Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice

Get ready for a plant-powered meal that will completely change the way you think about tofu! Imagine perfectly golden-brown, crispy cubes of tofu, made irresistibly crunchy in the air fryer with minimal oil, served over a bed of fluffy cilantro-lime rice. This bowl is a fantastic weeknight hero, delivering incredible texture and bright, zesty flavors that come together in just about 30 minutes.

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Prep Time: 15 mins (includes tofu pressing time)
Total Time: 30-35 mins
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

For the Crispy Air Fryer Tofu:

• 1 (14 oz) block extra-firm tofu, pressed for at least 15 minutes
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Cilantro-Lime Rice:

• 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juice of
• Pinch of sea salt

For Garnish:

• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Press and Cube the Tofu: The secret to crispy tofu is removing excess water. Press your block of tofu for at least 15 minutes. Once pressed, cut it into 3/4-inch cubes.
2. Season the Tofu: In a medium bowl, add the tofu cubes. Drizzle with the soy sauce and sesame oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder and cornstarch. Gently toss until the tofu is evenly coated. The cornstarch is key for that extra-crispy exterior!
3. Air Fry the Tofu: Place the seasoned tofu cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides.
4. Prepare the Rice: While the tofu is in the air fryer, prepare your base. If using freshly cooked hot rice, simply stir in the chopped spinach. The residual heat will wilt it perfectly.
5. Add the Flavor: Stir the chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice into the rice and spinach mixture. Season with a pinch of sea salt.
6. Assemble and Serve: Divide the cilantro-lime rice between two bowls. Top with the hot, crispy air fryer tofu. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and serve with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Recipe Notes:

• Don’t Skip the Press!: Pressing the tofu is the most critical step for achieving a firm, crispy texture rather than a spongy one. You can use a tofu press or wrap the block in paper towels and place a heavy object on top.
• Oven-Baked Method: No air fryer? No problem. Spread the seasoned tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
• Low-Carb Option: For a lower-carb version of this bowl, simply substitute the brown rice with 3 cups of cauliflower rice. Sauté it for 5-7 minutes before stirring in the spinach and other ingredients.
• Amp Up the Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the rice, such as steamed broccoli, edamame, or shredded carrots for extra nutrients and color.
• Storage: This bowl is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the tofu’s crispiness. If you have leftovers, store the tofu and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the tofu in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back its crunch.

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There you have it – a vibrant, satisfying, and incredibly simple meal that’s packed with flavor and plant-based protein. This Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Bowl will surely become a staple in your healthy meal rotation. Enjoy every delicious, crunchy bite!

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 485; Protein: 25g; Carbohydrates: 55g; Fat: 18g; Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 4g; Sodium: 420mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.