Air Fryer General Tso Tofu & Broccoli with Rice

Citrus Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Nut Free, Oat Free, Pescatarian, Vegan, Vegetarian

477 Calories | 22g Protein | 88g Carbs | 7g Fat | 7g Fiber |  22g Sugar

20 minutes | 2 servings

Crispy, golden tofu cubes coated in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that hits all the right notes.

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Why You'll Love This

The air fryer gives you that satisfying crispy texture without standing over a pan of hot oil. Each bite combines tender broccoli, fluffy jasmine rice, and that addictive sauce with just enough heat to wake up your taste buds. It comes together in 20 minutes flat, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

The Nutrition Profile

This recipe packs 22 grams of protein per serving, which becomes increasingly important as we age and our bodies need more protein to maintain muscle mass and bone density. The tofu provides complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, while the broccoli adds 7 grams of fiber to support digestive health and hormone metabolism.

You're also getting a solid dose of calcium, iron, and antioxidants from the tofu, garlic powder, and broccoli, which are important micronutrients that often get overlooked in all the protein hype. Antioxidants in particular support cellular health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Overall, this is a balanced dish that is perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet.

The Ingredient List

The ingredients here are straightforward and mostly pantry staples.

Extra-firm tofu is key for getting that crispy texture in the air fryer, so don't try to substitute silken or soft tofu. You'll need cornstarch for coating the tofu (it creates that crunchy exterior), plus garlic powder for seasoning.

The sauce comes together with tamari, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, water, arrowroot powder, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. If arrowroot powder isn't in your pantry, cornstarch works just as well as a thickener.

Can't do soy? Swap the tamari for coconut aminos, skip the hoisin or use a soy-free version, and swap out the soybean tofu for a version made with white beans.

If spicy foods are triggering symptoms for you lately, cut back on the red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely. The recipe still delivers on flavor without the heat.

The Practical Stuff

You'll need an air fryer and a steamer basket for this one.

The leftovers keep in the fridge for up to three days, so consider making a double batch when you have the energy. The tofu stays surprisingly crispy even after refrigerating, and it reheats well in the air fryer or a hot skillet. The rice and broccoli reheat perfectly in the microwave.

This is also a great meal prep option since everything stores separately and you can mix and match throughout the week. Just keep the sauce on the side if you're meal prepping, then toss it with the tofu right before eating to maintain maximum crispiness.

The Method

Start by cooking your jasmine rice according to package directions. While that's happening, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Press your tofu well to remove excess moisture (this is what makes it crispy), then cube it and toss it in a bowl with cornstarch and garlic powder until every piece is coated. Arrange the tofu in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You're looking for golden brown edges and a crispy exterior.

While the tofu cooks, set up your steamer basket over boiling water and add the broccoli florets. Cover and steam for five minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender but not mushy. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can roast the broccoli in the oven or even microwave it with a splash of water in a covered bowl.

For the sauce, whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, water, arrowroot powder (or cornstarch), brown sugar, and red pepper flakes in a small pot over low heat. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for three to five minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Keep an eye on it because it can go from perfect to too thick quickly.

Once everything is ready, toss your crispy tofu in the sauce until each piece is glossy and coated. Divide the rice between plates, top with the sauced tofu and steamed broccoli, and finish with sliced green onions. If you have sesame seeds, sprinkle some one top for that finishing touch.

Why This Works

The crispy tofu delivers serious protein without the heaviness of meat, the air fryer keeps your kitchen cool, and the whole thing comes together faster than ordering takeout.

It's easy enough to pull off on a random Tuesday but also hearty enough to serve guests. Plus, the leftovers are actually good, which means future you gets a break too.

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