Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu

This flavorful Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu dish will make you a believer in Tofu. It’s packed with a zesty citrus punch, drenched in a velvety sweet and tangy sauce that just leaves your mouth watering for more. This is an easy dish that can be made any day of the week, and the sauce can be made separately for an easy meal prep idea.

Table of Contents

• Background of Orange Tofu
• Why You’ll Love Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu
• What Is In Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu?
• Key Ingredients
• How To Make Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu
• Have It Your Way!
• Nutritional Facts
• Other Recipes You’ll Love
• Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu Recipe

Background of Orange Tofu

The background of orange tofu lies at the intersection of traditional Chinese cuisine and the evolving culinary landscape of Chinese-American cuisine. While tofu itself has been a staple in Chinese cooking for centuries, the adaptation of tofu dishes to incorporate orange flavoring is a more recent development, likely originating in Chinese-American kitchens.

The concept of combining sweet and tangy flavors with protein-rich ingredients is not new to Chinese cuisine. Dishes like General Tso’s chicken, with its signature sweet and spicy sauce, have long been enjoyed in both China and the United States. However, as dietary preferences shifted and interest in vegetarian and vegan options grew, chefs and home cooks began experimenting with alternative protein sources, including tofu.

Orange tofu likely emerged as a vegetarian or vegan twist on classic Chinese-American dishes like General Tso’s chicken. By replacing the chicken with tofu, cooks were able to create a similar flavor experience while catering to a wider range of dietary preferences.

The key to orange tofu is the sauce, which typically consists of orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings. This combination of flavors creates a sticky, tangy glaze that coats the crispy tofu cubes, resulting in a dish that is both sweet and savory.

While the exact origins of orange tofu are difficult to trace, it has become a popular dish in Chinese-American restaurants and beyond. Its vibrant flavors and versatile nature have made it a favorite among vegetarians, vegans, and tofu enthusiasts alike, showcasing the ongoing evolution of Chinese cuisine in response to changing tastes and dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu

Get ready to fall in love with our Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu because:

• Crispy perfection: Air-frying tofu results in a crunchy texture without the need for excess oil.
• Burst of flavor: The tangy sweetness of the orange glaze perfectly complements the crispy tofu.
• Vegan-friendly: Packed with plant-based goodness, this dish is suitable for anyone following a vegan lifestyle.

What Is In Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu?

Our Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu features:

• Tofu: The star ingredient, tofu provides a protein-rich base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a vibrant citrusy flavor to the glaze.
• Soy sauce: Adds depth and umami richness to the glaze, enhancing its savory profile.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating on the tofu when air-fried.
• Ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the orange glaze, complementing the tanginess of the citrus.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic notes and savory richness, enhancing its overall depth of flavor.

Key Ingredients

• Tofu has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries, prized for its versatility and nutritional value. Made from soybeans, tofu is rich in protein and serves as the perfect canvas for absorbing flavors.
• Oranges, native to China, have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are celebrated for their sweet and tangy flavor, as well as their high vitamin C content. Oranges are commonly used in Chinese cooking to add brightness and depth of flavor to dishes.

How To Make Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu

Air Fry Tofu

1. Cut Tofu into small cubes, coat them with 2 Tbsp cornstarch, oil and soy sauce.

2. Air fry the Tofu at 350 for 15 minutes

Orange Tofu Stir Fry

3. In a Wok over medium-high heat add sesame oil, and allow it to heat up. Then add Ginger, Garlic, and Red Chili Flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

4. Add the Orange Juice, Brown Sugar, 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce, Orange Zest, and White Vinegar. Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer.

5. Add the Cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp Cornstarch + 1 Tbsp Water) and allow the sauce to thicken.

6. Add the Tofu to the Orange sauce, and combine to coat all Tofu pieces with Orange sauce and heat through.

7. Enjoy with rice or vegetables.

Have It Your Way!

Customize your Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu with these hacks:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Swap orange juice for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
• Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili for variation.

Nutritional Facts

One serving of our Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu provides a balanced mix of essential nutrients. Tofu serves as a high-quality source of plant-based protein, while the orange juice contributes vitamin C and other antioxidants. Additionally, the garlic and ginger provide various health benefits, including immune support and anti-inflammatory properties. With minimal added oil and a focus on wholesome ingredients, this dish is a nutritious option for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Vegan Mapo Tofu
• Gochujang Tofu
• Black Pepper Tofu
• Thai Basil Braised Tofu
• Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu

Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu Recipe

Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu

Berry Berry Life

Elevate your vegan cooking game with our Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu recipe! This dish offers a delightful combination of crispy tofu and tangy orange glaze, making it a mouthwatering treat for vegans and non-vegans alike.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

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For the Tofu:

• 14 ounce Extra Firm Tofu pressed
• 1 Tbsp. Cooking Oil
• 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
• 2 Tbsp Corn Starch

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
• 1 Tbsp Ginger peeled and grated
• 1 Tbsp Garlic finely minced or grated
• 1 Tsp Red Chili Flakes
• 1 cup Orange Juice freshly squeezed
• ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
• 2 Tbsp Vinegar
• 2 Tsp Orange Zest
• 1 Tbsp Corn Starch
• 1 Tbsp Cold Water

Equipment

• HexClad 12in Wok
• Spatula
• Air Fryer

Instructions

 

Air Fry Tofu

• Cut Tofu into small cubes, coat them with 2 Tbsp cornstarch, oil and soy sauce.
• Air fry the Tofu at 350 for 15 minutes

Orange Tofu Stir Fry

• In a Wok over medium-high heat add sesame oil, and allow it to heat up. Then add Ginger, Garlic, and Red Chili Flakes and saute for 1-2 minutes.
• Add the Orange Juice, Brown Sugar, 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce, Orange Zest, and White Vinegar. Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer.
• Add the Cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp Cornstarch + 1 Tbsp Water) and allow the sauce to thicken.
• Add the Tofu to the Orange sauce, and combine to coat all Tofu pieces with Orange sauce and heat through.
• Enjoy with rice or vegetables.

Notes

1. If using a conventional oven, preheat to 425 F, add the tofu to a parchment lined baking sheet and bake on the top rack for 30 minutes.
2. Leftovers will last for 5 days in the refrigerator
3. For meal prep, keep the crispy Tofu and Orange sauce separate. Heat individually and combine for crispy tofu.
4. Can be served with:
   1. Cooked rice or noodles
   2. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables
5. Garnish with:
   1. Green onions, thinly sliced
   2. Sesame seeds, for garnish

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcal

Keyword Air Fry, Chinese, Crispy, Orange, Tofu, Vegan

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