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If you love bold flavors and crispy textures, this gochujang tofu recipe is for you! This dish is spicy, savory, and just a little sweet—thanks to the magic of Korean gochujang paste. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect easy meal or protein-packed snack. And the best part? You don’t even need to fry it in oil. Instead, we’ll cook tofu in the air fryer to achieve that irresistible crispy texture with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Gochujang Tofu Recipe
Versatile – Serve it as a snack, over rice, or in wraps and bowls!
Super crispy texture – No deep frying needed! The air fryer makes tofu crispy with just a little oil.
Bold Korean-inspired flavors – Gochujang adds a deep, spicy-sweet umami punch.
Quick and easy – Less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
Tips for How to Get Crispy Tofu in the Air Fryer
The secret to crispy air fryer tofu? It’s all in the preparation! Here’s how to get that perfect crunchy exterior:
Flip halfway through cooking – This ensures an even crunch on all sides.
Use extra firm tofu – Softer tofu holds too much moisture and won’t crisp up well.
Press out excess water – Even firm tofu has extra moisture, so gently press it for the best results.
Coat with cornstarch – This creates a light, crispy crust when cooked.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Spread the tofu out so each piece gets evenly crispy.
Ingredients for Gochujang Tofu
If you want to make the best gochujang tofu, make sure you have the following ingredients:
Tofu:
- 8 ounces extra firm tofu – The base of the dish, providing protein and a satisfying texture.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch – Helps create that crispy outer layer.
- 1 tbsp oil – A little bit goes a long way in the air fryer!
Gochujang Sauce:
- 1/2 tsp rice vinegar – Adds a little acidity to brighten the flavors.
- 2 tbsp gochujang – A spicy, slightly sweet Korean red chili paste.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup – Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil – Adds a nutty depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp soy sauce – Enhances the umami richness.
How to Make Gochujang Tofu
- Pat tofu dry with a paper towel. Pressing is optional. Then, break apart the tofu into bite-sized pieces, coat with cornstarch and oil.
- Cook tofu in the air fryer at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- There are two methods you can Follow. (1) Toss crispy tofu in the gochujang sauce and serve! Or, (2) sauté the tofu in the sauce until it thickens before serving.
What to Serve with Gochujang Tofu
This crispy gochujang tofu is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Rice Bowls: Serve it over steamed rice with sautéed veggies and a drizzle of extra sauce.
- Lettuce Wraps: Wrap the tofu in crisp lettuce leaves with shredded carrots and cucumbers for a refreshing bite.
- Noodle Dishes: Toss it into a bowl of ramen or stir-fried noodles for an extra protein boost.
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Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
While pressing isn’t necessary, it helps remove excess moisture, resulting in crispier tofu. Personally, I skip pressing for this recipe because the cornstarch and air fryer combination work very well to add the perfect amount of crispiness to the tofu.
Gochujang Tofu
Ingredients
Tofu:
- 8 ounces extra firm tofu – The base of the dish providing protein and a satisfying texture.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch – Helps create that crispy outer layer.
- 1 tbsp oil – A little bit goes a long way in the air fryer!
Gochujang Sauce:
- 1/2 tsp rice vinegar – Adds a little acidity to brighten the flavors.
- 2 tbsp gochujang – A spicy slightly sweet Korean red chili paste.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup – Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil – Adds a nutty depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp soy sauce – Enhances the umami richness.
Garnish
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep the Tofu: Pat your tofu dry with a paper towel. You can also press the tofu for about 15 minutes, but that's optional. Then, break apart the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat the Tofu: In a bowl, toss the tofu with cornstarch and oil until evenly coated.
- Air Fry the Tofu: Place tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: While the tofu cooks, mix gochujang, maple syrup, sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
- Coat the Tofu: You can either (1) Transfer crispy tofu to a bowl, pour the sauce over, and toss until evenly coated., and serve immediately! Or, (2) you can add the sauce and tofu into a skillet with another 2 teaspoons of oil, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the tofu and mix well before serving.
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