If you’re craving something that’s crispy, flavorful, and easy to whip up, you’re going to love this Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe. I remember the first time I tried air frying tofu—it was a game changer! This recipe combines that satisfying crunch with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s so addictive you’ll want to double it. Stick around and I’ll walk you through how to nail this every time, sharing my tips and tricks so your tofu turns out perfectly crisp and packed with flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Crispy Texture: Air frying makes the tofu perfectly crunchy without deep-frying mess.
  • Flavor-Packed Sauce: The spicy chili mayonnaise adds that creamy heat balance you’ll crave after every bite.
  • Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and mostly hands-off cooking, ideal for weeknights or last-minute meals.
  • Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice by adjusting the sriracha and chili sauce amounts.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise, crispy tofu recipes,air fryer tofu ideas, spicy tofu sauce, healthy vegan tofu dishes - A white bowl filled with fluffy white rice forms the base layer, topped with several medium-sized golden brown tofu cubes coated in a shiny, thick reddish-brown sauce. The tofu pieces are garnished with thin, bright green sliced scallions and scattered light-colored sesame seeds. A shiny silver fork is picking up one tofu cube from the bowl, and there is a second white bowl with more sauced tofu cubes in the blurry background, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination of ingredients achieves crispy tofu that’s well-seasoned on the inside, with a smoky and spicy punch from the chili mayo on the outside. I always recommend firm tofu here because it holds its shape best during air frying. Plus, using cornstarch gives you that irresistible crunch.

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise, crispy tofu recipes,air fryer tofu ideas, spicy tofu sauce, healthy vegan tofu dishes - Flat lay of firm tofu cubes, small bowls of reduced-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, a pile of cornstarch, fresh grated garlic cloves, Thai sweet chili sauce, and green sliced scallions, neatly arranged with a sprinkle of white sesame seeds scattered around, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Firm tofu: Press it well to squeeze out excess moisture—this step seriously makes crispiness happen.
  • Reduced-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory umami flavor without overpowering saltiness.
  • Toasted sesame oil: Just a touch adds a wonderful nutty aroma that complements the chili mayo.
  • Garlic powder & onion powder: These little seasonings boost the tofu’s base flavor perfectly.
  • Hot or smoked paprika: I love smoked paprika here for subtle smokiness, but hot paprika ups the heat.
  • Cornstarch: The secret to that crispy, golden tofu exterior.
  • Kosher salt & black pepper: To season both tofu and sauce just right.
  • Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the spicy chili aioli.
  • Thai sweet chili sauce: Balances out the heat with a mild sweetness and sticky texture.
  • Sriracha: Adds the kick that makes this sauce memorable and crave-worthy.
  • Garlic (freshly grated): Gives the sauce a vibrant punch of freshness.
  • Optional garnishes (scallions, sesame seeds): Adds color, texture, and that little something extra.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing up this recipe every now and then depending on what I’m craving or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to turn the heat up or dial it down by tweaking the amount of sriracha or swapping in a milder sauce. You can also try different coatings or add herbs for a fresh twist.

  • Variation: Once, I tried tossing the tofu in a sweet chili and lime glaze instead of spicy mayo — it was tangy and bright, a great summer alternative!
  • Vegan swap: Use vegan mayo to make this completely plant-based without losing that creamy texture.
  • Gluten-free option: Make sure your soy sauce is tamari or gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
  • Herbs & spices: Adding fresh cilantro or basil to the sauce can bring a fresh herbal zing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the tofu to build flavor

Start by cutting your firm tofu into nice, even 1 1/2″ cubes. This size crisps up well and stays juicy inside. Toss the cubes gently in a bowl with soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Cover it and pop it into the fridge for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour if you’re prepping ahead. This step is where the tofu absorbs all those punchy flavors that make the dish sing.

Step 2: Coat the tofu in cornstarch for crunch

Next, mix cornstarch with kosher salt and black pepper in a medium bowl. Toss your marinated tofu gently into this dry mixture until each piece is evenly coated—then give the tofu a little shake to remove any excess cornstarch. This cornstarch coating is what’s going to transform air frying tofu from soft to satisfyingly crispy.

Step 3: Air fry to golden, crispy perfection

Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket—you might need to do this in batches so they don’t overlap. Lightly spray the tofu with olive oil cooking spray to help it crisp up beautifully. Air fry at 400°F, tossing halfway through, for about 15 minutes or until they’re crisp and golden on the outside. Keep an eye on them — air fryer models vary, so don’t be afraid to check early and adjust time as needed.

Step 4: Whisk together the spicy chili mayonnaise

While your tofu cooks, mix up the sauce: whisk together freshly grated garlic, mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl. Taste and season with salt until it feels just right — the blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy is addictive. This sauce truly elevates the dish.

