Air Fryer Balsamic Tofu & Brussels Sprouts Bowl

This Air Fryer Balsamic Tofu & Brussels Sprouts Bowl is an easy and healthy, vegan and gluten free dinner bursting with tangy, sweet flavor! This recipe yields crispy tofu, perfectly charred brussels sprouts and steamed white rice…all coated in a sticky, balsamic sauce. It’s filled with plant-based protein, fiber, and carbs for a well-rounded meal. Add this recipe to your meatless Monday rotation!

Tofu is one of the only reasonably priced proteins these days, so I’m making it my mission to create more recipes with it. A few years ago, I wouldn’t have touched tofu with a 10ft pole, but over time I’ve learned some secrets to making tofu that’s crispy and actually tastes good. I think more people would actually love it if they knew how to prepare it correctly.

Since tofu is pretty much a blank canvas, it’s important to serve it with a really flavorful sauce! Almost every tofu recipe on the internet utilizes asian flavors, which I love but get bored of sometimes. So, enter this Air Fryer Balsamic Tofu, which is tangy, sweet and just so fun.

The tofu gets coated in cornstarch or arrowroot starch to make it crispy, then when it’s done air frying it goes for a swim in a homemade balsamic sauce. Paired with brussels sprouts and steamed rice that I just so happened to cook in the same machine, this ends up being the perfect, easy dinner!

Why You’ll Love this Air Fryer Balsamic Tofu & Brussels Sprouts Bowl

• This Air Fryer Balsamic Tofu & Brussels Sprouts Bowl yields crispy tofu, perfectly charred brussels sprouts and steamed rice.
• The tangy, sweet balsamic sauce is so addicting.
• This a fun and unique way to make tofu!
• It’s a well-rounded meal complete with plant-based protein, fiber from the brussels sprouts and carbs from the rice.
• This recipe is all made in one machine and cooks in just 15 minutes!
• It’s vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free.

What You Need to Make this Air Fryer Balsamic Tofu & Brussels Sprouts Bowl

• Extra Firm Tofu: Extra firm / super firm / high protein tofu is the best option for this recipe because it has less water than normal. Therefore, it holds it’s shape better and the texture is just better!
• Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends off and then cut them in half. If any of them are really large, cut them into quarters.
• Olive Oil: Just a bit to coat the tofu and brussels sprouts in before air frying.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch, or arrowroot starch, is the key ingredient to make crispy tofu in the air fryer. Don’t skip this!
• Salt & Pepper: Season the tofu, brussels sprouts, and balsamic sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
• White Rice: To make this a full meal, we’re serving it over some cooked white rice which can be made directly in the Ninja Combi if you have one, or made separately if you’re using a normal air fryer.
• Balsamic Vinegar: The balsamic vinegar will reduce down into a balsamic glaze as it simmers, bringing out more sweetness to balance the acidity!
• Coconut Aminos: Coconut aminos are a gluten free, soy free, soy sauce alternative. I don’t recommend substituting soy sauce or tamari in this recipe because it will be too salty and not sweet enough.
• Garlic: 2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced, to add more savory flavor to the balsamic sauce.
• Maple Syrup: Just a touch of maple syrup or honey to add additional sweetness to the balsamic sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference – you can fully omit it if you like the tanginess of balsamic, or add more if you want it sweeter.
• Dijon Mustard: This isn’t totally necessary but I like the depth of flavor it adds to the balsamic sauce.
• Green Onion: Optional, for topping!

How To Make this Air Fryer Balsamic Tofu & Brussels Sprouts Bowl

Press the Tofu & Cut into Cubes:

First, start by pressing your tofu for 15-20 minutes, either using a tofu press or by wrapping the block of tofu in a towel/paper towel and placing a heavy object on top (such as a cast iron pan). This will help get rid of any excess moisture, although there shouldn’t be much if you’re using extra firm tofu. It’s always best to err on the side of caution though! Then, cut the tofu into about 1 inch cubes.

