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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves minced garlic - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish The main star of this dish is firm tofu. I choose firm because it holds its shape well. Pressing the tofu is key. This removes moisture and helps it absorb flavor. Next, low sodium soy sauce adds saltiness without overpowering. Maple syrup gives a sweet touch that balances the soy. Rice vinegar adds tang, while sesame oil brings a rich flavor. Minced garlic and fresh ginger are must-haves in my marinade. They add depth and a lovely aroma. Cornstarch helps create a crispy outer layer when air frying. Finally, sesame seeds and green onions are perfect for garnish. They bring texture and a pop of color. Each ingredient plays an important role in making these tofu bites both tasty and visually appealing. First, press the tofu. This step is key to removing extra moisture. Wrap the block in a clean kitchen towel. Place something heavy on top, like a skillet, for at least 30 minutes. This helps the tofu absorb the marinade better. Next, cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. Aim for pieces about 1 inch each. This size cooks evenly and makes for easy eating. Set the cubes aside as you prepare the marinade. Now, let's create the marinade. In a bowl, mix the following ingredients: - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated Whisk these together until well combined. This mix will add a sweet and salty flavor to the tofu. Next, marinate the tofu. Put the cubed tofu in a Ziploc bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the tofu, then seal or cover it. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, you can marinate it up to 2 hours. After marinating, it's time to coat the tofu. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the tofu cubes. Gently toss the tofu until each piece is coated. This helps make the tofu nice and crispy in the air fryer. Now, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. The tofu should turn golden and crispy. Once done, remove the tofu bites from the air fryer. While they are still hot, sprinkle sesame seeds over them. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Enjoy your Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Bites warm! To get the best texture from your tofu, start with pressing it well. Pressing removes excess water. This step is key for crispy bites. Place the tofu between two plates and add some weight on top. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This will help the tofu absorb flavors better. Cornstarch is your secret weapon for crispy tofu. After marinating, toss the cubes in cornstarch. This coating creates a crunchy shell when you air fry. Make sure each piece is well coated. Skipping this step can lead to soggy bites. Pair your teriyaki tofu with great sides. Steamed rice is a classic choice. It soaks up the tasty sauce. A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness. You can also serve it with stir-fried veggies for extra color. For garnishes, sliced green onions add a fresh touch. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nutty flavor. You can even add some chili flakes for heat. These simple additions will enhance your meal. {{image_2}} You can change ingredients to suit your taste. For sweeteners, try using agave syrup or honey instead of maple syrup. Both will add sweetness, but honey will make the dish not vegan. If you want a different taste, you can use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. It is less salty and adds a mild flavor. For oils, sesame oil gives a nice flavor, but you can use olive oil or avocado oil instead. Both work well and can add a twist to the dish. To make these tofu bites even tastier, add spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat. Or you can sprinkle in some smoked paprika for a warm flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also make this dish pop. You might want to add some vegetables too. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can mix well with the tofu. Simply toss them in with the tofu during the air frying. This makes your meal colorful and healthy. Enjoy experimenting with these variations! To keep your teriyaki tofu bites fresh, follow these simple steps: - Cool before refrigerating: Let the tofu bites cool down to room temperature. - Use airtight containers: Place the cooled tofu in a container with a tight lid. - Refrigeration: Store the container in the fridge. This keeps the tofu from drying out. Cooked tofu bites can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. After that, the texture and taste may change. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in a few ways: - Air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry for about 5-7 minutes. - Oven: Place tofu bites on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. - Microwave: For a quick option, use the microwave for 1-2 minutes. To keep the tofu crispy, avoid using the microwave if possible. Instead, choose the air fryer or oven. This helps maintain that wonderful crunch. No, I do not recommend using soft tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape better. It also crisps up well in the air fryer. Soft tofu may break apart and become mushy during cooking. You can keep marinated tofu in the fridge for up to two days. This lets the flavors soak in deeply. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you need to keep it longer, freeze the tofu instead. Yes, you can make these tofu bites gluten-free. Simply swap low sodium soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients. A model with adjustable temperature and a good basket is ideal. I recommend air fryers with a capacity of at least 3.7 quarts. This size allows enough room for even cooking. Brands like Ninja or Philips offer reliable options. In this article, we explored how to make delicious and crispy tofu bites. We covered main and additional ingredients, along with easy step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for perfect results and ideas for variations and serving. Remember, pressing tofu and using cornstarch are key for crispiness. Storage tips and answers to questions will help you enjoy these bites longer. With this guide, you can confidently cook tasty tofu. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Bites

Get ready to enjoy delicious Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Bites packed with flavor! This easy recipe transforms firm tofu into crispy bites marinated in a sweet and savory blend. Perfect for a healthy snack or meal, these bites are quick to prepare and sure to impress. Don't miss out on making this tasty dish—click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

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

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and set aside.

    Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to create a marinade.

      Marinate the Tofu: In a Ziploc bag or a bowl, add the cubed tofu and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a stronger flavor.

        Coat with Cornstarch: After marinating, gently toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch until all sides are coated. This will give a nice crispy texture when air frying.

          Air Fry the Tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until they are golden and crispy.

            Finish with Sesame Seeds: Once cooked, remove the tofu bites from the air fryer and sprinkle sesame seeds over them while they are still hot.

              Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm, either on their own or with a side of steamed rice or salad.

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