Vegan Asian Air Fryer Recipe: Crispy Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry
Asian cuisine offers a vibrant array of flavors, textures, and colors, making it a fantastic choice for creating healthy, plant-based dishes. Air frying takes this a step further by delivering crispy textures without excessive oil. This Vegan Asian Air Fryer Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a mix of crispy tofu and tender vegetables coated in a flavorful sauce. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and can be customized with your favorite veggies. Plus, using an air fryer ensures your meal is lower in calories without sacrificing taste.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Active Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian
- Course: Main Course
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 250 per serving
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Tongs
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (or vegan alternative)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
- Drain and press the tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Add tofu cubes and toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Toss the vegetables with sesame oil in a bowl.
- Add the vegetables to the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 7-10 minutes until tender but slightly crispy.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and the cornstarch-water mixture.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the air-fried tofu and vegetables. Pour the sauce over and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Tips for Success
- Press the tofu properly: Removing water ensures the tofu gets crispy in the air fryer.
- Cut vegetables uniformly: This helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Shake the basket: Periodically shaking the air fryer basket ensures even cooking.
- Customize the sauce: Add chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for weeknights with minimal preparation and cook time.
- Healthy: Air frying minimizes oil while preserving nutrients.
- Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables or swap tofu for tempeh or seitan.
- Flavorful: The umami-rich sauce ties the dish together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
- Pair with a side of miso soup or a simple Asian-style salad for a complete meal.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.