Tofu tossed in a zesty orange sauce. This easy Air Fryer Orange Tofu recipe is vegan and healthier than Panda Express orange chicken.
To make the sauce, combine soy sauce or tamari (use certified gluten-free tamari for GF), orange juice, sugar, sriracha for a little spice, and rice vinegar. Taste and adjust as needed.
What is Air Fryer Orange Tofu
Air Fryer Orange Tofu is a plant-based version of the orange chicken you’d get at Panda Express. The tofu is baked or air-fried for a crispy texture, then tossed in a sweet + zesty orange sauce. It’s vegan, gluten-free and a lot healthier than takeout!
To make the Air Fryer Orange Tofu, start by preparing the tofu. If your tofu is very moist, you may need to press it. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a paper towel and putting a plate on top with weight, or you can use a tofu press. Once the tofu is pressed, coat it with cornstarch and bake or air fry.
Next, prepare the sauce. Combine the orange juice, coconut sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well, then add the cornstarch and whisk until dissolved. Taste the sauce at this point to see if you need any adjustments – add more tang or sweetness as desired.
Finally, toss the pressed and coated tofu in the orange sauce and serve immediately. Enjoy! This recipe makes a great appetizer or snack, but it can also be served over rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. You could even stir the tofu into steamed veggies for a healthy meal!
How to make Air Fryer Orange Tofu
Air Fryer Orange Tofu is a vegan take on Panda Express-style orange chicken. This plant-based recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. The tofu is crispy and tossed in an addictive sweet orange sauce. It makes a perfect meal or snack on its own, or you can serve it over rice with steamed veggies.
This recipe starts with a few simple ingredients and is super quick to prepare. First, press the tofu using a tofu press or by placing it between two plates and putting heavy weight on top (like a jar of beans or a water bottle). Let it sit for 20 minutes. This step helps squeeze out excess moisture so that the tofu will crisp up in the air fryer or oven without being soggy and mushy.
Once the tofu is pressed, mix together the batter ingredients. Next, coat the pressed tofu with a light spray of olive oil and a light dusting of tapioca or cornstarch. Then place it on a parchment covered baking sheet in one single layer and bake at 400″F for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and crispy to your liking.
While the tofu is cooking, prepare the orange sauce in a small pot or skillet. Add the water, orange juice, lemon juice, tamari, garlic, ginger, orange zest, dates, and red pepper flakes to a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the sauce is bubbling, stir in the cornstarch or arrowroot mixture and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it thickens. Remove from the heat.
Is Air Fryer Orange Tofu healthy
Air Fryer Orange Tofu is a healthy vegan dinner that tastes just like your favourite Chinese takeout order. The crispy air fryer tofu is tossed in a sweet + zesty orange sauce and garnished with scallions. It’s the perfect combination of sweet + savoury and it’s even better when served with rice!
To make Air Fryer Orange Tofu, start by pressing the tofu to remove any excess water. I recommend using a tofu press or placing the tofu block between two plates and putting something heavy on top (such as a jar of beans). Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Dry the tofu cubes on paper towels, then toss them in a bowl with soy sauce, olive oil, cornstarch, garlic and pepper.
Add the tofu to the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Meanwhile, prepare the orange sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir together orange juice, agave, white wine vinegar, Bragg’s, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for a few minutes, then whisk in the cornstarch. It will form a quick slurry that thickens the orange sauce and coats the tofu.
What are the ingredients for Air Fryer Orange Tofu
To make Air Fryer Orange Tofu, you’ll need a few staple ingredients. The recipe starts with pressed tofu, which you can cook up in your air fryer or in the oven (preparation time includes 10 minutes for baking the tofu). Once the tofu is baked, it’s coated in a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs. Then it’s air fried to crispy perfection. The end result is tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and covered in a sweet and sticky orange sauce. It’s like your favourite Panda Express order, but healthier and vegan!
The orange sauce is made from a combination of sugar, coconut sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic. To thicken the sauce, whisk together a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, then add it to the saucepan. Then simmer and stir the sauce over low heat until it’s thickened.
To finish the dish, add the crispy tofu cubes to the sauce and toss to coat them well. Serve with rice or a grain like brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. You can also store leftovers in the fridge and reheat to serve later.
Can I marinate Air Fryer Orange Tofu in advance
You can make this Air Fryer Orange Tofu ahead of time and store it in the fridge in a sealed container. It will keep well for up to a day or two, but make sure you press the tofu well before air frying it to help it become crispier. You can do this by sandwiching the block of tofu between several plates or using a tofu press. If you don’t have a tofu press, any flat, heavy object will work. Drain the tofu well after pressing it, and slice into 1 inch cubes.
Before you make this recipe, be sure to have a good air fryer and the supplies needed to use it. Air fryers are becoming more and more popular, and they’re a great option for vegans because they’re healthier than deep-frying and don’t require oil.
The ingredients in this recipe are easy to find, and the instructions are straightforward. You will need a few kitchen essentials, like an air fryer, a cutting board and a knife. Other essentials include a resealable plastic bag, a small bowl and an air fryer basket. You will also need a variety of seasonings, such as sea salt, pepper and garlic powder. Other seasonings you might want to add include soy sauce, sesame oil and sriracha.
How long does it take to cook Air Fryer Orange Tofu
Air Fryer Orange Tofu is an easy and healthy vegan recipe. It is a delicious Asian Tofu recipe that is fried in an air fryer and tossed in an orange sauce. It is a healthier version of Panda Express Orange Tofu and it is so much easier to make at home. This is the perfect side dish for a meal or can be used as a filling snack.
Start by preparing the tofu. Press the tofu by wrapping it in paper towel and placing on a plate or bowl. Leave it to sit for 20-30 minutes until it releases all the water. Then, slice it into bite sized pieces. Toss the tofu with a light spray of olive oil and a dusting of cornstarch or tapioca starch. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder to taste. Then place it on a parchment covered baking sheet in one single layer.
Once the tofu is coated, place it in the air fryer and cook for about 12 minutes. It is important to shake the basket half way through cooking so that the tofu cooks evenly. Once the tofu is cooked, it will be crispy and golden. Let it cool before adding it to the orange sauce and serving. Enjoy!
What other recipes can I make with Air Fryer Orange Tofu
Air Fryer Orange Tofu is a vegan take on Panda Express orange chicken and it’s so easy to make! It’s also healthy and so much better for you than deep fried chicken. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you crave Chinese food but want to stick to a healthier diet!
To make this dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The main components are tofu, orange juice, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sriracha (optional), ginger and garlic. The recipe calls for brown sugar but you can use coconut sugar instead if you prefer. The sriracha adds some mild heat but if you are sensitive to spice, feel free to leave it out.
If you’re using an air fryer, make sure to line the basket with a piece of parchment paper before adding the tofu cubes. This will prevent them from sticking and makes it easier to flip.
The orange sauce is delicious on its own but you can also serve it with a variety of veggies. Some of our favorites include steamed green beans, broccoli florets and stir-fried carrots, snap peas, snow peas or mushrooms. You can also top the orange tofu with toasted sesame seeds, red chili flakes or fresh squeezed orange zest for an extra kick of flavor.