Published: Updated:

Air Fryer Tofu Stir Fry: Quick Vegan Weeknight Dinner

Meal
Asian
Tall Skillet
Medium Saucepan
Air Fryer
Prep:5 min
Cook:25 min
Total:30 min
Servings:2 medium bowls of tofu

Fast, flavorful, healthy weeknight dinner! This air fryer tofu stir fry is a quick vegan meal with crispy tofu, garlic, spinach, and simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make a quick vegan air fryer tofu stir fry with crispy tofu, fresh spinach, and a flavorful garlic sauce.

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or preferred cooking oil)
  • 1 block firm tofu
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 3 cups spinach
  • Red chili flakes or Korean red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 1 tsp grated or minced ginger (optional)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
  • 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar (optional)
  • Soy sauce, to taste
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • White or brown rice, cooked, as desired

Instructions

Cook the rice

  • Start cooking the rice in a medium saucepan.

Crisp the tofu

  • While the rice cooks, cut the tofu into small cubes and air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through.

Sauté aromatics and combine

  • When the tofu has about 3 minutes left, heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet. Add garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar to the skillet, adjusting to taste.
  • Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings or add more soy sauce as desired.

Serve

  • Serve the tofu and spinach mixture over the cooked rice.

Tips

  • You can make this stir fry without an air fryer, but pan-frying tofu will take longer.
  • Using an air fryer keeps tofu crispy and golden, perfect for quick vegan weeknight dinners.

Vegan Air Fry Tofu FAQs

Q: Can I make air fryer tofu without an air fryer?

A: Yes, you can pan-fry the tofu for a similar result, though it will take longer and require more oil.

Q: How do I keep tofu crispy in a stir fry?

A: Air frying or baking tofu before adding it to the stir fry keeps it crisp. Avoid adding tofu too early to the sauce.

Q: Can I swap vegetables?

A: Absolutely! Use any vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, for a colorful stir fry.

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: You can prep the tofu and vegetables ahead, but the stir fry tastes best when served immediately for maximum crispiness.