Q1: What is the absolute, number one secret to getting tofu really crispy and not soggy?

The secret is to press out as much water as possible before you marinate and cook it. Tofu is packed in water, and that water is the enemy of a crispy texture. By pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes, you are creating a firmer, denser "canvas" that will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer or the oven.

Q2: Do I really have to press my tofu? Yes, you really do!

It is the single most important step for achieving a fantastic, "meaty," and crispy texture. Unpressed tofu will remain soft and spongy and will steam instead of becoming crisp.

Q3: What is the best way to cook tofu to get it crispy?

A high-heat, dry cooking method is best. The air fryer is the absolute champion for creating a super-crispy, 360-degree crust with minimal oil. Baking in a hot oven , especially on a wire rack, is another fantastic method.

Q4: Can I make this tofu ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, this is a perfect meal-prep recipe! You can fully cook the tofu, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It is fantastic when served cold or at room temperature on top of salads or in bowls.

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make this recipe completely gluten-free, simply be sure to use a brand of gluten-free tamari instead of a regular soy sauce, as all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

The Best Crispy Sesame Tofu (Easy Air Fryer or Oven Recipe!)

A recipe for crispy, sesame-crusted tofu that can be cooked in either an air fryer or a conventional oven. Slices of extra-firm tofu are first pressed to remove excess water, then marinated in a savory soy-ginger sauce. The marinated tofu is then dipped in an egg wash and coated in a thick layer of white and black sesame seeds. The tofu is cooked until the exterior is golden brown and crisp, and is served with a simple Sriracha mayo and suggested side dishes like rice and steamed vegetables.

Author: Evelyn

Ingredients

For the Tofu:
7 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
1 garlic clove, grated
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/3 cup white and black sesame seeds
1 egg
Olive oil spray
For the Sriracha Mayo:
4 teaspoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
For Serving:
Cilantro Lime Rice or Cauliflower Rice
1 cup snap peas, steamed and chopped
1/3 cup frozen edamame, steamed
1 scallion, chopped

Instructions

Slice the tofu into 4 (1/2-inch thick) slices. Place them on a towel, cover with another towel, and lightly press to remove excess water. Transfer to a shallow dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Drizzle half of this marinade over the tofu, flip the slices, and drizzle the rest on the other side. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat an air fryer to 400°F OR preheat a regular oven to 425°F.
Place the sesame seeds on a small plate. In a small bowl, beat the egg.
Remove each tofu slice from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Dip it in the egg, then press it into the sesame seeds, coating each side completely. Spray both sides with olive oil spray. Discard the excess marinade.
To cook in an air fryer: Working in batches, arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until toasted and crisp.
To bake in the oven: Place the tofu in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully flip and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the edges are browned and the sesame seeds are crisp.
To Finish: While the tofu cooks, mix the mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl.
Serve the crispy tofu with rice, snap peas, edamame, and scallions. Drizzle with the sriracha mayo.

Notes

Pressing the tofu to remove excess water is a crucial step that helps it absorb the marinade and achieve a crispier texture when cooked.
The recipe provides two cooking methods, air frying for a quicker result or baking in a conventional oven.
This is a great vegetarian and gluten-free (if using tamari) main course, perfect for meal prep.

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/crispy-sesame-tofu/