Why You’ll Love Crispy Sesame Tofu Recipe

The tofu becomes crispy on the outside yet remains chewy inside, giving a satisfying texture.
The sesame soy glaze delivers a rich balance of nutty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
It’s easy and fairly quick to make, especially when using an air fryer — no need to press the tofu.
You can adapt it to what you have (air fryer or oven) and pair it with veggies or rice for a full meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
extra firm tofu
white sesame seeds
sliced scallion (green onion)
soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
sesame oil
ground ginger
cornstarch
water
light brown sugar
sriracha sauce

Directions

Air‑Fried Method

Slice the extra-firm tofu into ~¾‑inch cubes.
Place tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
Cook at 375°F (about 190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the cubes are golden and crispy.

Baked Method

Wrap the block of tofu loosely with paper towels or a tea towel. Place a cutting board over the tofu, then put something heavy on top (e.g. a can of tomatoes) to press out water for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat the tofu dry, then slice into ~¾‑inch cubes, and arrange them in a single layer (not touching) on the baking sheet.
Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Sauce

While tofu is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, cornstarch, water, light brown sugar, and sriracha in a bowl to dissolve the cornstarch.
Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low. Stir continuously until sauce thickens (should take less than a minute).
As soon as the tofu is done, add it into the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
Plate the tofu and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallion. Serve with rice or your favorite grain/vegetable.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: about 10 minutes
Cook time: about 25 minutes (air fryer) or 30–35 minutes (oven)

Variations

Swap half of the sesame oil for sesame paste (tahini) if you want a stronger sesame flavor.
Serve the crispy sesame tofu over steamed vegetables and rice (like broccoli, green beans, or garlic greens) for a complete meal.
For a milder/spicier taste: adjust the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely if you prefer no heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat: bake in the oven or use an air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness (avoid microwave if you want to keep the crispy texture).

FAQs

What kind of tofu should I use?

Use extra-firm (or firm) tofu. Softer varieties are too delicate and won’t crisp up well.

Do I need to press the tofu before cooking?

Pressing isn’t necessary when using an air fryer. But if you bake the tofu in the oven, pressing for about 30 minutes helps remove excess moisture for better crispiness.

Can I skip the sriracha?

Yes — omitting sriracha will make the dish less spicy, but you’ll still get delicious sesame‑soy flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, the dish can be gluten‑free (as long as other ingredients are gluten-free).

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Steamed or roasted vegetables (like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini) go well when served alongside or under the tofu.

How do I make the tofu crispier?

Ensure cubes are in a single layer (not touching) when cooking. If baking, pressing out moisture helps. Also, do not crowd the basket or baking sheet.

What can I serve this with?

Suggestions: rice (white, brown, or cauliflower), steamed veggies or stir-fried greens, or even noodles — whatever base you like.

How long does the sauce last separately?

The sauce can be stored (refrigerated) in a sealed container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before tossing with tofu.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes — simply double ingredients. Just be sure to cook tofu in batches so pieces stay crispy and don’t touch each other.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes — this recipe is naturally vegan (no animal products).

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and versatile tofu recipe, this crispy sesame tofu — whether air‑fried or baked — is a great addition to your cooking repertoire. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy to prepare even on busy nights. Its crispy texture and satisfying sesame‑soy glaze make it a delicious option for a snack or a full meal when paired with veggies and rice. I encourage you to give it a try and customize it to your taste.

Crispy Sesame Tofu (Air Fried or Baked)