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Crispy, savory, and packed with umami flavor, this Air-Fried Miso Sesame Tofu is a fast and flavorful way to make tofu exciting. The miso glaze caramelizes in the air fryer, creating golden, crisp bites that work perfectly for rice bowls, salads, or quick weeknight meals.
Table of Contents
This Air Fried Miso Sesame Tofu is flavorful, crisp, and quick to make. Once you try it, it will become your go-to tofu recipe for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes after pressing the tofu
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- High in protein and plant-based
- Crispy without deep frying
Ingredients Needed to Make This Miso Sesame Tofu
- Extra-Firm Tofu – Holds its shape best during air frying. Pressing removes moisture, which helps the tofu crisp.
- White Miso Paste – Adds deep umami flavor. White miso is milder and slightly sweet, balancing the salt from the soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce or Tamari – Gives saltiness and depth. Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Rice Vinegar – Adds brightness and balances the rich sesame oil and miso.
- Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty aroma and enhances the umami in the miso glaze.
- Maple Syrup – Brings subtle sweetness and helps the tofu caramelize.
- Fresh Ginger – Adds sharp, aromatic spice that lifts the savory flavors.
- Garlic – Adds depth and aroma. Essential for flavor balance.
- Sriracha or Chili Paste – Adds heat. Use as little or as much as you like.
- Cornstarch – Creates a light, crisp coating that helps the tofu brown evenly.
- Neutral Oil – Prevents sticking and ensures even crisping. Avocado or canola oil works best.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – Adds crunch and nutty flavor for finishing.
- Scallions – Add freshness and color.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tofu press
- Tongs or a spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Press the Tofu. Press tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water.
- Prepare the Marinade. In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, ginger, garlic, and sriracha.
- Coat the Tofu. Break tofu into 1-inch chunks and toss gently in the marinade until coated.
- Add Cornstarch and Oil. Sprinkle cornstarch and drizzle neutral oil. Toss to coat evenly.
- Air Fry. Arrange tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 450°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve. Top with toasted sesame seeds and scallions. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Air-Fried Tofu
- Don’t skip pressing. Moisture prevents crisping.
- Break, don’t cube. Irregular chunks create a larger surface area, which helps it crisp up better and also absorb more of the marinade.
- Cook in a single layer. Overcrowding my lead to soggy tofu.
- Shake halfway. Ensures even browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Firm tofu works, but it will be less crisp.
Yes. Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp.
Yes. Skip the oil, but expect a drier texture. Spray lightly with water before air frying to help crisp.
Serving Ideas
- Add to rice bowls with steamed veggies and pickled cucumber.
- Toss in noodles with sesame dressing.
- Serve as a high-protein topping for salads.
Craving More Tofu?
Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos!
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Air Fried Miso Sesame Tofu
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy, savory, and packed with umami flavor, this Air-Fried Miso Sesame Tofu is a fast and flavorful way to make tofu exciting. The miso glaze caramelizes in the air fryer, creating golden, crisp bites that work perfectly for rice bowls, salads, or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 block extra-firm tofu (14 oz)
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or canola)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Press the tofu. Press tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water.
- Prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, ginger, garlic, and sriracha.
- Break and coat the tofu. Using your hands, break the tofu into 1-inch chunks and add them to the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently in the marinade until coated.
- Add cornstarch and oil. Sprinkle cornstarch and drizzle neutral oil over the seasoned tofu, and toss once more to coat evenly.
- Air fry. Arrange tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 450°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Garnish and serve. Top with toasted sesame seeds and scallions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Air fry for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp.
- Baking: Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 35 minute
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
