Spicy Air Fryer Tofu Stir-Fry
A plant-based, protein-packed dish with crispy tofu, snap peas, and carrots, tossed in a spicy garlic sauce that's both budget-friendly and bursting with flavor. This asian-inspired air fryer (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs block (14 oz) firm tofu, snap peas, medium, julienned carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 medium, julienned carrots
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Press tofu into a cake to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Place tofu in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in snap peas and carrots; cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add soy sauce and sriracha; stir until sauce thickens slightly. Return tofu to skillet and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Air Fryer Tofu Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spicy Air Fryer Tofu Stir-Fry?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep block (14 oz) firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Air Fryer Tofu Stir-Fry?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spicy Air Fryer Tofu Stir-Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Spicy Air Fryer Tofu Stir-Fry vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
