Go Back
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - A splash of orange juice for a fruity twist - Chopped cilantro for a fresh finish - Air fryer - Mixing bowl - Knife - Cutting board - Measuring cups and spoons When I make Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Nuggets, I always gather these ingredients first. The firm tofu is key because it holds its shape well. The soy sauce brings salty depth, while maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness. I love to add ginger and garlic for their strong flavors. They really make the marinade pop. You can play around with optional ingredients like red pepper flakes if you want some heat, or a splash of orange juice for added zest. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother. An air fryer is crucial for that crispy finish. A mixing bowl helps combine the marinade well. A sharp knife and cutting board are also important for cutting the tofu into nuggets. Feel free to customize with these options to make the dish your own! Start with a block of firm tofu. Drain and press it for about 15 minutes. This step removes excess water. Next, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch each. This size helps with even cooking and crispy texture. In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Whisk these together until smooth. This marinade adds rich, sweet, and savory flavors to the tofu. Place the tofu cubes into the marinade. Gently toss them to coat each piece well. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours. After marinating, take the tofu out. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cornstarch over the cubes. Gently toss again to coat each nugget. This coating is key for achieving that desired crispiness when air frying. First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Spread the coated tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t touch to promote even cooking. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The nuggets should turn golden brown and crisp on the outside. To get that perfect crispy texture, start by pressing the tofu well. This removes extra water. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Coat each nugget lightly with cornstarch. This helps create that crunchy exterior when air frying. Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to soggy tofu, so give them space. For the best flavor, marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for 2 hours in the fridge. This allows the tofu to soak up all the tasty teriyaki sauce. The longer it marinates, the more delicious it becomes. Make sure to turn the tofu in the marinade to coat all sides. For a beautiful plate, serve the teriyaki tofu nuggets on a colorful platter. Add steamed broccoli for a vibrant green contrast. Pair it with jasmine rice for a complete meal. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the top. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on the nuggets for a lovely finish. This not only tastes good but looks amazing too! {{image_4}} You can make your teriyaki tofu nuggets even better by adding vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots work great. Just cut them small. Mix them with the tofu in the marinade. The veggies soak up the sauce and add color. They also give a nice crunch. You can cook them at the same time as the tofu. Just make sure they fit in the air fryer. This makes the dish more fun and healthy. If you want a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari tastes just like soy sauce but has no gluten. You can also use arrowroot instead of cornstarch. It gives the same crispy texture. Always check labels to make sure everything is gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy your teriyaki tofu nuggets! To add some heat, mix in chili paste or sriracha into your marinade. Start with a small amount. You can add more if you like it spicy! You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving. This will give your nuggets a nice kick. Pair them with a cooling dip, like yogurt or sour cream, to balance the heat. This spicy twist makes the dish exciting and full of flavor! To store your leftover teriyaki tofu nuggets, wait until they cool down. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents any odors. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you always know when they were made. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. To keep them crispy, use the air fryer again. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the nuggets in a single layer. Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method revives the crunch and flavor. You can also use an oven, but the air fryer works best. If you want to store them for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the cooked nuggets cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. These nuggets can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. Yes, you can use other proteins. Chicken, tempeh, or seitan are great options. Each will give a unique taste and texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. The best temperature for tofu is 375°F (190°C). This heat helps the tofu become crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. Preheating ensures even cooking. You can marinate tofu for at least 30 minutes. For stronger flavor, try marinating for up to 2 hours. This allows the tofu to soak up the teriyaki goodness. Yes, you can make this recipe in the oven. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through for even cooking. You learned how to make tasty teriyaki tofu nuggets today. We covered required ingredients, helpful tips, and step-by-step directions. Remember to play with the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or spices. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh and crisp. With these ideas and answers to common questions, you'll be a teriyaki tofu pro. Enjoy making your nuggets and impressing your friends and family with this easy snack!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Nuggets

Discover the deliciousness of Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Nuggets with this easy recipe! Made with firm tofu marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, these nuggets come out perfectly crispy and golden in the air fryer. Perfect for a healthy snack or meal, they're sure to impress anyone. Dive into this recipe and elevate your cooking game. Click through to explore the full instructions and serve up some tasty goodness!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

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

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

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: Begin by cutting the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or nuggets, aiming for approximately 1 inch in size for even cooking.

    Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a harmonious mixture. This flavorful blend will serve as your teriyaki marinade.

      Marinate the Tofu: Place the tofu cubes into the marinade, gently tossing them to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Allow the tofu to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper infusion of flavors, marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

        Coat with Cornstarch: After marinating, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu nuggets. Gently toss them to ensure each nugget is lightly coated. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture during air frying.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.

            Arrange the Nuggets: Place the coated tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between each nugget to promote even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

              Air Fry the Nuggets: Cook the tofu nuggets in the preheated air fryer for 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to facilitate even browning and crispiness. The nuggets should be golden brown with a delightful crunch on the outside.

                Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the tofu nuggets from the air fryer and serve them immediately. For an appealing presentation, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the teriyaki tofu nuggets on a colorful platter alongside steamed broccoli and fragrant jasmine rice. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the dish for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal.