Crispy Air Fryer Coconut-Lime Tofu Bites with Spicy Mango Sauce and Chives

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut the firm tofu into about 1 1/4-inch cubes. Pat dry well with paper towels and place in a bowl with the lime zest, lime juice, grated ginger, garlic powder, soy sauce, and 1/2 tablespoon neutral oil. Toss gently and let marinate for 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, set up the coating. In one plate, place the all-purpose flour with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and the black pepper. In a second plate, add the beaten egg. In a third plate, combine the panko breadcrumbs and unsweetened shredded coconut.

3. 3

   Preheat the air fryer to 390°F / 200°C for 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Remove the tofu cubes from the marinade. Coat them first in the all-purpose flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the panko-coconut mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well.

5. 5

   Arrange the bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray or drizzle with the remaining neutral oil, or a little extra if needed to moisten the surface.

6. 6

   Cook at 390°F / 200°C for 7 minutes. Open the basket, flip each bite, and cook 5 to 7 minutes more at 390°F / 200°C, until deeply golden and crisp.

7. 7

   While the tofu cooks, make the sauce. Blend the mango with the rice vinegar, honey or agave syrup, red pepper flakes, and the remaining salt until smooth and thick.

8. 8

   Serve the tofu bites hot with the spicy mango sauce on the side and finish with the chopped fresh chives over the top.