Crispy Air Fryer Tofu With Sesame Soy Glaze

Crispy air fryer tofu gets golden edges and a sticky sesame-soy finish without frying in a pan. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C), cook the tofu for about 12–15 minutes, and shake the basket halfway through. Add the glaze after cooking so the tofu stays crisp and the honey doesn’t scorch.

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, for the tofu
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, for the glaze
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for serving

How To Make It

1. Drain the tofu. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel, set a plate or small pan on top, and press for about 15 minutes. Cut into roughly 1-inch cubes and pat dry. Pressing and drying remove moisture that would otherwise work against crisp edges.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Toss the tofu gently with the neutral oil, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and toss again until the cubes have a thin, even coating.
3. Arrange the cubes in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between them. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp at the edges. If the basket is small, cook in batches rather than stacking the tofu.
4. While the tofu cooks, whisk the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Stir the remaining 1 teaspoon cornstarch into the water, then whisk it into the sauce. Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until glossy and slightly thickened.
5. Transfer the hot tofu to a bowl. Toss with the warm glaze just before serving and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Tips

Extra-firm tofu holds its shape best here; silken tofu is too delicate for this method. Check the cubes near the end of cooking, since air fryers and cube sizes vary. For the crunchiest result, serve the glaze on the side instead of tossing it with every piece.

Serve over rice with steamed broccoli for an easy dinner. Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container and use within 3–4 days; the coating will soften in storage.

This sweet-savory tofu is especially good while the edges are still crisp.