Crispy Air-Fryer Orange-Sesame Tofu

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These addictive tofu bites are air-fried to crispy-chewy perfection before being tossed in a vibrant, sticky glaze of fresh orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame. A perfect, high-protein addition to rice bowls, noodle dishes, or just for snacking on!

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Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Yields

4 servings (as a protein main)

Ingredients

For the Crispy Tofu:
1 block (14-16 oz) super-firm tofu (or extra-firm, well-pressed)
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
Optional: A light spritz of high-heat cooking spray (like avocado oil)
For the Orange-Sesame Glaze:
1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from ~1 large orange)
1 tbsp orange zest (from the same orange)
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp cornstarch (for the slurry)
2 tbsp water (for the slurry)
For Garnish:
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Press the Tofu (The Crucial Step): If using extra-firm tofu (packed in water), you must press it. Wrap the block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, place it on a plate, and set something heavy on top (like a cast-iron skillet or some books). Let it press for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1 hour. If using super-firm (vacuum-packed) tofu, you can skip this and just pat it dry.
Prep the Tofu: Once pressed, pat the tofu block very dry. Tear the tofu into 1-inch, irregular-shaped "bites."Why tear, not cube? Tearing creates more rough, craggy edges, which means more surface area for the cornstarch to stick to and more nooks for the glaze to cling to. It's a game-changer for texture!
Season & Dredge: Place the tofu bites in a medium bowl. Drizzle with the 1 tbsp of soy sauce and toss gently. Let it sit for a minute to absorb. Now, sprinkle the 2 tbsp of cornstarch over the tofu and toss again until every piece is coated in a light, dry, dusty layer.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your Emeril Lagasse Air-Fryer (or any air fryer) to 400°F (200°C).
Air-Fry: Arrange the coated tofu bites in a single layer on the air fryer tray or in the basket. Ensure they are not touching to allow for maximum crisping (work in batches if needed).
(Optional but Recommended Oil Step): Lightly spritz the top of the tofu bites with the cooking spray. This is what helps them get truly golden-brown and crispy, rather than just dry.
Fry Time: Air-fry for 15-18 minutes. Shake the basket or flip the pieces on the tray about halfway through. They are done when they are golden-brown, firm to the touch, and crispy on the edges.
Make the Glaze: While the tofu is frying, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together all the glaze ingredients (orange juice, zest, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, and ginger) EXCEPT for the cornstarch slurry (the 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
Simmer & Thicken: Bring the glaze mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. In a separate small bowl, whisk the 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water until completely smooth. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly pour in the slurry, whisking constantly. Continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes as the sauce rapidly thickens into a beautiful, glossy glaze. Remove from the heat.
Combine & Serve: When the tofu is perfectly crispy, transfer the hot bites directly into the saucepan with the glaze (or pour the glaze over the tofu in a large bowl). Toss gently to coat every single piece.
Garnish: Serve immediately, topped with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Additional Information

Nutrition Facts (Summary)

Calories

196

Fat

6.9g (31% of Calories)

Saturated Fat

1g (4% DV)

Cholesterol

0mg (0% DV)

Sodium

497mg (22% DV)

Carbohydrates

22.8g (46% of Calories)

Dietary Fiber

1.5g (5% DV)

Total Sugars

10.1g

Protein

12.3g (23% of Calories)

Vitamin A

241 IU (5% DV)

Vitamin C

18.2mg (20% DV)

Vitamin D

0 IU (0% DV)

Vitamin E

0.3mg (2% DV)

Vitamin K

4.1mcg (3% DV)

Thiamin (B1)

0.1mg (10% DV)

Riboflavin (B2)

0.1mg (5% DV)

Niacin (B3)

0.7mg (4% DV)

Vitamin B6

0.1mg (7% DV)

Vitamin B12

0mcg (0% DV)

Calcium

120mg (9% DV)

Copper

0.2mg (24% DV)

Folate

26.5mcg (7% DV)

Iron

2.1mg (12% DV)

Magnesium

45mg (11% DV)

Phosphorus

176mg (14% DV)

Potassium

233mg (5% DV)

Selenium

7.5mcg (14% DV)

Zinc

0.9mg (8% DV)

Chef's Notes

Rationale for Oil (Toasted Sesame): You'll see we used 1 tsp of toasted sesame oil. This is a non-negotiable flavouring ingredient, not a cooking oil. It has a very low smoke point and is used in small quantities for its deep, nutty, aromatic flavour, which is essential to the "sesame" profile of this dish. This is a perfect example of using an oil mindfully for a massive culinary payoff.
Rationale for Oil (Cooking Spray): The optional spritz of oil in the air fryer is a "culinary advantage" choice. Tofu dredged in cornstarch can become very dry and almost chalky without a tiny bit of fat to help it "fry." The spray ensures a crispy, golden texture, not just a hard, dry one. It’s highly recommended for the best results.
Tofu Choice: Super-firm, vacuum-sealed tofu is a brilliant shortcut here as it requires no pressing. If you can only find extra-firm (in water), do not skip the pressing step. The drier the tofu, the crispier the result.
Assumptions:
Nutritional data is estimated using a 16 oz block of extra-firm tofu and low-sodium tamari.
Daily Value (DV) percentages are based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet.
Percentages for macronutrient calories are calculated from the gram amounts (Fat: 9cal/g, Carbs: 4cal/g, Protein: 4cal/g).