Crispy sesame and ginger tofu with sweet-savory soy sauce

Extra-crispy tofu coated in sesame and ginger, served with a sweet-savory soy glaze. A delicious plant-based dish made in the air fryer.

Medium

Air Fry

Mode

200°C

Temperature

15 min

Cooking

320 kcal

Per serving

For the crispy tofu

For the sweet-savory sauce

For serving

Fiber

3g

Protein

18g

Carbs

28g

Fat

14g

Values are based on an average estimate per serving.
Crispy sesame and ginger tofu with sweet-savory soy sauce

Instructions

  • 1.Prepare the tofu

    Drain and press the tofu for 15 minutes between two sheets of paper towel with a weight (a plate or pan).
    Cut into 2 cm cubes for even cooking.

  • 2.Season and coat

    In a bowl, mix the starch, salt and pepper.
    Add the tofu, grated ginger and minced garlic, then gently coat.
    Sprinkle with sesame seeds and mix to make them adhere well.

  • 3.Tofu cooking (Air Fry)

    Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
    Spray the basket with a little oil, arrange the cubes in a single layer and lightly spray the tops.
    Cook 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the tofu is nicely golden and crispy.

    💡 **Tip**: For this step, we recommend this product Rechargeable oil sprayer which will make the job easier!

  • 4.Mix the sauce

    In a bowl, whisk the soy sauce, water, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, mirin (optional), sesame oil, starch and chili flakes.
    Make sure to dissolve the starch to avoid lumps.

  • 5.Thicken

    Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, until it thickens and becomes glossy.

  • 6.Coat the tofu

    Transfer the crispy tofu to a large bowl.
    Pour the hot sauce over it and gently toss to coat without breaking the cubes.

  • 7.Plate and serve

    Serve immediately over jasmine rice.
    Sprinkle with green onions and extra sesame seeds.
    Enjoy while the tofu is still crispy.

  • 8.Crispiness tip

    For more crunch, put the coated tofu back in Air Fry at 200°C for 2 minutes just before serving, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

    💡 **Tip**: For this step, we recommend this product Silicone spatula for air fryer which will make the job easier!

Tips from Atelier Airfryer

Tips for success

• Press the tofu: the drier it is, the crispier it gets.
Use a weight (book or pan) for at least 15 minutes.
• Single layer for cooking: space the cubes so air circulates and browns evenly.
• Dissolve the starch well in the sauce: whisk cold before heating for a smooth and glossy texture.

Tasty variations

Want a twist? Replace half the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version.
Add 1 tablespoon of gochujang paste for a spicy Korean touch, or some orange zest for a citrus note like 'orange tofu'.
You can also bread the tofu with a panko-sesame mix (50 g panko + 1 tablespoon sesame) for an even crunchier crust.

About this recipe

This crispy sesame and ginger tofu was born from the desire for a dish that makes taste buds crunch while saving time on weeknights.
The air fryer brings that golden texture we love, without an oil bath or endless monitoring.
The key? A quick preparation where every step matters: pressing the tofu to dry it, coating it with a thin layer of starch to create the fine crust, then sprinkling with sesame that lightly toasts during cooking.
On the flavor side, the sweet-savory combination works every time.
The sauce, inspired by homemade Asian cuisine classics, combines the deep saltiness of soy sauce, the sweetness of honey or maple syrup, the acidity of rice vinegar and the warmth of ginger.
A touch of sesame oil rounds it all out and will perfume your kitchen from the first simmers.
Result: a glossy coating that wraps the tofu without weighing it down.
This recipe adapts to your fridge and cravings: a bowl of jasmine rice for simplicity, some stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, snow peas, carrots) for a complete plate, or even udon noodles for a takeaway vibe at home.
It also checks the batch cooking boxes: the tofu can be prepared in advance, reheats quickly and stays pleasant if you serve the sauce on the side.
Finally, it's an ideal gateway for those discovering tofu: the texture is indulgent, the flavor is balanced and the technique is foolproof.
A recipe to keep on hand, for a dinner that has all the makings of a masterpiece with minimal effort.

