Air Fryer Honey Garlic Tofu Nuggets

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1/4 cup honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - Salt and pepper to taste The main star of this dish is firm tofu. It gives the nuggets a strong base. The honey and garlic bring sweet and savory flavors that make each bite tasty. Soy sauce adds depth, while sesame oil brings a nutty aroma. Ginger adds a hint of spice, making the marinade extra special. - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Sesame seeds for garnish - Chopped green onions for garnish To achieve that crunchy texture, we use cornstarch. It helps create a crispy layer on the outside. Olive oil adds richness and ensures even cooking. For a pretty finish, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. They add color and a nice bite to each nugget. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. To make the best Air Fryer Honey Garlic Tofu Nuggets, start by pressing the tofu. This step is key. It helps remove excess moisture. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean towel. Place something heavy on top for about 30 minutes. This will make the tofu firmer. Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into cubes. Aim for bite-sized pieces. This size helps the tofu cook evenly and get that perfect crisp. Next, mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir until it's well mixed. Add the cubed tofu to the bowl. Gently toss the tofu to coat each piece in the marinade. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will soak up. Before you start air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is important for even cooking. After marinating, sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu. Toss it again to coat each cube. This coating helps create a crispy texture in the air fryer. Place the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; this helps them cook better. Lightly spray the tofu with cooking oil for extra crispiness. Cook the tofu nuggets for 15 to 18 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want them to be golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the fryer and drizzle with the remaining marinade for more flavor. To get crispy nuggets, you need to coat the tofu well. After marinating, sprinkle cornstarch on the tofu. This helps make the nuggets crunchy. Don't skip this step. The marinating time is key too. Let the tofu soak for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in, making your nuggets taste great. Air fryers can cook only so much at a time. If you overcrowd the basket, the nuggets won't cook evenly. It’s best to cook in small batches. This way, you get that perfect crunch every time. If needed, adjust the cook time slightly. Some air fryers may need a bit more time to get golden brown. For plating, use a nice platter lined with parchment paper. This not only looks good but also makes clean-up easy. Offer toothpicks for easy eating. For dips, sriracha adds a nice kick, while sweet chili sauce complements the honey well. You can also drizzle some extra marinade over the nuggets for added flavor. {{image_2}} If you're looking for vegan honey, try using maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options add sweetness and work well with the other flavors. For a gluten-free soy sauce, tamari is a great choice. It has a similar taste and keeps your dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. You can spice things up by adding chili flakes or paprika to the marinade. This small change gives the nuggets a nice kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinades too. Try adding orange juice for a citrus twist or teriyaki sauce for a sweet-savory combo. To make a complete meal, pair these nuggets with some steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, create a tofu bowl! Layer the nuggets over cooked rice or quinoa, then add sliced veggies and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. This makes for a colorful and tasty dish that everyone will love. After cooking your honey garlic tofu nuggets, let them cool. Store them in an airtight container. This will help keep them fresh. They last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To reheat, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). This helps keep the nuggets crispy. Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. If you want to freeze them, place cooled nuggets in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. You can prepare the tofu nuggets ahead of time. This makes weeknight meals easy. Marinate the tofu and store it in the fridge. When you are ready, just air fry. Pair these nuggets with rice or veggies for a complete meal. You can also toss them in a salad for extra crunch and flavor. To press tofu, you need to remove excess moisture. Start by wrapping the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy pan or a cast iron skillet on top. This helps squeeze out water. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. If you have time, press it longer for the best results. After pressing, cut it into cubes. The drier the tofu, the better it absorbs flavors later. Yes, you can prep the tofu nuggets ahead. Press and cube the tofu, then marinate it. Store the marinated tofu in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, coat the tofu with cornstarch and air fry. This method saves time on busy days and helps flavors deepen. Just keep in mind to cook it fresh for the best crunch. Honey garlic tofu goes well with many sauces. Try sweet chili sauce for a spicy kick. Sriracha adds heat and is a favorite. For a creamy option, use tahini sauce or a yogurt dip. You can also serve it with a soy sauce blend for extra umami. These dips enhance the flavor and make the meal more fun. This guide covered making honey garlic tofu, from ingredients to storage tips. You learned about key components like firm tofu, marinade, and crispy coatings. I shared steps for marinating and air frying, along with tips for texture and presentation. Don't forget to get creative with flavors and sauces. Store leftovers properly and consider meal prepping for easy dinners. Enjoy your tasty, homemade dish, and keep exploring new flavors!$

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Tofu Nuggets

Discover the delightful crunch and sweet-savory flavor of Air Fryer Honey Garlic Tofu Nuggets that's easy to whip up at home! With simple ingredients like tofu, honey, and garlic, this recipe guarantees crispy perfection in under 40 minutes. Perfect for a snack or a tasty addition to any meal, these nuggets are sure to impress! Click through for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to bring this delicious dish to your table.

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Ingredients

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

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup honey

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Salt and pepper to taste

Sesame seeds for garnish

Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu: Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

Marinate the Tofu: In a bowl, mix together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the tofu cubes and gently toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.

Coat the Tofu: After marinating, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and gently toss again to ensure each cube is evenly coated. This will help create a crispy texture.

Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches). Lightly spray the tofu with cooking oil. Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy.

Serve: Once cooked, remove the tofu nuggets from the air fryer and drizzle with remaining marinade for extra flavor.

Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 40 min | 4 servings.

- Presentation Tips: Serve the tofu nuggets on a beautiful platter lined with parchment paper, and offer toothpicks for easy eating. Pair with a dipping sauce, such as sriracha or a sweet chili sauce, for an added pop of flavor.