Air Fryer Sesame Crusted Tofu Bites

$- 14 oz firm tofu - 1/2 cup tahini - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste To make Air Fryer Sesame Crusted Tofu Bites, gather the ingredients listed above. Start with firm tofu. It’s the best choice for this recipe. The tofu needs to be pressed first. This step removes extra moisture and helps it become crispy. Next, tahini gives a rich, creamy flavor. Soy sauce adds a salty kick. Maple syrup brings a hint of sweetness. The sesame oil enhances the nutty taste. Garlic powder and ground ginger add depth to the marinade. For the coating, panko breadcrumbs create a great crunch. The sesame seeds add a lovely texture and flavor. You can garnish with fresh cilantro for color and taste. Remember to season with salt and pepper to your liking. These ingredients come together to create a delicious snack or appetizer. - Pressing the tofu: Start by pressing the tofu. Wrap the block in a clean towel. Place a weight on top for 15-20 minutes. This step removes excess moisture. It helps the tofu absorb flavors better. - Cutting into bite-sized pieces: After pressing, cut the tofu into small cubes. Aim for 1-inch pieces. This size allows for even cooking and easy eating. - Whisking the marinade ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth. This marinade gives the tofu rich flavor. - Tossing the tofu in the marinade: Place the cubed tofu in the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss to coat each piece well. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the tofu to soak in all the flavors. - Coating with panko and sesame seeds: In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds. Take each marinated tofu cube and dip it into this mixture. Press gently so the crumbs stick well. This will give a nice crunchy layer. - Preheating the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Air frying the tofu bites: Place the coated tofu bites in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are in a single layer, not crowded. Cook for 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway for even crisping. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Enjoy the delightful crunch! To get that perfect crunch, follow these steps: - Coating: Make sure to coat each tofu cube well with the marinade. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes. This step helps the flavors stick. - Panko Mixture: When you dip the marinated tofu into the panko and sesame seeds, press down gently. This helps the coating stay on during cooking. - Air Fryer Settings: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the tofu bites cook evenly and get crispy. Air fry for 15-20 minutes. Flip halfway for even browning. To make these bites even better, try these ideas: - Marinades: You can add different spices or herbs. Consider adding a little chili powder for some heat. Or use lime juice for a fresh twist. - Sauces: Pair these bites with dipping sauces like sriracha or sweet chili sauce. The flavors mix well and add excitement. When serving, presentation matters: - Plating: Arrange the tofu bites on a nice platter. Add fresh cilantro on top for color. This makes the dish look inviting. - Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. This adds balance to the meal and makes it more filling. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Tempeh works well instead of tofu. It has a firmer texture and adds a nutty flavor. If you prefer meat, try chicken or fish. Both options can soak up the marinade nicely. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. Chicken pieces may need a few more minutes to cook through. Experiment with different flavors to keep it exciting. Add some Asian-inspired seasonings like five-spice powder or chili flakes for extra kick. You could also try a sweet twist by adding honey or more maple syrup. This gives the tofu a nice glaze. Don't be afraid to mix and match spices to find your favorite flavor combo. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. They provide the same crunch without the gluten. For nut-free needs, simply omit the tahini. Instead, use sunflower seed butter or yogurt as a marinade base. These swaps keep the dish delicious while meeting your dietary needs. To store your leftover Air Fryer Sesame Crusted Tofu Bites, place them in an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. If you'd like to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, place the tofu bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They will last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat the tofu bites without losing their crispiness, use the air fryer or oven. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu bites in the basket and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If using an oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. Flip them halfway to ensure even heating. When serving leftover tofu bites, consider refreshing their flavor. You can add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of sesame oil. Pair them with a spicy dipping sauce, like sriracha or sweet chili sauce, to enhance the taste. This makes your meal feel fresh and exciting, even the second time around! Yes, you can use extra-firm tofu. Extra-firm tofu has a lower moisture content. This makes it more resilient during cooking. It holds its shape well and gives a firmer bite. Firm tofu works too, but it may absorb more marinade. Both types are great for this recipe. I recommend marinating the tofu for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the tofu to soak up the flavors. For even better taste, you can marinate it longer, up to an hour. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor will be. I love serving these tofu bites with sriracha or sweet chili sauce. They add a nice kick and balance the sesame flavor. You can also try peanut sauce or soy sauce for a classic touch. Each sauce brings its own unique taste that pairs well with the bites. You learned how to make crispy air-fried tofu bites using simple ingredients. From the crunchy panko coating to delicious marinades, each step adds flavor and texture. With tips for perfecting the dish and variations for every taste, your options are endless. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them to keep their crispy goodness. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and make it your own!$

Air Fryer Sesame Crusted Tofu Bites

Discover the crispy delight of Air Fryer Sesame Crusted Tofu Bites! This simple recipe features firm tofu, tahini, and a flavorful blend of spices, all coated in crunchy panko and sesame seeds. Perfect for a snack or appetizer, these bites are not only delicious but also healthy. Ready in just 50 minutes, they're sure to impress your friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking today!

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Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed

1/2 cup tahini

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup sesame seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a weight on top for about 15-20 minutes.

Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until a smooth marinade is formed.

Gently toss the cubed tofu in the marinade until well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Dip each marinated tofu cube into the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure they stick well.

Place the coated tofu bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.

Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping the tofu bites halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.

Once done, remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the sesame crusted tofu bites on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro, and a side of spicy dipping sauce such as sriracha or sweet chili sauce for an added kick.