Air Fryer Tofu with Sticky Chinese BBQ Sauce

Air-fried tofu with sticky Chinese barbecue sauce on white plate with sides.

5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Tofu with Sticky Chinese BBQ Sauce

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 vegan tofu recipe!

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: people

Author: Katie Workman

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

1 (12- to 16-ounce) package extra-firm tofu
¼ cup minced scallions (plus more for garlinsh)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably less-sodium)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or agave)
2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (or chili garlic sauce)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
Hot cooked rice (to serve; optional)

Instructions

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. (Learn all about pressing tofu!)
Preheat the air fryer to 375 F. Make the sauce: Combine the 1/4 cup scallions, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, brown sugar, hot sauce, garlic powder, and pepper until well combined.
Brush one side of the tofu rectangles with the sauce, then place the rectangles, sauce side down, in the air fryer basket. Brush the tops of the tofu with sauce. Cook in the air fryer at 375 F for about 15 minutes, brushing the tops of the tofu with more sauce at least once midway through the cooking.
When the tofu is hot throughout and the glaze has thickened and looks sticky, remove the tofu from the air fryer and sprinkle with additional minced scallions. Serve hot over rice, if desired.

Notes

Make the sauce while you are pressing the tofu.
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.

Nutrition