Toss Tofu with Oil, Cornstarch, Salt & Pepper:

Next, add the tofu to a large bowl along with the cornstarch, half of the olive oil, and salt & pepper. Gently toss with your hands (or tongs) until fully coated. Spread tofu out onto the Ninja Combi bake tray, leaving room for the brussels sprouts. 

Add Brussels Sprouts & Rice to the Combi:

Then, add brussels sprouts and toss with the remaining olive oil and salt + pepper. It’ll be tight to fit everything on there, but it’ll work! Place the tray with the tofu & brussels sprouts into Level 2 of your Ninja Combi. Then, add rinsed rice and water to the Combi Pan and place it into Level 1 of your Ninja Combi. Set it to the “Combi Meals” function with the temperature at 350F for 15 minutes. If you want to ensure crispiness on all sides of the tofu, feel free to flip it at the halfway point. I typically skip this because I’m lazy lol!

Prepare the Balsamic Sauce:

Meanwhile, add balsamic, coconut aminos, garlic, dijon, maple syrup/honey and salt & pepper to a small pot and whisk together. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the balsamic is thick and reduced (about 15-20 minutes).

Toss Tofu & Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Sauce:

Once the the balsamic sauce has reduced, toss the cooked tofu and brussels sprouts with the sauce until coated. Then, serve over some of the cooked white rice and top with chopped green onion if you’d like. Enjoy!

Can I use Store-Bought Balsamic Glaze Instead of Making my Own?

I haven’t tried using store-bought balsamic glaze in this Air Fryer Balsamic Tofu recipe yet. It should be fine but nothing beats homemade, and it’s really not that hard! If you’re using store-bought balsamic glaze, it will likely be much sweeter than my recipe and be lacking the depth of flavor.

What if I Don’t Have a Tofu Press?

No worries, I don’t have a tofu press either lol! Instead, you can just wrap your block of tofu in paper towels or a thin dish towel. Then, place it on a cutting board or plate and put a heavy object on top, such as a cast iron pan with some cans on top for adding weight. Just beware that the object you place on top of the tofu is likely to get a little wet in the process.

Can I Make this a Normal Air Fryer if I Don’t Have the Ninja Combi?

Yes! The Ninja Combi replaced an air fryer for me and I love it because it has so many functions, including the Combi Meals one that I use in this recipe to cook everything in 15 minutes. However, I’ve also made this recipe in a normal air fryer and it works just as well.

If your air fryer is big enough, add the tofu and brussels sprouts to it and then air fry at 400F for 15-18 minutes, flipping the brussels sprouts halfway if you’d like. If your air fryer is smaller, you will likely have to do this in batches.

Lastly, if you’re using a normal air fryer, you will also have to cook the rice separately in a small pot, according to package directions. If you try this out in a normal air fryer, let me know how it goes in the comments below!

Expert Tips:

• Use extra firm tofu: It makes such a big difference in the texture!
• Press the tofu to get rid of excess water: I know this seems like an annoying, time consuming step, but it’s worth it to make sure the tofu gets crispy.
• Cut the tofu into small cubes: The key to loving tofu is making sure it’s cut small enough…that way you’re not just eating big spongy bites of tofu.
• Coat the tofu well with cornstarch or arrowroot starch: You don’t want to skip this! It helps get the tofu crispy in the air fryer.
• Let the balsamic sauce reduce as the tofu & brussels sprouts cook: It will take about 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken. If you do it while the tofu & brussels sprouts are cooking, everything should be ready at almost the same time.
• Double the sauce if you want it extra sticky: You’d be surprised by how much the balsamic sauce reduces down. So, feel free to double all the ingredients if you want this Air Fryer Balsamic Tofu to be extra sticky and saucy.

Find the full recipe for this Air Fryer Balsamic Tofu & Brussels Sprouts Bowl below. As always, please let me know if you tried it by commenting below or tagging me on Instagram, @munchinwithmaddie_.

Looking for more Air Fryer Recipes?

