Crispy Mandarin Tofu (Air Fryer & Oven Method)

This air fryer mandarin tofu is crispy, sweet, savory, and packed with fresh citrus flavor. Made with super-firm tofu and a simple homemade mandarin sauce, it’s an easy plant-based dinner that’s perfect for nourish bowls, rice bowls, stir-fries, salads, and meal prep.

The best part? Super-firm tofu requires no pressing, making this recipe quick enough for busy weeknights. Choose the air fryer for extra crispy tofu or bake it in the oven for a hands-off option.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Tofu

• 1 (16-ounce) block super-firm tofu, cut into ¾-inch cubes

For the Mandarin Sauce

• ¼ cup reduced-sodium tamari or coconut aminos

• ¼ cup water

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon sriracha, or to taste

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 2 mandarins, peeled

• 2-inch piece mandarin peel

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

For serving, optional:

• Cooked brown rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa

• Steamed broccoli

• Green onions, sliced

• Toasted sesame seeds

Method:

1. Make the Mandarin Sauce: Add the tamari, water, sesame oil, sriracha, maple syrup, mandarins, mandarin peel, garlic, and ginger to a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust as needed. Add more maple syrup for sweetness, sriracha for heat, or tamari for a saltier flavor.

2. Marinate the Tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a shallow airtight container. Pour in enough sauce to coat the tofu and gently toss to combine. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

3. Cook the Tofu: Remove the tofu from the marinade using tongs, allowing excess sauce to drip off. Reserve the remaining sauce.

   1. Air Fryer Method - Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.

   2. Oven Method - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the tofu in a single layer and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until golden and crisp around the edges.

4. Warm the Sauce: Transfer the reserved sauce to a small saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes.

5. Serve: Add the crispy tofu to the warm mandarin sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve over rice or quinoa with steamed broccoli and garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

6. Storage: Store leftover tofu and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

7. Reheat: Warm the tofu in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness before tossing with the sauce.

Recipe Tips:

• Super-firm tofu produces the crispiest texture and requires no pressing.

• Swap mandarins with clementines or oranges when needed.

• The mandarin sauce also works well with tempeh, chickpeas, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls.

Variations: For a fresh meal-prep option, enjoy the tofu cold over mixed greens, shredded red cabbage, carrots, daikon radish, toasted almonds, and green onions.