The Indian festival season is almost over and just like that it is time for Christmas. I wanted to get some normal everyday cooking done in the house before I started my holiday baking. So decided to make this quick and easy spicy tofu stir fry. Trust me it is so delicious and that you will have to make a couple of blocks of tofu. We are absolutely big time tofu lovers in our family. Boys would pick and eat tofu from all the noodles that I make or order outside. And one of our favorite to eat at the restaurant is fried tofu that is served with sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce. Since we all love tofu, I made this Spicy Fried tofu for the first time as a stir fry. Something similar to Gobi Manchurian, that can be eaten by itself as an appetizer or with fried rice.
Air frying, pan frying or deep frying?
The tofu traditionally is deep fried to get that nice crispy exterior. I deep fried it once and it was absolutely marvelous. But then after that I only pan fried / shallow fried the tofu. That did yield a nice crunch on the tofu but not as much as deep frying. And then ever since I bought the air fryer, there is no turning back to either methods. Air fryer tofu is absolutely marvelous with no extra oil and there is just no compromise on the crunch. It comes out perfect each and every time. So these days, I only air fry the tofu for all my recipes. If you are still on the fence about purchasing an air fryer, this Air Fryer tofu stir fry recipe will make you buy one.
Ingredients needed
Check the recipe card at the bottom of the page for exact measurements and printable detailed recipes. Arancini / Italian Rice Balls - The popular Sicilian street food gets a makeover by being air fried to make it a healthier and guilt-free snack/appetizer. Air fryer cabbage steaks - This air fryer cabbage steak is a delicious vegan side. The cabbage steak is perfectly cooked and seasoned and has lovely browned edges. Crispy masala peanuts - This air fryer crispy masala peanut recipe is healthy, vegan, and gluten-free and is loved by kids and adults.
Tofu - I prefer to use extra firm or firm tofu to make the Air fryer tofu. They hold up well to frying.
Fresh Produce - We will need Onion, bell pepper, garlic and scallion (spring onions) for the recipe.
Sauces - I have used Soy sauce and chili sauce for the recipe. You could use store bought chili sauce like siracha or make your own like this chili paste.
Corn starch - In US, we use the corn starch. If in India, it is known by corn flour. Use the finest corn flour that is available.
Brown sugar - I use the light brown sugar. Maple syrup or honey can be a good substitute for brown sugar in the tofu stir fry recipe.
Toasted sesame seeds - Just a little to add a layer of nutty flavor and crunch. Salt, Pepper and Oil
Step by step process
Add the corn flour, salt and pepper to the chopped tofu and mix it well.
To pan fry the tofu - Heat 2 tablespoon of oil in a wok or fry pan and add the tofu in it and shallow fry it until golden brown. Drain it on a paper towel and keep aside.
To air fry the tofu - Spray a thin layer of oil on the tofu and place it in a single layer in the basket of the pre-heated air fryer. Air fry it in 400 F for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Toss the tofu around couple of times in between.
Saute the onion and bell pepper.
Now add the spring onions and garlic and fry for a minute.
Add the soy sauce, brown sugar and the chili sauce and mix well.
To this add the tofu and give it a good toss to combine.
Transfer it to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds (if using) and serve.
Use firm or extra firm tofu for the best results. Take time to remove as much as moisture from the tofu to get the crisp texture. If pan frying the tofu, make sure to keep flipping the pan evenly brown the tofu on all sides. Serve the Air fryer tofu stir fry right after assembling or else it could get soggy. More vegetables can be added to make it vegetable stir fry with tofu.
Other Appetizer Ideas
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