• Gluten Free Sage Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Potato Carrot Mash
• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
• Maple Pecan Salmon with Brussels Sprouts & Rice
• Zucchini Cheddar Tots

3.50 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Balsamic Tofu & Brussels Sprouts Bowl

This Air Fryer Balsamic Tofu & Brussels Sprouts Bowl is an easy and healthy, vegan and gluten free dinner bursting with tangy, sweet flavor! This recipe yields crispy tofu, perfectly charred brussels sprouts and steamed white rice…all coated in a sticky, balsamic sauce. It's filled with plant-based protein, fiber, and carbs for a well-rounded meal. Add this recipe to your meatless Monday rotation!

Servings 4 people

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Equipment

• cutting board
• tofu press (or a heavy object)
• knife
• large bowl
• Ninja Combi (or air fryer)
• small pot
• whisk

Ingredients

• 1 lb extra firm tofu *
• 12 oz brussels sprouts ends trimmed & halved
• 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot starch
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup dry white rice
• 2 cups water

For the Balsamic Sauce:

• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos **
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• salt + pepper to taste

For Topping (Optional)

• chopped green onion

Instructions

• Press your tofu for 15-20 minutes, either using a tofu press or by wrapping the block of tofu in a towel/paper towel and placing a heavy object on top (such as a cast iron pan). Then, cut the tofu into about 1inch cubes.
• Add the tofu to a large bowl along with the cornstarch, half of the olive oil, and salt & pepper. Gently toss with your hands (or tongs) until fully coated.
• Spread tofu out onto the Ninja Combi air fryer tray, leaving room for the brussels sprouts. Then, add brussels sprouts and toss with the remaining olive oil and salt + pepper. It'll be tight to fit everything on there, but it'll work!
• Place the tray with the tofu & brussels sprouts into Level 1 of your Ninja Combi. Then, add rinsed rice and water to the Combi Pan and place it into Level 2 of your Ninja Combi.
• Set it to the "Combi Meals" function with the temperature at 350F for 15 minutes. If you want maximum crispiness on all sides of the tofu, feel free to flip everything at the halfway point – I usually don't because I'm lazy lol!
• While that is cooking, add balsamic, coconut aminos, garlic, dijon, maple syrup/honey and salt & pepper to a small pot and whisk together. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the balsamic is thick and reduced (about 15-20 minutes).
• Toss the cooked tofu and brussels sprouts with the reduced balsamic sauce. Serve over the white rice and top with chopped green onion, if desired!

Video

Notes

*NOTE: I like using the high protein tofu from Trader Joe’s. It’s the most firm type of tofu so it holds up better and has a more pleasant texture.

**NOTE: Coconut aminos are a gluten free, soy free, soy sauce alternative. I wouldn’t recommend substituting this for soy sauce or tamari because it will be much saltier and less sweet. If you want to try it though, you should increase the amount of maple syrup/honey to compensate for the loss of sweetness.

GENERAL NOTE: The balsamic sauce will reduce down to a very small amount as it simmers. If you’d like an even saucier, stickier tofu and brussels sprouts, double all of the balsamic sauce ingredients.

HOW TO MAKE THIS IN THE AIR FRYER: If you don’t have a Ninja Combi, you can make this in a normal air fryer instead. If your air fryer is big enough, add the tofu and brussels sprouts to it and then air fry at 400F for 15-18 minutes, flipping the brussels sprouts halfway if you’d like. If your air fryer is smaller, you will likely have to do this in batches. Of course if you’re using a normal air fryer, you will also have to cook the rice separately in a small pot, according to package directions. 

Calories: 358kcal

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword: Air Fryer, Balsamic, Brussels Sprouts, Dairy Free, Easy Dinner, Gluten Free, Rice, Tofu, Vegan, Vegetarian

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 306mg | Potassium: 608mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 643IU | Vitamin C: 73mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 3mg

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @munchinwithmaddie_ on Instagram and/or hashtag it #munchinwithmaddie.