oil and toss again to distribute the oil evenly. This will further enhance the crisping process.

**3. Air Fry the Tofu:**

* Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. This ensures even cooking.
* Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the tofu from crisping up properly. You may need to cook the tofu in batches.
* Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through, until it is golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it and adjust accordingly. If the tofu is sticking to the basket, lightly spray the basket with cooking oil before adding the tofu.

**4. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:**

* While the tofu is air frying, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and honey (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or sweet chili sauce. If you want it spicier, add more sriracha.
* Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

**5. Toss and Serve:**

* Once the tofu is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl.
* Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the tofu and toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly.
* Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional).
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bang Bang Tofu

* **Press the Tofu Well:** This is the most important step for achieving crispy tofu. The more water you remove, the crispier the tofu will become.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Cook the tofu in batches if necessary to ensure that it cooks evenly and crisps up properly. Overcrowding will steam the tofu instead of air frying it.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** The recipe provides a base for the Bang Bang sauce, but feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Add more sriracha for extra spice, more honey for sweetness, or more rice vinegar for tanginess.
* **Serve Immediately:** The tofu is best served immediately after being tossed in the sauce, as it will gradually lose its crispness over time. If you are not serving immediately, store the tofu and sauce separately and toss them together just before serving.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in a more flavorful and delicious final product.
* **Experiment with Different Tofu Types:** While extra-firm tofu is generally recommended for air frying, you can also experiment with firm tofu. Just be sure to press it well to remove excess water.
* **For a Thinner Sauce:** If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to the Bang Bang sauce.
* **Add a Touch of Citrus:** A squeeze of lime or lemon juice can brighten up the flavors of the dish.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey to make this recipe vegan.

## Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Bang Bang Tofu is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve it as a party appetizer with toothpicks or small skewers.
* **Main Course:** Serve it over rice or noodles with steamed vegetables.
* **Salad Topping:** Add it to salads for a protein-packed and flavorful topping.
* **Wrap Filling:** Use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or tortillas.
* **Bowls:** Create a Buddha bowl with rice, roasted vegetables, and Bang Bang Tofu.

## Variations

* **Bang Bang Cauliflower:** Substitute the tofu with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian alternative.
* **Bang Bang Chicken:** Use chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces instead of tofu for a non-vegetarian option.
* **Spicy Peanut Bang Bang Tofu:** Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the Bang Bang sauce for a nutty and flavorful twist.
* **Ginger Garlic Bang Bang Tofu:** Add grated ginger and minced garlic to the sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor.
* **Sesame Ginger Bang Bang Tofu:** Add toasted sesame oil and grated ginger to the sauce for a more complex flavor profile.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover Air Fryer Bang Bang Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the tofu and sauce separately to prevent the tofu from becoming soggy.
* **Reheating:** To reheat the tofu, you can use the air fryer, oven, or microwave. For the best results, reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Microwaving will make the tofu softer.
* **Freezing:** While it’s not ideal, you can freeze the tofu (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. However, the texture may change after freezing, becoming slightly more spongy. Thaw the tofu completely before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 25-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

## Air Fryer Bang Bang Tofu Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 block (14-16 ounces) extra-firm or firm tofu, pressed
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon neutral oil
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
* 2 tablespoons sriracha
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon soy sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
* Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Press the tofu to remove excess water. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
2. In a bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the tofu in the mixture to coat.
3. Drizzle with oil and toss again.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
6. While tofu is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and honey (if using) in a bowl.
7. Transfer cooked tofu to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the tofu and toss to coat.
8. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (optional).
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Enjoy this delicious and easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Tofu recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.