This air fryer chili-garlic tofu with green beans is a quick and flavorful dish that combines crispy tofu with vibrant green beans. The chili-garlic sauce adds a spicy kick, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal cooking skills. You can serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Preparing the Tofu
Start by selecting firm tofu, which holds its shape well during cooking. Drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture, ensuring it crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. This size allows for even cooking and a delightful texture. Place the cubes in a bowl, ready for marinating.
Creating the Marinade
The marinade is where the flavor begins. In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This mixture will coat the tofu, infusing it with a spicy kick.
Once mixed, pour the marinade over the tofu cubes. Gently toss to ensure each piece is well-coated. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 10 minutes, letting the flavors penetrate.
Cooking the Tofu in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential for achieving that golden brown, crispy exterior.
After preheating, arrange the marinated tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. The result should be perfectly crispy tofu, ready to be paired with green beans.
Preparing the Green Beans
While the tofu is cooking, focus on the green beans. Trim the ends and prepare them for steaming or blanching. This process should take about 3-5 minutes, ensuring they remain tender yet crisp.
Once cooked, drain the green beans and set them aside. They will complement the tofu beautifully, adding a fresh crunch to the dish.
Combining and Serving
Once the tofu is done cooking, it’s time to bring everything together. Toss the crispy tofu with the cooked green beans in a large bowl. This combination not only looks vibrant but also offers a delightful mix of textures.
For an extra touch, garnish the dish with chopped green onions. Serve hot alongside fluffy rice for a complete meal that is both appetizing and colorful.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, with a healthy balance of protein and fats.
The combination of tofu and green beans provides a good source of plant-based protein and essential vitamins. This meal is perfect for those looking for a quick yet nutritious dinner option.
Quick and Spicy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
This dish features cubes of tofu marinated in a spicy chili-garlic sauce, then air-fried until golden and crispy. Paired with fresh green beans, it takes about 25 minutes to prepare and serves 2-3 people.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in a bowl.
- Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, mix together soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Tofu: Pour the marinade over the tofu cubes and gently toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Air Fry the Tofu: Place the marinated tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Cook the Green Beans: While the tofu is cooking, steam or blanch the green beans until tender but still crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Once the tofu is done, toss it with the cooked green beans. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2-3 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 12g