Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Tofu. Crispy tofu smothered in a sweet tangy sauce accompanied with crunchy bell peppers, onions, and juicy pineapple. This vegan sweet & sour tofu recipe is simple to make at home and tastes just like Chinese takeaway but with tofu instead. It’s fantastic for dinner or lunch and great as leftovers.
If you don’t have an air fryer, DON’T WORRY! I got you covered, I’ve shared instructions on how to fry the tofu so it’s crispy and delicious.
My husband is back to eating more vegetarian foods which means that I am getting more creative in the kitchen again. I asked him, “What’s an exciting way to cook tofu?” and he said, “Sweet and Sour!” The next morning, I got to working on this air fryer tofu recipe. It was so good he had seconds and I think thirds too! He said 5/5 stars and I was okay this is going into the books! And now my crispy sweet and sour tofu dish is here for you to make at home.
Healthier!
These sweet and sour tofu balls are amazing! If you know what Chinese restaurant style Sweet and Sour Chicken tastes like, then this recipe is just like that! But it’s better because it’s healthier since it’s made in the air fryer and if you’re frying, the recipe only calls for ⅓ cup of oil (not 2 cups+ of oil to deep fry like at most restaurants).
Easy to make!
My sweet and sour tofu recipe is simple to make at home! You’re simply cutting your tofu and veggies into bite size pieces. (Ps. I also share a video tutorial below so check it out!). Then in a small bowl whisk together you sauce ingredients.
Next coat your tofu in cornstarch and place them into your air fryer with some space around each cube. Spray oil over top and season with salt. You may need to do this in two batches if you have a smaller air fryer. (If you don’t have an air fryer, simple set a pan over medium heat with ⅓ cup vegetable oil and fry them on each side until golden crispy brown). Air fry on one side for 10 minutes and then flip the tofu over and fry on the other same for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile as the tofu is frying or air frying, in a wok set over medium high heat add more vegetable oil followed by onions, bell pepper and fry until onions are slightly translucent but still firm. Then add pineapples into the mix. Stir in your sauce and raise the heat until the sauce bubbles and becomes thick. Once it’s thick toss in your fried tofu and gently mix. Once mixed, remove off the heat and serve!
FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about this sweet and sour tofu recipe:
Is sweet and sour tofu vegan?
My sweet and sour tofu Chinese style recipe is! It all depends on if you add egg to coat the tofu prior to frying. My recipe is completely vegan and eggless.
What is sweet and sour tofu?
Its crispy fried tofu smothered in a sweet tangy ketchup sauce with bell peppers, onion, and pineapple.
Do I need to use cornstarch?
Yes, you need some starch to coat the tofu prior to frying or it won’t be as crispy, and the sauce requires it to thicken. If you’re allergic to cornstarch, please substitute with potato or tapioca starch for the tofu and the sauce.
Can I skip the pineapples?
Yes, but just be warned that it won’t taste as authentic as the Chinese takeaway as they use pineapples.
Can I use medium or soft tofu?
No, I wouldn’t recommend it, or I’ll be challenging to flip in the air fryer or in the pan. Please use firm or extra firm tofu.
Can I add other veggies to this sweet and sour fried tofu recipe?
Yes! I would suggest broccoli, snap peas, green beans, cauliflower, or carrots. Any hard veggies.
Watch how I made it!
Other recipes you may like!
If you enjoyed my sweet and sour crispy tofu recipe, then check out these recipes:
CHINESE BRAISED TOFU
SPICY GOCHUJANG SESAME TOFU
TOFU KATSU SANDO
JAPANESE STICKY TERIYAKI TOFU
GARLIC SHRIMP TOFU UDON NOODLES
HOISIN TOFU LETTUCE WRAPS
CHINESE FIVE SPICE TOFU STIR-FRY
For this recipe
You will need the following sweet and sour tofu ingredients:
- 420 grams firm tofu, sliced into cubes
- One red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup pineapple, diced or canned pineapple works too
- ⅓ cup Cornstarch, to coat tofu (you may substitute with potato or tapioca starch)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, to coat tofu
- 1 tsp vegetable oil, for cooking
Sweet and sour sauce:
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce
- ¼ cup Rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp Ketchup
- 3 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- ⅓ cup Water
Optional: green onion, finely sliced for garnish
How to cook sweet and sour tofu
- In a small bowl, whisk together your ingredients for the sweet and sour sauce.
- Strain your tofu of the liquid and slice into bite size cubes. Pat dry with paper towel. On a clean dry plate, add cornstarch and generously coat each tofu cube. Add more cornstarch if needed.
- Transfer coated tofu into your air fryer giving each piece enough room (you may need to do this in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer). How to cook tofu without air fryer? Please refer to Notes section for instructions on how to fry.
