This post may contain affiliate links. By browsing this website, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.
This Air Fryer General Tso’s Tofu recipe is one of my favorite tofu recipes! Bites of crispy “fried” tofu tossed in a sweet, sticky, spicy General Tso’s sauce. It’s the perfect easy weeknight meal that’s also vegan, gluten-free, and ready in just 30 minutes!
Making Chinese tofu recipes at home is one of my favorite ways to satisfy a comfort food craving without breaking the bank. General Tso’s sauce is more spicy and sour than my Sweet Orange Tofu and lighter than my Creamy Peanut Tofu – perfect for when you’re craving something in between! And this Air Fryer General Tso’s tofu is NOT just for tofu lovers. Once air fried and tossed in a spicy, sticky sauce, everyone will love the taste and texture of this plant-based protein.
If you’re looking for more tofu recipes that’ll satisfy a Chinese food craving, check out these blog favorites: Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen, Egg Roll in a Bowl, Tofu Fried Rice, and Tofu Banh Mi!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s significantly cheaper than takeout. Takeout is fun and all, but when it costs you $20 per plate, plus delivery? No thanks! Make it at home with ingredients you can pronounce for a fraction of the price (about $1.68 per serving).
- Air Fryer or stovetop option. I prefer using the air fryer because I can make the tofu extra crispy with just a little bit of oil. But if you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry! I’ve included a stovetop option that is just as easy and delicious.
- It’s quick. Dinner is served in 30 minutes (including fluffy rice and making a homemade general Tso’s sauce!).
- Vegan and gluten-free. Takeout inspired comfort food can be enjoyed by all kinds of eaters!
Ingredient Notes
- Extra-firm tofu: Please only use extra-firm tofu or super firm tofu. Softer tofu varieties contain too much excess water. Save them for recipes like Tofu Fried Rice, Tofu Bolognese, or Silken Tofu Scrambled Eggs.
- Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the General Tso’s sauce and makes the tofu cubes extra crispy.
- Oil: Use a high smoke point oil such as vegetable oil or avocado oil.
- Hoisin sauce: This thick, dark Chinese condiment adds a complex sweet and savory umami flavor. Highly recommend adding it to your kitchen pantry – it adds so much flavor!
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel like sweetness that balances the salty and spicy flavors in the General Tso sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy, brightness that keeps this dish light and delicious.
- Garlic + ginger: These key aromatics add necessary flavor and spice to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: Adjust to your heat preference. I use 1/2 teaspoon, but if you are sensitive to spice, reduce to 1/4 teaspoon and increase from there.
Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the complete ingredient measurements and full instructions.
Substitutions
- Soy sauce: Replace the traditional soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce like tamari.
- Brown sugar: Use coconut sugar, or, if you’re out of brown sugar, make your own Brown Sugar from scratch with granulated cane sugar and molasses. Avoid using liquid sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or agave unless you don’t mind a saucy tofu.
- Rice vinegar: Try an equal amount of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Garlic + ginger: Fresh is best, but you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of dried garlic powder and ground ginger in a pinch.
You’ll love this!
Tofu Press
The original and best tofu press that helps to easily and quickly remove water. Makes the best, crispy tofu!
How to Make Air Fryer General Tso’s Tofu
Step 1: Whisk together the general tso’s sauce ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes and half cup of water.
Step 2: Coat the tofu in cornstarch. Cut the block of tofu into bite-sized cubes and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle over 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and salt, then toss to combine. The tofu should be completely coated on each side.
Step 3: Air fry the tofu. Transfer the cornstarch coated tofu to the air fryer in a single layer. Spray generously with cooking spray and air fry the tofu at 400F for 20 minutes, shaking and spraying with additional oil halfway through.
Step 4: Simmer the sauce. When the tofu has about 10 minutes left, pour the General Tso’s sauce into a large skillet over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a low simmer
Step 5: Thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and and 2 tablespoons of water to make a cornstarch slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir well to combine. After a minute, the General Tso’s sauce should begin to thicken. Continue to simmer, mixing constantly, until the sauce is thick and glossy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Add in the crispy tofu. Lastly, add the crispy air fryer tofu into the skillet with the General Tso’s sauce and toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
Serve 7: Fill your serving bowls with white rice, then scoop over the General Tso’s tofu and sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top of the tofu. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
When served over fluffy white rice or brown rice, this Air Fryer General Tso’s Tofu is a great, filling weeknight meal as is. If you’re interested in serving veggies on the side, try steamed broccoli, Air Fryer Green Beans or Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Or, serve this restaurant-style dish with additional easy side dishes, like Potstickers or Spring Rolls.