Step 5: Toss and serve with your favorite extras

Once your tofu is crispy and hot, toss it gently in the spicy chili mayo until each cube is coated beautifully. Serve it over steamed white rice and garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds for texture and a pop of color. The first bite? Pure bliss every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe

  • Press Your Tofu Well: I usually press mine for at least 15 minutes to remove moisture — it’s key for crispiness.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Give tofu pieces space to crisp evenly — overcrowding causes steaming instead of frying.
  • Adjust Spice Level Easily: I tweak sriracha amounts depending on my mood, so don’t be shy to experiment here.
  • Spray Lightly with Oil: A quick olive oil spray helps the cornstarch crust turn golden and crunchy—don’t skip it!

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise, crispy tofu recipes,air fryer tofu ideas, spicy tofu sauce, healthy vegan tofu dishes - A white bowl filled with many small cubed pieces coated in a shiny, thick orange sauce. The cubes have a slightly crispy texture visible through the sauce. On top, there are thin slices of green onions scattered evenly as well as black and white sesame seeds sprinkled throughout. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the glossy sauce and fresh garnishes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish with fresh green scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—that crunch and slight nuttiness on top is my favorite. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime or fresh cilantro if I have it on hand for a zesty lift.

Side Dishes

This tofu pairs wonderfully with simple steamed white rice or jasmine rice to soak up all that lovely sauce. For veggies, I love serving it alongside a crunchy slaw or quick sautéed greens like bok choy or kale for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this crispy tofu stacked on vibrant rainbow bowls featuring avocado, pickled carrots, and cucumber ribbons—makes for a colorful and fun presentation. You can even turn it into tacos with crunchy slaw and extra sauce for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge, keeping the sauce separate if possible. The tofu stays pretty crispy if you reheat it right, and the flavors improve after sitting overnight!

Freezing

Freezing is doable but I recommend freezing the tofu plain (after air frying) and the sauce separately. When thawed, reheat tofu in the air fryer to restore crispiness, then toss with sauce fresh for best texture.

Reheating

To keep that coveted crunch, I always reheat leftover tofu in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes rather than the microwave. Then give it a quick toss in the spicy chili mayo before serving. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

FAQs

  1. Can I use silken tofu for this Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe?

    Silken tofu is too soft and high in moisture to get that crispy texture in the air fryer. Firm or extra-firm tofu is your best bet for this recipe, especially if you want cubes that hold up well and crisp nicely.

  2. Do I need to press the tofu before cooking?

    Absolutely! Pressing the tofu removes excess water that would steam the cubes instead of crisping them up. I press mine with a tofu press for 15-20 minutes or wrap it in a clean towel with a heavy book on top if in a pinch.

  3. Can I make the spicy chili mayonnaise sauce ahead of time?

    Yes! You can mix the sauce a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before tossing with the tofu. Fresh garlic goes a long way here, so if you want maximum punch, add freshly grated garlic right before serving.

  4. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

    You can bake the tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe quickly became one of my kitchen favorites because it’s effortless yet so satisfying. Whether you’re feeding yourself or friends, its combination of crunchy, creamy, and spicy hits all the right notes. Give it a go—once you nail this, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again whenever you want a fast, healthy, and delicious meal that’s just a little bit special.

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Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Spicy Chili Mayonnaise Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

This Air Fryer Tofu recipe delivers crispy, flavorful tofu with a spicy-sweet sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy meal served over steamed white rice with scallions and sesame seeds.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Tofu

  • 1 (14-oz.) block firm tofu, cut into 1 1/2″ cubes
  • 2 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. hot or smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil cooking spray

For the Sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. sriracha

To Serve

  • Steamed white rice
  • Sliced scallions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Marinate the tofu: In a large bowl, toss the tofu cubes with soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes up to 1 hour to soak in the flavors.
  2. Coat the tofu: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss the marinated tofu in the cornstarch mixture until fully coated, shaking off any excess to ensure an even crispiness.
  3. Air fry the tofu: Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
  4. Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the grated garlic, mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Season the sauce with salt to taste.
  5. Toss tofu in sauce: Add the crispy tofu to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  6. Serve: Serve the sauced tofu over steamed white rice and garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds for added freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Press the tofu before marinating to remove excess water for a firmer texture.
  • If you prefer gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
  • Adjust sriracha quantity based on your preferred spice level.
  • Use an air fryer basket that allows airflow around tofu pieces for the crispiest results.
  • To make it vegan, substitute mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative.
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Hi, I’m Ashley Dawson. I share simple, delicious recipes made for real life, from quick weeknight dinners to sweet treats you’ll want to make again and again. Let’s make your kitchen the coziest place in your home.

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