Crispy Air-Fried Tofu with Sesame Soy Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden air-fried tofu coated with a sticky sesame soy glaze, perfect as a snack or a protein-packed addition to any meal. This asian fusion-inspired vegan ready in about 40 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, cornstarch, olive oil spray for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press a 14 oz block of extra firm tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch until each piece is lightly coated.
  2. Step 2: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  3. Step 3: Air fry tofu for 15 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until edges are golden and crisp.
  4. Step 4: While tofu cooks, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Transfer cooked tofu to a mixing bowl and pour the glaze over it. Toss gently to coat tofu evenly with the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions over the tofu. Serve immediately as a snack or over rice or salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Air-Fried Tofu with Sesame Soy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Air-Fried Tofu with Sesame Soy Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Air-Fried Tofu with Sesame Soy Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Air-Fried Tofu with Sesame Soy Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crispy Air-Fried Tofu with Sesame Soy Glaze vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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