Air fryer recipe · Starters
Crispy Sesame Tofu Protein Bites
Crunchy tofu cubes in a soy-sesame glaze that make a plant-based protein snack with bite.
- 22 minTotal time
- 200°CAir fryer
- 3Serves
- VegetarianDiet
Nutrition per serving
- 180kcal
- 11.6 gprotein
- 9.5 gcarbs
- 11.8 gfat
- 0.6 gfibre
Per serving, about 3 servings. Figures are estimates from standard ingredient databases, not medical, dietetic, or nutritional advice.
Ingredients
- Firm tofu250 g, cubed
- Soy sauce1 tbsp
- Cornflour2 tbsp
- Sesame seeds1 tbsp
- Sesame oil1 tsp
Method
Press the tofu
Wrap the tofu block in a clean towel and set a weight on top for 15 minutes to squeeze out the extra water. Firm, well-drained tofu holds its shape and crisps in the heat, while wet tofu tends to crumble and just steam.
Marinate and coat
Toss the tofu cubes in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then dust them with cornflour until lightly and evenly coated. The thin cornflour layer dries into a shell in the basket and turns crunchy while sealing in the soft centre.
Add sesame seeds
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the coated cubes and roll them gently so the seeds stick on all sides. As the cubes cook the seeds toast in the hot air and add a warm, nutty crunch to every bite.
Single layer it
Spread the cubes out in the basket with space around each one so hot air reaches every face. Crowding them together traps steam between them and leaves the tofu pale and soft instead of golden and crisp.
Air-fry the bites
Air-fry at 200°C for 15 min, shaking the basket halfway so all the faces brown. Take the cubes out once they are deep golden and crisp on the outside, and remember they firm up a little more as they cool.
