Crispy chili-garlic tofu with green beans made in the air fryer. A quick, flavorful vegan side dish ready in about 30 minutes.
If you want a quick plant-based dish that is crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Chili-Garlic Tofu with Green Beans is worth trying. The tofu becomes beautifully golden on the outside while staying tender inside. Meanwhile, the green beans develop lightly charred edges without becoming soggy.
The secret is the air fryer. It gives the tofu a wonderfully crisp texture using only a small amount of oil. A simple chili-garlic sauce then brings everything together with savory, spicy, slightly sweet flavors.
This recipe takes inspiration from the bold flavors commonly found in Asian-inspired stir-fries, but it uses the air fryer instead of a wok. That makes it especially handy on busy weeknights.
I love this recipe when the refrigerator looks a little empty. A block of tofu, some green beans, and a few pantry staples can turn into a surprisingly satisfying meal.
Serve it over rice, noodles, or quinoa, or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch. It is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan and gluten-free with the right ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Tofu and Green Beans
- 14 oz (400 g) extra-firm tofu
- 2 cups (200 g) fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chili-Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) chili-garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) maple syrup or honey
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For Garnishing
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, optional
- Extra chili flakes, optional
Easy Substitutions
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Swap green beans for broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully vegan recipe.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili-garlic sauce and omit the red pepper flakes.
- Extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape during air frying.
What to Serve With
This tofu and green bean recipe works well as a side dish or a light main course.
- Steamed jasmine rice – Perfect for soaking up the spicy sauce.
- Brown rice – Adds extra texture and makes the meal more filling.
- Rice noodles – Toss the noodles with a little of the remaining sauce.
- Quinoa – A simple high-protein option.
- Cucumber salad – The cool, fresh flavor balances the spicy tofu.
- Steamed edamame – Adds another easy plant-based side.
- Fresh herbs – Cilantro and green onions brighten the finished dish.
For a refreshing drink, try iced green tea with lemon alongside the meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Step 1: Press and Cut the Tofu
Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or several paper towels.
Place something moderately heavy on top and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This removes excess moisture and helps the tofu become crisp.
Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
Pat the cubes dry once more.
Pro tip: Don’t skip drying the tofu. Excess moisture creates steam and makes crispy tofu much harder to achieve.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans
Wash the green beans and trim the ends.
Pat them thoroughly dry.
If the beans are particularly long, cut them in half.
Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Chili-Garlic Sauce
Add the following to a small bowl:
- Soy sauce
- Chili-garlic sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Maple syrup or honey
- Minced garlic
- Sesame oil
- Red pepper flakes
Whisk until everything is well combined.
Taste carefully and adjust the spice level if needed.
Step 4: Coat the Tofu
Place the dry tofu cubes into a large bowl.
Add the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
Toss gently until the tofu is lightly coated.
Drizzle in about half of the prepared sauce and toss again.
Don’t completely soak the tofu. A light coating helps it crisp nicely.
Step 5: Air Fry the Tofu
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Place the tofu cubes into the basket in a single layer.
Avoid overcrowding the basket. Work in batches if necessary.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
The tofu should be golden and crisp around the edges.
Step 6: Add the Green Beans
Add the green beans to the air fryer basket with the tofu.
Lightly toss them with the remaining sauce.
Air fry for another 5–7 minutes, shaking once during cooking.
The green beans should be tender-crisp with lightly browned edges.
Step 7: Finish the Dish
Transfer the crispy tofu and green beans to a serving bowl.
Drizzle with any remaining sauce.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Add fresh cilantro or extra chili flakes if desired.
Serve immediately while the tofu is still crisp.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Pressing Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: About 30–35 minutes
- Servings: 4 as a side dish or 2–3 as a main course
FAQs
1. How do I make tofu crispy in an air fryer?
The most important step is removing excess moisture. Press the tofu, pat it dry, and coat it lightly with cornstarch before air frying.
2. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes. However, frozen green beans contain more moisture and may not become quite as crisp. Thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
3. Is this tofu recipe vegan?
Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey and check that your chili-garlic sauce is vegan.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or another certified gluten-free soy sauce.
5. Can I make the recipe less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the chili-garlic sauce and leave out the red pepper flakes. You can also add a little extra maple syrup to balance the flavors.
6. Why is my tofu not crispy?
The tofu may have been too wet, the basket may have been overcrowded, or the air fryer temperature may have been too low. Make sure the tofu has plenty of space around each piece.
7. Can I prepare the tofu ahead of time?
You can press and cut the tofu several hours ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
8. How should I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back some of the crisp texture.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Chili-Garlic Tofu with Green Beans is proof that a simple meal can still be full of personality. Crispy tofu, tender green beans, garlic, and chili come together in one seriously flavorful dish.
The air fryer does most of the hard work. You don’t need a large amount of oil, and there is no need to stand over a hot pan stirring constantly. Once the tofu is properly pressed and lightly coated with cornstarch, it develops those irresistible golden edges.
The chili-garlic sauce is where the flavor really comes alive. It is savory, spicy, slightly sweet, and tangy. You can easily adjust it depending on how much heat you like.
For a complete meal, serve the tofu and green beans over steamed jasmine rice or noodles. For something lighter, pair it with a fresh cucumber salad.
It is also an easy recipe to customize. Add broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or your favorite vegetables. Use tamari for a gluten-free option and maple syrup to keep it completely vegan.
Most importantly, serve it straight from the air fryer. That’s when the tofu is at its crispiest and most delicious.
