Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Nuggets

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon black sesame seeds (optional) - Chopped green onions for garnish To make these air fryer teriyaki tofu nuggets, I start with firm tofu. Press it to squeeze out extra water. This step is key to getting crispy nuggets. I cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. This size helps them cook evenly. Next, I prepare a simple marinade. I mix soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. This mix gives the tofu a rich flavor. I toss the tofu cubes in this marinade, letting them soak for at least 30 minutes. This wait time helps the tofu absorb all those tasty flavors. After marinating, I sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu. This powder helps create a crispy outside when cooking. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference. Now, for the fun part! I preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). It takes just a few minutes. Then, I place the tofu cubes in the basket in a single layer. Cooking takes about 12 to 15 minutes. I shake the basket halfway through for even crispiness. When they turn golden brown and crispy, they are ready! I love to garnish them with black sesame seeds and green onions. They add a nice touch and extra flavor. These nuggets are not just tasty; they’re also fun to make! To start, you need to press the tofu. This removes water that makes tofu soggy. Use a tofu press or wrap it in a clean towel. Then, place a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly and get crispy. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch for extra thickness. Mix well with a whisk. Then, add 1 tablespoon of minced ginger and 2 cloves of minced garlic. This blend gives a rich flavor to the tofu. Place the cubed tofu into a large mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the tofu and toss gently. Make sure all pieces are coated. Let the tofu sit for at least 30 minutes. This allows the tofu to soak up the flavors. After marinating, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cornstarch over the tofu. Toss gently again to coat each cube. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. Once hot, add the marinated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check if the nuggets are golden brown and crispy. If you want them extra crispy, cook for 2-3 more minutes. To achieve that perfect crispiness, marinating the tofu is key. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. This helps the tofu soak up all the delicious flavors. If you have more time, marinate it longer for even better taste. Adjust the cooking time based on your personal preference. I suggest starting at 12 minutes. If you want it extra crispy, add 2-3 more minutes. Keep an eye on the nuggets. They should turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch. The best temperature for air frying tofu is 380°F (193°C). This setting cooks the tofu evenly while making it crispy. Make sure to preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. It helps to get the cooking process started right. Cooking in batches is also a good idea. Avoid overcrowding the basket. This allows hot air to circulate freely, giving you crispier nuggets. If you have a lot of tofu, cook it in two or three rounds. For serving, these tofu nuggets pair well with rice or steamed veggies. You can also serve them with a side of teriyaki sauce for dipping. It adds an extra flavor boost! For presentation, sprinkle chopped green onions and black sesame seeds on top. This makes your dish look vibrant and appetizing. A colorful plate always catches the eye! {{image_2}} You can spice up your teriyaki tofu nuggets. Try adding chili paste for a kick. This gives a nice heat and depth. Also, consider using Asian-inspired seasonings. Five-spice powder or hoisin sauce can add unique flavors. These tweaks make the dish fun and different each time. If you need gluten-free options, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari tastes the same and works well. For vegan-friendly sides, pair the nuggets with fresh veggies. You can use avocado or a tasty salad. These options keep your meal healthy and satisfying. You can enjoy these tofu nuggets in many ways. Use them as a salad topping for added crunch. Wrap them in lettuce for a fresh bite. You can also toss them in stir-fry dishes. This adds flavor and protein to your meals. Each option brings a new twist to the classic nuggets. To keep your cooked tofu nuggets fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps their taste and texture intact. Avoid stacking them too much; it helps them stay crispier. To reheat your tofu nuggets and keep them crispy, use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This method revives their crunch. You can also use a skillet over medium heat if you prefer. Just add a little oil to prevent sticking. You can freeze these tofu nuggets too! For uncooked nuggets, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to cook, no need to thaw. Just air fry them straight from the freezer. For cooked nuggets, cool them first, then freeze. They can last for about a month. Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes. This allows the cubes to soak up the sauce. For even more flavor, you can marinate it longer, up to 8 hours in the fridge. Just remember to keep it covered. I recommend using firm tofu. Soft tofu can break apart easily during cooking. Firm tofu holds its shape well and gives you those perfect crispy nuggets. Yes, preheating is important. It helps the tofu cook evenly and become crispy. Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and preheat it for about 5 minutes. These nuggets pair well with rice or quinoa. You can also serve them with steamed veggies or in a wrap. A side of dipping sauce, like extra teriyaki, adds a nice touch too. Check for a golden brown color. The tofu should be crispy on the outside. If you want more crunch, add an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious air fryer teriyaki tofu nuggets. You learned about key ingredients like firm tofu, soy sauce, and maple syrup. We walked through easy steps to prepare, marinate, and cook the tofu nuggets. You picked up tips for crispiness and variations for different flavors. These nuggets are a tasty, healthy choice. Try them as a snack or meal. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Savor the crunch with these Crispy Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Nuggets that are packed with flavor and goodness! This simple recipe guides you through marinating firm tofu in a delicious teriyaki sauce and air frying it to crispy perfection. Perfect for a healthy snack or a delightful meal, these nuggets are sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to a tasty, guilt-free indulgence!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon black sesame seeds (optional)

Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.

Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic until combined.

Marinate the Tofu: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cubed tofu with the marinade. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor absorption.

Coat the Tofu: After marination, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and gently toss again, ensuring that each piece is lightly coated. This will help achieve a crispy exterior when cooked.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Tofu: Place the marinated and coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Check for Crispness: The tofu nuggets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you prefer extra crispness, add an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve and Garnish: Once done, transfer the crispy tofu nuggets to a serving plate. Sprinkle black sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top as garnish.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4