Air Fryer Recipe
Sesame Ginger Tofu Bites
Sesame ginger tofu bites are a revelation when cooked in an air fryer, which excels at creating a crisp exterior without the sogginess often associated with tofu. The quick cooking time ensures the marinade's flavours are locked in while the cornflour coating crisps up beautifully.
Ingredients
- 450g extra-firm tofu, drained
- 1 tbsp neutral oil, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or runny honey
- 2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated or crushed
- 1 tsp sriracha or chilli crisp, optional
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, white, black, or a mix
- 2 spring onions, finely sliced, to finish
- 1 tsp lime juice, optional, to brighten at the end
- Cooked jasmine rice, noodles, lettuce cups or cucumber salad, to serve
Method
- Drain the tofu, then wrap it in a clean tea towel and press gently under a chopping board or heavy pan for 15–20 minutes.
- Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, roughly 2cm across.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the neutral oil, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup or honey, ginger, garlic and sriracha, if using.
- Add the tofu and turn it gently with a silicone spatula, then leave it for 10 minutes while the air fryer preheats to 190°C.
- Sprinkle the cornflour over the tofu in two additions, tossing gently after each one, until the cubes look lightly dusty.
- Lightly oil the air-fryer basket or lay in a perforated parchment liner, then arrange the tofu in a single layer with small gaps between the pieces.
- Air fry at 190°C for 10 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the pieces after 6 minutes.
- Sprinkle over the sesame seeds, shake once more, and cook for another 3–5 minutes until the edges are crisp and the sesame smells toasted.
- Tip the tofu into a bowl and finish with spring onions and a squeeze of lime juice if you like.
- Serve straight away over rice or noodles, or use in lettuce cups with cucumber, grated carrot and a spoonful of chilli crisp.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
