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Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Tofu - Crispy, Bright, And Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Tofu: 14–16 oz extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • Crisping mixture: 2 tablespoons cornstarch (plus 1 teaspoon for the sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, or grapeseed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Sweet and sour sauce: 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from a can is fine)
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but great)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
  • Veggies and extras: 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 small red onion, chopped
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • To serve: Cooked rice or noodles, lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  • Press the tofu. Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel and set something heavy on top (like a skillet) for 15–20 minutes. This step helps the tofu crisp up.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). A hot basket helps the tofu get golden fast.
  • Cube and season. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss gently with 1 tablespoon oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cornstarch over the tofu and toss again until evenly coated.
  • Air fry the tofu. Arrange the cubes in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway. They should be crisp and lightly browned at the edges.
  • Sauté the veggies. While the tofu cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add a small splash of oil, then the bell peppers and red onion. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Add pineapple and cook 1 minute more. Remove to a plate.
  • Make the sauce. In the same skillet, add ketchup, vinegar, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir the 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
  • Combine everything. Add the crispy tofu and sautéed veggies to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. Cook 1 minute to warm through.
  • Taste and adjust. Add a splash more vinegar for tang, a pinch more sugar for sweetness, or a dash of soy sauce for depth. If the sauce seems too thick, loosen with a tablespoon of water or pineapple juice.
  • Serve. Spoon over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. A squeeze of lime is great if you like extra brightness.