Description
This crispy sesame tofu recipe delivers a flavorful and crunchy plant-based dish made in the air fryer or oven. Coated in a sticky sesame sauce, it’s perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra firm tofu, pressed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for baking) or spray oil (for air frying)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Toss tofu cubes in 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- For air frying: Lightly spray tofu with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway through. For baking: Toss tofu in 1 tbsp olive oil and bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- While tofu cooks, prepare the sesame sauce. In a skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil and garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), and rice vinegar. Stir to combine.
- Add cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir until it thickens.
- Once tofu is crispy, add it to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Extra firm tofu works best for a crispy texture.
- Make sure to press tofu thoroughly to remove moisture before cooking.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan version.
- Adjust sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to taste.
- Serve with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (air fryer) or 30 minutes (oven)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer or Oven Baked
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
