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- Firm tofu (14 oz) - Low-sodium soy sauce - Pure maple syrup - Rice vinegar - Toasted sesame oil - Garlic - Fresh ginger - Cornstarch - Sesame seeds - Green onions To make Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Bites, start with firm tofu. I use a 14-ounce block. This type holds its shape well. Next, low-sodium soy sauce brings that savory depth. Pure maple syrup adds a perfect touch of sweetness. Rice vinegar balances the mix with a nice tang. For flavor, add toasted sesame oil. This oil gives a nutty taste. Fresh garlic and ginger bring brightness. Mince the garlic finely and grate the ginger. These ingredients make the dish pop with flavor. When it comes to coating, I use cornstarch. This helps the tofu form a crispy layer. For garnishing, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. They add crunch and visual appeal. Finally, slice some green onions. These will brighten the dish when served. Gather these ingredients, and you're set to create a tasty dish! To start, you need to press the tofu. This means placing a weight on it for at least 30 minutes. Pressing helps remove excess water, giving the tofu a firmer texture. After pressing, cut the tofu into uniform bite-sized cubes. Make sure the pieces are even to cook well. Next, we will make the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated Mix until fully combined. This marinade will give the tofu a tasty teriyaki flavor. Now it’s time to marinate the tofu. Transfer the cubed tofu into a resealable bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the tofu, ensuring each piece gets coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours for a richer taste. After marinating, use a slotted spoon to take out the tofu cubes. Let the excess marinade drip off. Place the tofu in a separate bowl and gently toss it in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This step is key for a crispy exterior. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cook for 15-20 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to promote even browning. The tofu should be golden and crispy when done. Once the tofu is cooked, carefully take it out of the air fryer. Immediately sprinkle sesame seeds over the hot tofu bites to help them stick. For a lovely presentation, garnish with thinly sliced green onions just before serving. Enjoy these bites warm, on their own or with a side of rice or salad. Pressing the tofu is key. It helps get rid of extra water. This step makes the tofu firmer. Without pressing, the tofu can become mushy. Press it with a weight for at least 30 minutes. After pressing, cut it into uniform cubes. This shape helps it cook evenly. To achieve a crispy exterior, coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch. This adds a nice crunch when you air fry them. Toss the cubes gently to cover them fully. The cornstarch creates a great texture that you will love. For the best flavor infusion, marinate the tofu well. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for two hours. This really deepens the flavor. You can adjust the sweetness and saltiness too. If you want a sweeter taste, add more maple syrup. If you prefer more salt, add more soy sauce. Taste your marinade before using it. Avoid overcrowding the basket when air frying. If you put too many cubes in, they won’t cook evenly. I recommend cooking in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps the tofu brown evenly. It also keeps the texture nice and crispy. Following these tips will make your Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Bites a hit! {{image_4}} You can spice things up by adding sriracha to the marinade. This adds a nice kick. If you want to try something new, use different marinades. You can mix things like ginger soy or honey mustard. Each option gives a unique taste to the tofu. These teriyaki tofu bites pair well with rice or a fresh salad. You can serve them as a tasty appetizer or as a filling main dish. They fit perfectly in a wrap or on a plate with veggies. This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Want to reduce sodium? Choose a low-sodium soy sauce. These tweaks keep the flavor while fitting your dietary needs. To store your leftover Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Bites, place them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. This method helps maintain their flavor and texture. - Airtight container: Choose a sturdy container that seals well. - Refrigeration time: These bites stay good for about 3-5 days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. You want to keep the tofu crispy and tasty. - Best practice: Use the air fryer to reheat. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the outside crunchy. - Microwave option: If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. However, this may make the tofu a bit soggy. You can freeze your tofu bites if you have extra. This is a great way to save them for later. - Freezing tips: First, let the tofu cool completely. Place the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. - Thawing and reheating: When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture. No, it’s best to use firm tofu. Firm tofu has a denser texture. This texture holds up well during cooking. Soft tofu can break apart easily. It also lacks the crispy texture we want. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the tofu to soak up flavors. For an even richer taste, marinate for up to 2 hours. Just remember to keep it in the fridge while marinating. These tofu bites pair well with many sides. You can serve them with steamed rice. A fresh salad also complements the dish nicely. You might even try them with stir-fried vegetables for extra crunch. Yes! These tofu bites are great for meal prep. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay tasty for up to four days. For reheating, the air fryer works best. It keeps the tofu crispy and delicious. You now have all the steps to make delicious air fryer teriyaki tofu bites. We covered the ingredients, from firm tofu to flavorful seasonings. You learned how to prepare, marinate, and cook the tofu for the best results. Remember to experiment with flavors and serve with your favorite sides. With these tips, you can enjoy crispy tofu that’s tasty and healthy. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Bites

Discover the deliciousness of Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Bites with this easy recipe! Perfectly marinated tofu is transformed into crispy, flavorful bites that are ideal for snacking or as a meal. With simple ingredients and quick prep, you'll love how satisfying these bites are. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your plant-based cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cut into uniform bite-sized cubes

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: Begin by pressing the tofu with a weight for at least 30 minutes to eliminate excess water. This step is crucial for achieving a firmer texture. After pressing, cut the tofu into even bite-sized cubes and set them aside on a paper towel to absorb any additional moisture.

    Make the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, pure maple syrup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until fully combined. This flavorful marinade will infuse the tofu with a delicious teriyaki taste.

      Marinate the Tofu: Transfer the cubed tofu into a resealable Ziploc bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the tofu, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor profile.

        Coat with Cornstarch: After marinating, use a slotted spoon to remove the tofu cubes from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Gently toss the cubes in cornstarch in a separate bowl until every piece is evenly coated. This will help create a delightful crispy exterior.

          Air Fry the Tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. The tofu should emerge golden and crispy.

            Finish with Sesame Seeds: Once the tofu is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle sesame seeds over the hot tofu bites, allowing the seeds to adhere.

              Serve: Garnish the crispy tofu bites with the sliced green onions just before serving. These bites can be enjoyed warm on their own or paired with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 1 hour (including marinating time) | 4 servings