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Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe with Soy Glaze and Scallions

crispy air fryer tofu - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy air fryer tofu coated with a sticky soy glaze and garnished with fresh scallions. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing plant-based meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (to thicken glaze)
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu for 10-15 minutes by wrapping it in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy pan or tofu press on top to remove excess moisture.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  3. In a large bowl, gently toss tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until lightly coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Arrange tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
  6. Cook for 7-9 minutes, then carefully flip each cube and cook another 7-9 minutes until golden and crispy.
  7. While tofu cooks, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry in a small saucepan.
  8. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until thickened and glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. Transfer crispy tofu into a bowl, pour the warm soy glaze over, and gently toss to coat evenly.
  10. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and optional toasted sesame seeds.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pressing tofu is essential for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Flip tofu halfway through cooking. Toss tofu in glaze immediately after cooking to maintain crispiness. For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free cornstarch. If no air fryer, bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy tofu, air fryer tofu, soy glaze, scallions, vegan, plant-based, gluten-free option, quick dinner