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Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Tofu Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Tofu

Extra-firm tofu is coated with soy sauce, oil, cornstarch, and seasonings, then air-fried until crisp and finished with a glossy sesame-soy glaze. Serve with rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tofu
  • 1 14-16 ounce block Extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon Neutral oil, such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fine salt, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper, optional
Sesame Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted sesame oil
  • 1 clove Garlic, finely grated or minced
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon Cold water
Garnish
  • 1-2 tablespoons Sesame seeds
  • 1-2 green onions Green onions, sliced

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Drain the tofu, wrap it in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, and place a plate or pan on top. Press for 15–30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into approximately 3/4-inch cubes or bite-size pieces. Toss with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon oil, then sprinkle with cornstarch, garlic powder, optional salt, and optional black pepper; toss gently until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the tofu in a single layer with space between pieces and air-fry for 12–18 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the tofu halfway through, until golden and crisp around the edges.
  4. While the tofu cooks, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, maple syrup or honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water in a separate cup to make a smooth slurry.
  5. Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 2–4 minutes, stirring, until glossy and slightly thickened.
  6. Toss the hot, crisp tofu with the warm sauce immediately before serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Notes

Press the tofu thoroughly and avoid overcrowding the air-fryer basket. Add the sauce after air-frying and toss immediately before serving so the cornstarch crust stays as crisp as possible.