🧄Golden Sesame Crispy Tofu
Savory, air-fried, and seriously addictive — this tofu is golden, crispy, and perfect for bowls, wraps, salads, or snacking straight from the tray.
💬 A Note From My Kitchen
Tofu has a reputation. And I get it — done wrong, it can be bland or mushy. But done right? It’s magic.
This Golden Sesame Crispy Tofu is marinated in a soy-sesame sauce that gives it deep umami flavor, then air-fried until the edges are crispy and golden. It’s salty, nutty, and just a little sweet — the kind of thing you’ll want to make on repeat.
Perfect as a protein for your grain bowls, tucked into lettuce wraps, or devoured while standing over the air fryer. (No judgment.)
📝 Ingredients
For the tofu:
1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed for at least 15 minutes
Neutral oil spray (optional, for air frying)
For the sesame soy marinade:
2 tbsp low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
1 tbsp Graza frizzle olive oil
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
1 clove garlic, grated or minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
Pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Press + prep the tofu
Wrap the tofu in a clean towel or paper towels and press under something heavy for 15–30 minutes. Then cut into cubes or rectangles — whatever shape you like!
2. Marinate
In a bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the sesame soy marinade. Add tofu and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge), flipping once if needed.
3. Air fry
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray basket with oil. Add marinated tofu in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
4. Serve
Top with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of extra sauce if you saved some. Serve warm.
🍽 Serving Ideas
Toss into a grain bowl with rice, greens, and pickled veggies
Add to a stir-fry or noodle salad
Tuck into lettuce wraps with crunchy slaw
Dip into peanut sauce or chili crisp
Eat straight from the tray (my personal favorite)
This tofu is proof that plant-based proteins can be crispy, satisfying, and full of flavor. If you make it, tag me @kellysgreenkitchen_ — I’d love to see how you serve it.
And if you’re new to tofu, let this recipe be your gateway. I promise, it’s a good one.
