Crispy Air Fryer Tofu (Print Page)

Golden tofu cubes air-fried to crispness and glazed with savory-sweet soy sauce.

# What You Need:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into ¾-inch cubes

→ Marinade & Coating

02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
03 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
04 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
05 - ½ tsp garlic powder

→ Soy Glaze

06 - 3 tbsp soy sauce
07 - 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
08 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
09 - 1 tbsp water
10 - 1 tsp cornstarch
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - ½ tsp grated ginger

→ Garnish (optional)

13 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
14 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
02 - Toss tofu cubes with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and let marinate for 5 minutes.
03 - Sprinkle tofu with cornstarch and garlic powder, drizzle sesame oil, and toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden.
05 - In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, water, garlic, and ginger; simmer over medium heat.
06 - Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with a splash of water to form a slurry; stir into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened, about 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
07 - Transfer crispy tofu to a large bowl, pour glaze over, and toss gently to coat.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and spring onions if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Actual crispy edges without the guilt of deep frying—the air fryer does something almost magical here.
  • Ready in 30 minutes total, making it perfect for those nights when you want something impressive but not complicated.
  • Works as an appetizer, snack, or main dish over rice, so it fits whatever you're in the mood for.
02 -
  • Pressing your tofu properly is the difference between success and disappointment—wet tofu will never get crispy, no matter how long you air fry it.
  • Don't skip the halfway shake during cooking; those cubes on the edges will brown faster and need rearranging.
  • The glaze will thicken as it cools, so if you're not serving immediately, warm it gently before tossing or it'll clump rather than coat.
03 -
  • For maximum crispiness, don't toss the glaze over the tofu until the moment you're ready to serve—it starts softening the edges almost immediately.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, check the tofu at 12 minutes; ovens vary, and burnt edges won't forgive you.

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