Crispy Tofu with Soy Glaze (Printable Version)
Golden, ultra-crispy tofu cubes coated in a sweet-savory soy glaze, perfect for snacking or meals.
# What You'll 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
07 - 1 tbsp maple syrup
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
# How to Make It:
01 - Wrap the tofu block in a clean towel and place a weight on top. Leave for 10 minutes to remove excess water.
02 - Cut the tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.
03 - In a large bowl, gently toss tofu cubes with cornstarch, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
04 - Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden and crisp.
05 - While tofu cooks, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and water in a small saucepan.
06 - Cook glaze over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and glossy, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
07 - Transfer crispy tofu to a bowl. Pour the warm soy glaze over and toss gently to coat.
08 - Serve immediately, topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- The tofu gets genuinely crispy without deep frying, which feels like a small miracle and tastes even better.
- The soy glaze comes together while the tofu cooks, so you're not juggling timing or multiple pans.
- It works as a snack, appetizer, or tossed over rice—one recipe that plays many roles in your dinner plans.
02 -
- Pressing the tofu is not optional—I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out steamed instead of crispy, and it was a disappointing lesson.
- The cornstarch coating only stays crispy if you toss the tofu gently and don't let it sit around; make the glaze while it air fries so everything comes together hot.
03 -
- If you have time, marinate the pressed tofu cubes in a little soy sauce and minced garlic for 30 minutes before coating and air frying—it seasons them deeper and makes the final dish taste even more developed.
- Make extra glaze and keep it in the fridge for up to a week; it's perfect drizzled over roasted vegetables, rice bowls, or even scrambled eggs.