General Tso’s Tofu.

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

• Extra-Firm Tofu: 1 block (14–16 oz), drained, pressed, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons (essential for that extra-crispy exterior)
• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (low-sodium preferred)
• Neutral Oil: 1 tablespoon (such as avocado or canola oil)
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Ginger Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt & Black Pepper: A pinch of each

For the General Tso’s Sauce:

• Vegetable Broth or Water: 1/3 cup
• Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
• Hoisin Sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste for sweetness)
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (adjust for your preferred spice level)
• Cornstarch Slurry: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water

For Garnish & Serving:

• Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
• Steamed broccoli florets
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions (scallions)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Press the Tofu

1. Begin by draining your block of extra-firm tofu. Wrap it tightly in clean paper towels or a lint-free kitchen towel, and place a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet or a couple of heavy books) on top. Let it press for 15 to 20 minutes to extract excess moisture. Pressing is a crucial step; less moisture inside the tofu means it will crisp up much better in the air fryer. Once pressed, unwrap the tofu and cut it evenly into bite-sized 3/4-inch cubes.

Step 2: Season and Coat the Tofu

1. Transfer the cubed tofu into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of neutral oil and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce directly over the tofu, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. Sprinkle the garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper over the tofu and toss again. Next, add the cornstarch 1 tablespoon at a time, gently folding the cubes until a light, even powdery coating forms over every piece. Make sure there are no wet spots remaining.

Step 3: Air Fry the Tofu

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes if your model requires preheating. Transfer the coated tofu cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd the basket; if necessary, cook them in two separate batches to ensure proper airflow and crispiness. Air fry at 400°F for 14 to 16 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the cubes gently every 4 to 5 minutes. The tofu is done when it is golden brown and delightfully crunchy on the outside. Remove from the air fryer and set aside.

Step 4: Whisk the Sauce Ingredients

1. While the tofu is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small mixing bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the vegetable broth, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar is fully dissolved. In a separate small cup, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create your slurry, and set it nearby.

Step 5: Simmer the Aromatics and Sauce

1. Place a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of neutral oil, then toss in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Sauté continuously for about 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn. Pour the liquid sauce mixture directly into the skillet. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

1. Stir your cornstarch slurry once more to make sure no cornstarch has settled at the bottom, then pour it slowly into the simmering skillet while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze that coats the back of a spoon. Taste the sauce and adjust with a little more brown sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or more red pepper flakes if you want it spicier.

Step 7: Combine and Toss

1. Turn off the heat or reduce it to low. Immediately add the crispy air-fried tofu cubes into the skillet with the warm glaze. Toss gently and quickly so that every single piece of tofu is thoroughly coated in the rich General Tso’s sauce without losing its crisp texture.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

1. Serve your homemade Air Fryer General Tso’s Tofu immediately while hot. Spoon it generously over a bed of warm steamed jasmine rice alongside steamed broccoli florets. Garnish the top with a handful of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions for an authentic finish.

Nutrition

Calories: ~245 kcal · Protein: 14 g · Fat: 9.5 g Saturated Fat: 1.2 g · Carbohydrates: 24 g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 1.2 g Cholesterol: 0 mg · Fiber: 2.5 g · Sugar: 10 g · Sodium: 680 mg