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Delicious Air Fryer Peanut Curry Tofu with Gingery Cauliflower Rice recipe photo

Air Fryer Peanut Curry Tofu with Gingery Cauliflower Rice

A crisp air-fried tofu tossed in a creamy peanut-curry sauce served over fragrant gingery cauliflower rice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz extra-firm tofu drained
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari or gluten-free tamari
  • 1 clove garlic grated (for marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated, divided (1 tsp for sauce, 1 tsp for rice)
  • olive oil spray for air fryer basket
  • 2 tablespoons peanuts chopped, for topping
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil for cauliflower rice
  • 1 clove garlic minced (for cauliflower rice)
  • 2 scallions white and green separated; whites for rice, greens for garnish
  • 12 oz riced cauliflower fresh or frozen
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce additional, for peanut sauce

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Medium Skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Cutting board and knife
  • paper or tea towels

Method
 

  1. Press the tofu: place drained tofu on a towel-lined plate, cover with another towel and set a heavy pan or weight on top for at least 10 minutes to press out excess water.
  2. Make the marinade: in a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce and the grated garlic clove and whisk until combined.
  3. Cut the tofu: transfer the pressed tofu to a cutting board, halve it lengthwise, then cut into 32 (about 1-inch) cubes and arrange in a single layer in a shallow dish.
  4. Season and marinate tofu: sprinkle the curry powder over the tofu, turning pieces to coat. Pour the soy-garlic marinade over the tofu and flip pieces so they are evenly coated. Let marinate at least 10 minutes.
  5. Make the peanut sauce: in the small bowl used for the marinade, add 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger and 1 teaspoon sriracha; whisk and add warm water a little at a time (about 2 1/2 tablespoons) until the sauce is pourable. Set aside.
  6. Air-fry the tofu: spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange tofu in a single layer. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 12–14 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  7. Cook the cauliflower rice: while the tofu cooks, heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, swirl to coat, then add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger and the scallion whites; sauté 30 seconds. Add the riced cauliflower, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and sauté 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until heated through and tender.
  8. Toss tofu with sauce: transfer the cooked tofu back into the shallow dish used for marinating (or a bowl), pour the peanut sauce over it, and toss gently to coat all pieces.
  9. Serve: divide the cauliflower rice between two shallow bowls, top each with half the sauced tofu, then sprinkle with scallion greens and chopped peanuts.

Notes

  • Press tofu at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  • Thin the peanut sauce with warm water to reach a pourable consistency.
  • Arrange tofu in a single layer for the crispiest air-fried texture.
  • Use fresh or thawed riced cauliflower and drain any excess water if frozen.
  • Adjust sriracha to taste for spiciness.