Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Glaze (Print version)

Golden, crispy tofu coated in sweet-savory soy glaze. Ready in 30 minutes.

# What you need:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu
02 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Soy Glaze

06 - 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
07 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
08 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
09 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
10 - 1 clove garlic, minced
11 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
12 - 1 tsp cornstarch
13 - 2 tbsp water

→ Garnish

14 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
15 - 2 tbsp chopped green onions

# Directions:

01 - Wrap tofu block in a clean towel and place a weight on top to remove excess water; let rest for 10 minutes.
02 - Cut the pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.
03 - Toss tofu cubes gently in a large bowl with cornstarch, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
04 - Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking basket halfway through until crispy and golden.
05 - Combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and water in a small saucepan; whisk to combine.
06 - Cook glaze over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and glossy, about 2 to 3 minutes; remove from heat.
07 - Transfer crispy tofu to a bowl, pour warm soy glaze over, and toss gently to coat evenly.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Tofu transforms into something genuinely crunchy and satisfying, not soft and forgettable.
  • The whole thing comes together in 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners feel less like a chore.
  • It works as a snack, appetizer, or main dish depending on what you are in the mood for.
02 -
  • Skipping the press step is the biggest reason tofu turns out soggy instead of crispy; moisture is your enemy here.
  • The cornstarch truly does make the difference between okay and genuinely crunchy tofu, so do not reduce it.
  • The glaze must be warm when you coat the tofu or it slides right off instead of clinging to the crispy surface.
03 -
  • A quick marinate in soy sauce and minced garlic before coating the tofu adds subtle depth to every bite.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes before serving—the aroma and flavor are noticeably richer than store-bought.

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