The mild flavor of tofu makes it so very flexible to cook with. Here, it is brushed with a sticky Chinese-inspired BBQ glaze, which not only amps up the flavor but also makes the outside texture super appealing against the softer interior. The glaze gets its flavor from a blend of scallions, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, brown sugar, hot sauce, garlic powder, and pepper. Nothing boring about this tofu recipe!

Serve this with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. Or make a more colorful meal by serving this with fried rice, such as vegetable fried rice or kimchi fried rice. Chili Crunch Cole Slaw would also be a perfect side to this tofu.

Cooking Tofu in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is a terrific appliance to think of when making tofu. The circulating hot air creates a firm and chewy exterior, while the middle stays moist and tender. Pressing the tofu before air frying it helps create this appealing texture, as it releases the excess water in the tofu. Use extra-firm tofu here.

This recipe was inspired by a cookbook called Air Fry Every Day by Ben Mims. Lots of delicious recipes there, and the book underscores the air fryer’s ability to not only “fry” but roast and bake as well. Check out a whole slew of air fryer recipes on the site and get some inspiration for this versatile appliance.

Ingredients

• Extra-firm tofu – This will hold its shape very well in the air fryer, especially if you press it first.
• Scallions or green onions – For color and an onion-ey flavor — make sure to have some extra for sprinkling at the end, which makes the dish look fresh and pretty.
• Soy sauce – Adds a salty note; I prefer less-sodium soy sauce
• Rice vinegar –  A mild vinegar. I usually use unseasoned, but in this case, either seasoned or unseasoned will work.
• Hoisin sauce – An indispensable ingredient in Chinese cooking, made from soybeans, chili, and garlic.
• Brown sugar or agave – You could also use honey, but brown sugar and agave add sweetness and keep this recipe vegan.
• Sriracha or chili garlic sauce – A bit of heat, not too much!
• Garlic powder – In some recipes, I prefer garlic powder rather than fresh garlic as it blends into the marinade more smoothly.
• Freshly ground pepper – A bit more heat, as you wish.

How to Make Vegan Chinese BBQ Tofu in the Air Fryer

1. Prep the tofu: Slice the tofu into 1/2-inch thick rectangles. Place on a flat plate, place another flat plate on top, and press for 20 minutes. Drain off the liquid that has been released. (Get tips about pressing tofu!)

2. Make the sauce: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F. Combine the 1/4 cup scallions, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, brown sugar, hot sauce, garlic powder, and pepper until well combined. 

3. Air-fry the tofu: Brush the tofu with sauce. Cook in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for about 15 minutes, brushing the tops of the tofu with more sauce midway through the cooking. When the glaze has thickened and looks sticky, remove the tofu from the air fryer and sprinkle it with additional minced scallions or green onions. Serve hot over rice, if desired.

Leftovers and Storage

Leftovers will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy cold or at room temperature, or reheat in the oven or the air fryer just until warmed through. Leftovers are great diced and added to rice or grain bowls.

What to Serve With Air-Fried Tofu in BBQ Sauce

Pineapple Fried Rice

Simple Stir-Fried Broccoli

Simple Stir-Fried Vegetables

More Tofu Recipes

• Orange Tofu
• Korean Tofu Salad
• Tofu with Peanut Sauce
• Spicy, Sweet, and Nutty Tofu
• Vegetarian Pad Thai