Miso Tofu Air Fryer Recipe

Learn how to make quick and easy miso tofu in your air fryer! This simple recipe transforms plain tofu into a crispy, caramelized delight with rich umami flavors. Perfect for beginners seeking healthy, plant-based meals.

Prep

15 mins

Cook

12 mins

Serve

Kcal

165

Carbs: 8g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 9g

165

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g firm tofu, drained and pressed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tablespoons white miso paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons rice vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon soy sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon maple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon sesame oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 clove garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon sesame seeds</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 spring onions, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon vegetable oil for brushing</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by removing your tofu from its packaging and drain thoroughly. Place the tofu block between clean kitchen towels or paper towels, then place a heavy plate or cutting board on top. Let it press for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture - this is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior we're after.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>While the tofu is pressing, let's create our magnificent miso glaze. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy - no lumps of miso should remain.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, cut your pressed tofu into evenly-sized cubes, roughly 2.5cm each. Pat each piece completely dry with kitchen towels - any remaining moisture will prevent proper caramelization.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Lightly brush the air fryer basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring they're not touching each other - this allows hot air to circulate properly around each piece for even cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Air fry the tofu for 6 minutes at 200°C. You'll hear them starting to sizzle - that's exactly what we want. After 6 minutes, carefully remove the basket and brush each tofu cube generously with half of your miso glaze mixture, coating all sides.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Return to the air fryer and cook for another 4 minutes. Remove again and apply the remaining glaze, watching as it starts to caramelize and turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma will be absolutely incredible at this point.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cook for a final 2 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized to perfection. The tofu should have a gorgeous golden-brown exterior with slightly charred edges. Remove carefully with tongs - the glaze will be very hot.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Transfer to your serving plate and immediately sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions while the tofu is still hot - this helps the garnishes stick to the glazed surface. Serve immediately while the exterior is at its crispiest and the interior is silky smooth.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Miso Tofu Air Fryer Recipe

How long does tofu take to cook in an air fryer?

Tofu takes 12 minutes total in the air fryer at 200°C. Cook for 6 minutes, brush with glaze, cook 4 more minutes, add final glaze, then cook 2 minutes until golden and caramelized.

Do I need to press tofu before air frying?

Yes, pressing tofu for 10 minutes is essential. Place it between kitchen towels with a heavy plate on top to remove excess moisture. This step ensures crispy edges and proper caramelization.

What type of miso paste works best for glazed tofu?

White miso paste is ideal for this recipe as it's milder and sweeter than red miso. It creates a beautiful golden glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the air fryer without becoming too salty.

Can you make crispy tofu without oil in an air fryer?

While you can skip oil, a light brush of vegetable oil prevents sticking and helps achieve better browning. The miso glaze also contains sesame oil, which contributes to the crispy texture.

Why is my air fryer tofu not getting crispy?

Tofu won't crisp if it's too wet or overcrowded. Always press tofu thoroughly, pat dry, and arrange in a single layer with space between pieces for proper air circulation.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.


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      "author": "Kenji Nakamura",
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      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Marcus Johnson",
      "datePublished": "2024-12-28",
      "reviewBody": "So easy and quick for weeknight dinners! I meal prep these now and they reheat beautifully. The miso glaze is addictive - I want to put it on everything.",
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August 31, 2025

Miso Tofu Air Fryer Recipe

Learn how to make quick and easy miso tofu in your air fryer! This simple recipe transforms plain tofu into a crispy, caramelized delight with rich umami flavors. Perfect for beginners seeking healthy, plant-based meals.

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Carbs: 8g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

Directions

How long does tofu take to cook in an air fryer?

Do I need to press tofu before air frying?

What type of miso paste works best for glazed tofu?

Can you make crispy tofu without oil in an air fryer?

Why is my air fryer tofu not getting crispy?