Cooking Techniques
Airfryfeast
Air Fryer Vietnamese Lemongrass Tofu Vermicelli Salad
By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished May 6, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
Vietnamese
30 mins
air-fryer-friendlyvegetarianveganhealthygluten-freeeasycrisphigh-proteinlow-fatfamily-friendlyquick30-minutes-or-lessmeal-prep
This fresh Vietnamese vermicelli salad pairs air-fried lemongrass tofu with rice noodles, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a bright tangy dressing. A quick, high-protein vegan dish that's gluten-free, low-fat, and ideal for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
Vietnamese
Ingredients
Servings
4
- 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 stalks lemongrass, tough outer layers removed, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup dried rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts, rinsed
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
- 3 tbsp lime juice (about 1 large lime)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional for spice)
Instructions
-
In a bowl, combine minced lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and black pepper to prepare the tofu marinade. Add the cubed tofu and gently toss to coat. Let marinate at least 10 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
-
Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions (typically soaking in hot water for 3-5 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside.
-
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
-
Place marinated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking or turning halfway, until tofu is golden brown and crisp on edges.
-
Prepare dressing by whisking lime juice, water, rice vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chopped chili (if using) in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
-
In a large bowl, combine cooked vermicelli noodles, julienned carrot, cucumber slices, bean sprouts, mint, cilantro, and basil leaves.
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Add crispy lemongrass tofu to the noodle and veggie mixture. Drizzle dressing over and gently toss to combine evenly.
-
Divide salad into serving bowls and top with chopped roasted peanuts for crunch.
-
Serve immediately for best texture, or refrigerate up to 2 days for meal prep. Re-crisp tofu in the air fryer (3-4 minutes at 375°F) before serving if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
Customize this Air Fryer Vietnamese Lemongrass Tofu Vermicelli Salad to meet your dietary needs or ingredient availability with these substitutions:
- Tofu: Swap with tempeh or seitan for texture variation, or cooked chicken or shrimp for non-vegan options.
- Lemongrass: Use lemon zest and ginger mix if lemongrass is unavailable.
- Soy Sauce/Tamari: Replace with coconut aminos for soy-free, paleo-friendly sauce.
- Maple Syrup/Agave Nectar: Substitute honey (not vegan) or brown sugar to adjust sweetness.
- Rice Vermicelli: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles for low-carb or keto adaptations.
- Fresh Herbs: Replace mint, cilantro, or Thai basil with parsley, basil, or fresh oregano and mint blend.
- Peanuts: Swap peanuts for toasted cashews, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for nut-free or varied flavor.
- Dressing: Replace rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar and add orange juice for a sweeter profile.
These alternatives keep the dish versatile and compatible with various diets such as gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, or high-protein, while preserving authentic vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
Air Fryer Model Notes
This vegetarian recipe with air-fried lemongrass tofu takes full advantage of your air fryer's ability to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. Air fryer models vary in size, airflow, and temperature accuracy, which may impact cooking times and results.
Size & Capacity: Use a single layer of tofu cubes for even crisping. Smaller air fryers may require cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause sogginess.
Temperature Accuracy: Since the recipe calls for 375°F (190°C), use an air fryer thermometer if possible. Adjust cooking times—reduce by 2-3 minutes if your model runs hot, or increase slightly if it runs cool—to achieve perfect crispness without drying.
Airflow & Basket Type: Perforated baskets or mesh trays promote even crisping. For solid trays, shake or flip tofu more frequently (every 4 minutes) to avoid soggy edges.
Reheating Tips: Re-crisp tofu in your air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to refresh texture after refrigeration.
By adapting to your air fryer’s specifics, your lemongrass tofu will be crispy and delicious every time.
Crispiness Control
To achieve the perfect crispiness in this Vegetarian and Vegan air fryer lemongrass tofu recipe, follow these tips aligned with Airfryfeast’s style and the dish’s fresh, healthy profile:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Fully preheat to 375°F (190°C) for even, quick crisping.
- Single Layer: Arrange tofu cubes without crowding to allow hot air circulation.
- Shake or Flip Midway: Turn tofu halfway through cooking to crisp all sides.
- Adjust Timing: Add 2-3 minutes if you prefer extra crunch, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Recrisp for Meal Prep: Reheat refrigerated tofu 3-4 minutes at 375°F to refresh crispness.
- Optional Oil Spray: Lightly mist tofu with a high smoke point oil for richer crisp while maintaining a low-fat profile.
These techniques yield a crisp outside with tender, flavorful inside—a perfect pairing with the fresh vermicelli salad.
Reheat In The Air Fryer
Reheating your Air Fryer Vietnamese Lemongrass Tofu Vermicelli Salad to restore tofu crispiness without compromising fresh herbs and noodles is simple and effective using the air fryer.
- Separate tofu: Remove tofu cubes from the salad before reheating.
- Preheat: Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
- Reheat tofu: Place tofu in a single layer; air fry for 3-4 minutes until exterior crisps nicely.
- Shake basket: Shake halfway through reheating for even crisping.
- Serve: Toss tofu back with chilled noodles and veggies, add extra dressing if desired.
Tip: Avoid air frying noodles or vegetables to keep them fresh and moist. This method maintains the salad’s gluten-free, vegan, and healthy qualities—ideal for quick meals and leftovers.
What To Serve With This In The Air Fryer
Complement the bright flavors of the Air Fryer Vietnamese Lemongrass Tofu Vermicelli Salad with crisp, light air-fried sides that maintain the meal’s healthy balance.
- Air Fryer Crispy Spring Rolls: Vegetable or protein fillings add a crunchy appetizer that pairs beautifully with Vietnamese flavors.
- Crispy Air Fryer Edamame Pods: Lightly salted and seasoned, these make a protein-rich, gluten-free snackable side.
- Air Fryer Spiced Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and crisp texture add comforting contrast while staying low-fat.
- Grilled Air Fryer Baby Corn or Asparagus: Lightly brushed with sesame oil and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds to enhance the meal’s fresh herbs.
Pair with iced jasmine tea or sparkling lime water for a refreshing, family-friendly, quick, and healthy meal perfect for any weeknight or meal prep.
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