Air‑frying tofu gives it a golden crust while keeping the inside soft. A thin coat of cornstarch helps it get extra crunch without using much oil. Served over brown rice with cucumber, avocado, and a sweet‑tangy drizzle, this meal is both tasty and healthy.
Feel free to toss in any extra veggies you have, or add edamame for a protein boost.
Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes
Crispy Air‑Fried Tofu Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 (16‑oz./453 g) package extra‑firm tofu, water‑packed
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Cooking spray
- 2 ⅔ cups frozen brown rice (about 280 g)
- 1 cup thinly sliced English cucumber (≈120 g)
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions (≈20 g)
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (≈60 g)
- 2 Tbsp plain rice vinegar
Directions
- Pat the tofu dry: place the block between two layers of paper towels, cover with another set of towels, set a plate on top, and weigh it down with a heavy skillet. Let it sit for 15 minutes to press out excess water.
- After draining, cut the tofu into 1‑inch cubes. Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with sesame oil, then sprinkle the cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt. Toss gently until each piece is lightly coated.
- Pre‑heat the air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C) if your model requires it. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Spread the tofu in a single layer (you may need two batches). Cook 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the pieces are golden and crisp.
- While the tofu cooks, prepare the brown rice according to the package instructions.
- Divide about ⅔ cup of cooked rice into four bowls. Top each with cucumber slices, avocado, and green onions.
- Evenly distribute the crispy tofu among the bowls.
- In a small cup, whisk together the sweet chili sauce and rice vinegar. Drizzle the sauce over each bowl just before serving.
Servings: 4 | Portion size: 1 bowl
Nutrition per bowl (approx.): 396 kcal, 16 g fat, 49 g carbs, 15 g protein, 6 g fiber, 7 g sugar, 595 mg sodium.
Additional nutrients: 364 mg potassium, 7 % iron, 10 % vitamin C.