Unlike pan-frying or sautéing, air-frying tofu allows you to achieve a delicious crust on the outside with minimal fat. We use seasoned cornstarch to create a light, crispy coating that gives way to a creamy texture inside. Paired with brown rice, cucumber, avocado and a sweet and tangy sauce, it’s an easy, impressive vegan meal.
This recipe is a perfect candidate for throwing in extra veggies or frozen veggies you have on hand. You can also up the protein content by adding shelled edamame and making it a protein-rich, veggie-packed meal.
Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes
Crispy air-fried tofu bowls
Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz./453g) package water-packed extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
- 2 2/3 cups (280 g) frozen brown rice
- 1 cup (120 g) English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 medium avocado, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (20 g) green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (60 g) sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
Directions
Cut the tofu into 1-inch slices and place on a double layer of paper towel. Top with another double layer of kitchen paper, place a plate on top and thin it down with a heavy frying pan. Leave for 15 minutes to drain excess moisture. Remove the scale and paper towels, then cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and transfer to a medium bowl. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with cornstarch, garlic powder and salt; toss gently to coat.
If necessary, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Coat the air-fryer basket with cooking spray and place in as even a layer as possible (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry for 15-20 minutes or until brown and crispy, pausing every 5 minutes to shake the basket and toss the tofu.
Meanwhile, cook the rice according to the instructions on the package. Divide about 2/3 cup rice between 4 bowls and top each with cucumber, avocado and green onions. Divide the tofu evenly between the bowls.
In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce and rice vinegar. Drizzle evenly over each bowl before serving.
Serves: 4 | Serving size: 1 bowl
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 396; Total fat: 16g; Saturated fat: 3g; Monounsaturated fat: 6g; Polyunsaturated fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 595 mg; Carbohydrate: 49g; Dietary fiber: 6g; Sugar: 7 g; Protein: 15g
Nutritional bonus: Potassium: 364mg; Iron: 7%; Vitamin C: 10%
Originally published October 15, 2020; Updated March 2026