- If you’re able to fit all the tofu in one batch, spray or drizzle 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over the tofu and then season with ¼ tsp of salt. If you must divide the tofu into two batches, use ½ tbsp oil and ⅛ tsp salt. Air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes on one side.
- Flip the tofu over, add oil and season with salt. Air fry at the same temperature for 5 minutes. The tofu should come out crispy, if it’s not crispy enough air fry for 1-2 more minutes.
- Meanwhile in a hot wok set over medium heat, add 1 tsp vegetable oil. Add onions and bell pepper and mix. Cook until onions are translucent. Then add pineapple and mix again. Pour your sweet and sour sauce into the hot pan and stir. Raise the heat to high and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken. Once thickened, lower the heat to VERY LOW until your tofu has completely fried.
- Once the tofu has air fried, pour the crispy tofu into the sauce and veggies. Gently mix until the tofu is covered in sauce. Serve onto a plate and enjoy! Optional: Garnish with green onions.
Notes:
How to fry tofu without air fryer?
In a hot pan set over medium heat, add ⅓ cup vegetable oil. Once oil is hot, gently lower your coated tofu into the pan. Fry on each side until golden crispy brown, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on heat level. As it’s frying, sprinkle enough salt to cover your tofu. Once fried then toss the crispy tofu into sauce and veggies to gently mix.
Give it a try!
Well, I hope you give my Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Tofu a try! It always excites me when you guys make my recipes and I hope this is one you try.
Thanks for visiting my blog! If you enjoyed my sweet and sour tofu air fryer recipe, please share it with your family and friends or on social media!
Take a picture if you've made my sweet and sour tofu with vegetables and tag me on Instagram @ChristieAtHome in your feed or stories so I can share your creation in my stories with credits to you!
Made this recipe and loved it?
If you could leave a star rating for my sweet and sour tofu and vegetables, I would greatly appreciate it 🙂 Thanks so much!
Take care,
Christie
*This post for my Asian sweet and sour tofu contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also earn from qualifying purchases through additional affiliate programs
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Tofu (Normal Frying Instructions Included!)
Ingredients
- 420 grams firm tofu sliced into cubes
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 cup pineapple diced or canned pineapple works too
- ⅓ cup Cornstarch to coat tofu (you may substitute with potato or tapioca starch)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil to coat tofu
- 1 tsp vegetable oil for cooking
Sweet and sour sauce:
- 1 tbsp regular soy sauce not light or dark!
- ¼ cup Rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp Ketchup
- 3 tbsp white granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- ⅓ cup Water
- Optional: green onion finely sliced for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together your ingredients for the sweet and sour sauce.
- Strain your tofu of the liquid and slice into bite size cubes. Pat dry with paper towel. On a clean dry plate, add cornstarch and generously coat each tofu cube. Add more cornstarch if needed.
- Transfer coated tofu into your air fryer giving each piece enough room (you may need to do this in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer). If you don’t have an air fryer: please refer to Notes section for instructions on how to fry.
- If you’re able to fit all the tofu in one batch, spray or drizzle 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over the tofu and then season with ¼ tsp of salt. If you must divide the tofu into two batches, use ½ tbsp oil and ⅛ tsp salt. Air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes on one side.
- Flip the tofu over, add oil and season with salt. Air fry at the same temperature for 5 minutes. The tofu should come out crispy, if it’s not crispy enough air fry for 1-2 more minutes.
- Meanwhile in a hot wok set over medium heat, add 1 tsp vegetable oil. Add onions and bell pepper and mix. Cook until onions are translucent. Then add pineapple and mix again. Pour your sweet and sour sauce into the hot pan and stir. Raise the heat to high and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken. Once thickened, lower the heat to VERY LOW until your tofu has completely fried.
- Once the tofu has air fried, pour the crispy tofu into the sauce and veggies. Gently mix until the tofu is covered in sauce. Serve onto a plate and enjoy! Optional: Garnish with green onions.
NOTES
I loved your method of using the air fryer to add that extra crisp to the tofu... so smart. Sweet and sour is my absolutely favorite!!
Such a great idea to use the air fryer for crispy tofu! I don't think I have ever had sweet and sour tofu so I need to change that!
Air fryer sweet and sour tofu is a great recipe for meatless monday!! And way less messy than making it in the pan!
Absolutely delicious! I left out the the pineapple (made the whole dish a little more sour), but it was still great with some neutral rice. Will definitely make it again.
Thank you so much for making my recipe Peter! That is so kind and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Really easy to follow recipe and tastes really great!
Thank you so much for making my recipe Maddie! I'm so glad you liked it!