Air Fryer Bang Bang Tofu

This simple air fryer bang bang tofu is the perfect combination of savory and sweet, with an optional slight spice, perfect crisp texture thanks to the air fryer. It’s made with pantry staple ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes!

I’ve been on a real tofu kick lately and this bang bang tofu does not disappoint! It’s sweet yet savory, crunchy with a soft interior and made in the air fryer for a more hands off meal! Tofu can definitely get a bad rap, but when prepared properly, it really is SO good and takes on the flavor of whatever you put on it.

For this recipe, we’ll coat it in some spices and tamari (gluten free soy sauce if you aren’t familiar), air fry until crispy, then coat in a simple bang bang sauce and that’s it! You can make it sweeter if you prefer, spicier, tangier (by using greek yogurt in place of mayo) etc. If you love this recipe, try my bang bang cauliflower next!

Quick tips

• This recipe calls for mayo (or greek yogurt) which does contain egg, but if you need to make a vegan version, just use an egg free mayo- I like the avocado oil one from Sir Kensingtons. This is the only swap you need to make to make it vegan. The honey is optional so if you want extra sweetness but want to keep it vegan, just swap for maple syrup.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in two batches. You ideally want it in a single layer to ensure it can cook evenly and get as crispy as possible!

How to make bang bang tofu

Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Drain off any excess liquid from your package of tofu and either cut into 1 inch cubes or just use your hands to rip into roughly 1 inch pieces. I like ripping it because it gives it a bit more of a unique texture!

Add to a mixing bowl and toss with the tamari/soy sauce. Toss with the tapioca, spices, and salt. Drizzle with the olive oil.

Spray your air fryer basket with a bit of oil and then add the tofu in an even layer. Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking the basket half way.

Meanwhile, whisk up all ingredients for the sauce in a small dish. Add the tofu to a pan on the stove, add in the sauce and heat over medium low heat. This will help keep everything warm but also soften up the sauce a bit. Remove from heat and serve over rice with my air fryer green beans and sesame seeds. Enjoy and try my gochujang korean tofu next!

Oven instructions

If you don’t own an air fryer, you can absolutely make this recipe in a regular oven!

To do so, follow all of the same instructions, but instead of air frying it, bake at 400 degrees Fahreneheit for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, tossing the tofu at the halfway point. Then, let it cool for 5 minutes and toss with the sauce on the stove until glossy. Enjoy!

How to store

Tofu really loses its crispiness after just a few hours, so prepping this recipe in advance is not recommended. You can definitely prepare the sauce ahead of time and just make the tofu when you’re ready to serve. If you do have extra, it will keep in the fridge for about 3 days, just reheat in the air fryer to get some of that crisp back!

Serving suggestions

I love keeping this bang bang tofu really simple with just some jasmine rice and some kind of green veggie since the tofu itself has so much flavor. Here are some other delicious options if you want to mix it up:

• Rice noodles instead of rice. You can try with one of my Asian noodle recipes!
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Side salad or my edamame crunch salad
• Turn into lettuce wraps like my peanut chicken lettuce wraps

More tofu recipes you’ll love!

Teriyaki Tofu

Tomato Basil Tofu Pasta

Best Tofu Scramble

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