Recipe FAQs
Do I have to press the tofu before air frying?
YES. The only exception would be if you are using super firm tofu. Super firm tofu has already been pressed before packaged.
Why is my tofu not getting crispy in the air fryer?
This can happen if your tofu is too moist (make sure to press the tofu well before using!), if you did not use enough cornstarch, or if the temperature is not hot enough. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to preheat your specific model before using.
Is tofu better pan fried or air fried?
The end result is very similarly crispy tofu. The only difference is with an air fryer, you are able to use significantly less oil, which can be beneficial if you don’t enjoy pan-frying or deep frying food at home.
Storage Instructions
Vegan General Tso’s tofu is best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- Try freezing your tofu. If you’ve made my Crispy Peanut Tofu and Vegan Orange Tofu, you’ll know this trick! Freezing, then thawing tofu, helps to make the texture of the tofu more airy and spongy, and tastes very similar to General Tso’s chicken. Perfect for a tofu skeptic or family’s that are switching to eating more affordable plant-based proteins like tofu!
- Purchase super firm tofu. This is a great shortcut if you’re short on time because super firm tofu has already been pressed.
- Taste the general tso’s sauce before using. Depending on your taste buds, you might prefer a spicier sauce over a sticky-sweet sauce. Taste, and adjust the spices to taste to make sure it’s perfect before you add in the crispy tofu.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. When making crispy tofu in the air fryer, it is very important to keep the tofu in a single layer in the bottom of the air fryer basket, with enough space between each bite of tofu to let the hot air circulate properly.
More Easy Tofu Recipes
Vegan Red Curry Ramen (Slow Cooker Recipe!)
Crispy Peanut Tofu
Crispy Orange Tofu
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Casserole
Air Fryer General Tso’s Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 (16 ounce) block extra-firm tofu frozen and thawed ($3.36)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch ($0.12)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ($0.01)
- vegetable oil cooking spray ($0.09)
General Tso's Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ($0.52)
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce ($0.60)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar ($0.09)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar ($0.24)
- 3 cloves garlic minced ($0.18)
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated ($0.11)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes ($0.03)
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons water divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ($0.04)
For Garnish
- sesame seeds ($0.54)
- green onion sliced ($0.44)
- white or brown rice ($0.36)
Instructions
- Freeze and thaw your tofu ahead of time. Allow 48 hours for thawing completely in refrigerator! Once fully thawed, gently press the tofu for 20-30 minutes to remove the excess water.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and ½ cup water. Set aside.
- Cut the tofu into cubes and add to a mixing bowl with the 3 tbsp of cornstarch and salt. Mix together until the tofu is evenly coated.
- Transfer the cornstarch coated tofu to the air fryer in a single layer. Spray generously with cooking spray and air fry the tofu at 400°F for 20 minutes, shaking and spraying with additional oil halfway through.
- When the tofu has about 10 minutes left, pour the General Tso's sauce into a large skillet over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a low simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and and 2 tablespoons of water to make a cornstarch slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir well to combine. After a minute, the General Tso's sauce should begin to thicken. Continue to simmer, mixing constantly, until the sauce is thick and glossy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Lastly, add the crispy air fryer tofu into the skillet with the General Tso's sauce and toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Top with sesame seeds and green onions as desired, then serve while warm and enjoy!
- Soy sauce: Replace the traditional soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce like tamari.
- Brown sugar: Use coconut sugar, or, if you’re out of brown sugar, make your own Brown Sugar from scratch with granulated cane sugar and molasses. Avoid using liquid sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or agave unless you don’t mind a saucy tofu.
- Rice vinegar: Try an equal amount of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Garlic + ginger: Fresh is best, but you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of dried garlic powder and ground ginger in a pinch.
Notes
- Stovetop method: After coating the tofu in cornstarch, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pan fry the tofu until crispy on all sides. Once crispy and golden brown, remove the tofu and drain on paper towels. Resume the recipe as normal.
- Storage instructions: Vegan general Tso’s tofu is best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 1-2 days. I have not tested freezing this recipe.
- This nutritional information does not include white rice, green onion, or sesame seeds for serving.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: The Nutritional Information provided for this recipe is only an estimate. The accuracy of the facts listed is not and cannot be guaranteed.
Did You Love This Recipe?
Rate the recipe here and make sure to leave a comment below!
Free ebook
Wallet-Friendly Recipes & Smart Shopping Tips in Your Inbox
Plus get a free cookbook with 12 Dirt Cheap Dinner Ideas that’ll cost you $2 or less per serving.
