Asian-Inspired
Air Fryer Crispy Sesame Tofu
Firm tofu cubes coat in cornstarch and sesame for a crunchy exterior. Pair with rice and steamed greens for a simple meal.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 3
- Difficulty
- Easy
Photo: gamene (CC BY). Source
Why you’ll love it
- Pressing tofu removes moisture so the coating crisps.
- Air fryer heat browns without much oil.
- Sesame seeds add crunch and flavor.
- Works as a protein topper for bowls or salads.
Ingredients
Ingredient amounts scale. Oven temperature and cook time do not. Salt, spices, and leaveners are a starting point after you scale. Taste and adjust.
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Instructions
- 1
Press tofu 10 minutes, then cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
- 2
Toss cubes with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger.
- 3
Sprinkle cornstarch and sesame seeds over tofu and toss until evenly coated.
- 4
Arrange in a single layer in the air-fryer basket.
- 5
Air fry at 390°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden and crisp.
- 6
Top with sliced green onions and serve.
Pro tips
- Extra-firm tofu holds shape best.
- Shake gently so pieces stay coated.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Easy substitutions
- soy sauce
- tamari
- cornstarch
- potato starch
- toasted sesame oil
- neutral oil plus extra sesame seeds
Storage and reheating
Storage
Refrigerate up to 3 days; texture softens.
Reheating
Air fry at 375°F for 4 to 5 minutes.
Nutrition
Estimates per serving, using standard ingredient averages and rounded to the nearest gram. This is not a lab analysis, and it shifts if you change brands or add sides.
- Calories
- 220
- Protein
- 16 g
- Carbs
- 12 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Budget friendly · Air Fryer · Vegetarian
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From the kitchen
Kitchen tools we love
Practical tools these recipes actually use. This is not a review roundup, and these are not paid placements. If affiliate links are added later, they will be labeled and disclosed.
A heavy 12-inch skillet
Most of the chicken and steak recipes are written for one pan that holds heat. Stainless or cast iron both work.
An air fryer with a real basket
The air-fryer recipes expect a single layer. A crowded basket steams instead of browning.
A half-sheet pan
Drumsticks, potatoes, sausage, and carrots all use one. A dark pan browns faster than a very shiny one.
A sharp chef’s knife
These recipes do not need a specialty blade. A sharp 8-inch knife is faster and safer than a dull one.
A large cutting board
Big enough that the onion and the raw chicken are not sharing the same puddle.
Dry cups and a liquid cup
Desserts in particular expect level dry measures and a separate cup for milk.
An instant-read thermometer
Use it for poultry, pork chops, and meatloaf. Color is a weak guide.
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