Our favorites

Discover our selection of products most loved by the Atelier Airfryer editorial team.

See all products
Moulinex Dual Compartment Air Fryer, Large 8.3L Capacity, 8 People, EZ901820, Black
Moulinex Dual Compartment Air Fryer, Large 8.3L Capacity, 8 People, EZ901820, Black
Moulinex Dual Compartment Air Fryer, Large 8.3L Capacity, 8 People, EZ901820, Black - view 1
Moulinex Dual Compartment Air Fryer, Large 8.3L Capacity, 8 People, EZ901820, Black - view 2
Moulinex Dual Compartment Air Fryer, Large 8.3L Capacity, 8 People, EZ901820, Black - view 3

Moulinex Dual Compartment Air Fryer, Large 8.3L Capacity, 8 People, EZ901820, Black

Large capacity oil-free fryer for the whole family. Moulinex dual compartment air fryer, 8.3L capacity, 8 people, 7 automatic programs, oil-free fryer, digital touchscreen, Dual Essential Inox, EZ901820, Black

NINJA Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer, Dual Zone with Removable Divider, Large 10.4L Drawer, 7-in-1, Dual Zone, Dishwasher Safe, 8 People, AF500EUCP
NINJA Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer, Dual Zone with Removable Divider, Large 10.4L Drawer, 7-in-1, Dual Zone, Dishwasher Safe, 8 People, AF500EUCP
NINJA Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer, Dual Zone with Removable Divider, Large 10.4L Drawer, 7-in-1, Dual Zone, Dishwasher Safe, 8 People, AF500EUCP - view 1
NINJA Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer, Dual Zone with Removable Divider, Large 10.4L Drawer, 7-in-1, Dual Zone, Dishwasher Safe, 8 People, AF500EUCP - view 2
NINJA Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer, Dual Zone with Removable Divider, Large 10.4L Drawer, 7-in-1, Dual Zone, Dishwasher Safe, 8 People, AF500EUCP - view 3

NINJA Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer, Dual Zone with Removable Divider, Large 10.4L Drawer, 7-in-1, Dual Zone, Dishwasher Safe, 8 People, AF500EUCP

Large capacity oil-free fryer for the whole family. Dual compartment air fryer, 8.3L capacity, 8 people, 7 automatic programs, oil-free fryer, digital touchscreen, Dual Essential Inox

COSORI Dual Zone Air Fryer 8.5L, 2 Compartments
COSORI Dual Zone Air Fryer 8.5L, 2 Compartments
COSORI Dual Zone Air Fryer 8.5L, 2 Compartments - view 1
COSORI Dual Zone Air Fryer 8.5L, 2 Compartments - view 2

COSORI Dual Zone Air Fryer 8.5L, 2 Compartments

Dual zone air fryer, 8.5L, 55% less energy, 85% less fat, temperature 30-230°C, gold finish.

NINJA Double Stack XL Air Fryer, Vertical Oil-Free Fryer, Dual Drawer, 4 Cooking Levels, White SL400EUWH
NINJA Double Stack XL Air Fryer, Vertical Oil-Free Fryer, Dual Drawer, 4 Cooking Levels, White SL400EUWH
NINJA Double Stack XL Air Fryer, Vertical Oil-Free Fryer, Dual Drawer, 4 Cooking Levels, White SL400EUWH - view 1
NINJA Double Stack XL Air Fryer, Vertical Oil-Free Fryer, Dual Drawer, 4 Cooking Levels, White SL400EUWH - view 2

NINJA Double Stack XL Air Fryer, Vertical Oil-Free Fryer, Dual Drawer, 4 Cooking Levels, White SL400EUWH

Vertical dual drawer air fryer, 9.5L, 6 functions, 2 racks, 8 portions, tongs included, black/copper.