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For your Air Fryer Honey Garlic Tofu Nuggets, you will need: - 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed - ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan option) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon minced garlic - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - Cooking spray These ingredients come together to create a sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with the crispy tofu. If you're looking to make this dish vegan, simply swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness while fitting a vegan diet. To make your dish even better, try adding these garnishes and sauces: - Sliced green onions for freshness - Sesame seeds for crunch - Sweet chili sauce for a spicy kick - Sriracha for extra heat These additions not only enhance the look but also elevate the taste of your tofu nuggets. Enjoy experimenting with these options! First, you need a block of firm tofu. Start by draining it well and pressing it. This helps remove excess water, making the tofu crispier. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large bowl. Next, let’s make the marinade. In another bowl, whisk together ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger. This mixture brings sweet and savory flavors to the tofu. Pour this marinade over the tofu cubes. Gently toss to coat them evenly. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 10 minutes. This step helps it soak up all that yummy flavor. Now, it’s time to coat the tofu. In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix it well. Take the marinated tofu and add it to the cornstarch mixture. Toss until every piece is coated. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking. Place the coated tofu nuggets in the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this can stop them from getting crispy. Air fry the tofu at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to make sure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them. You want them golden and crispy. Once the tofu nuggets are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Serve them hot, and if you like, drizzle some extra honey on top for added sweetness. Presentation matters, so place the nuggets on a platter. You can garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor. These nuggets pair well with dipping sauces like sweet chili or sriracha. Enjoy this crispy delight! To get your tofu nice and crispy, use firm tofu. Press the tofu well to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes. Coat the cubes in cornstarch. This helps create a crunchy crust when cooked. Don't skip the cornstarch! It makes a big difference in texture. Make sure to space out the tofu in the air fryer. Crowding the basket can lead to soggy nuggets. Marinating tofu is key for great taste. Use a mix of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This mix gives a sweet and savory flavor. Let the tofu soak for at least 10 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it longer. You can even do this overnight! The longer it soaks, the better the flavor. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This helps the tofu cook evenly. Arrange the nuggets in a single layer. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps them brown evenly. Cook for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden color. Each air fryer is different, so adjust the time as needed. For added crunch, lightly spray the tofu with cooking spray before frying. {{image_2}} To give your tofu nuggets a kick, add some heat! A spicy honey garlic version is simple to create. Start by mixing in 1 to 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes into your marinade. You can also use sriracha or chili paste for a deeper flavor. This adds heat without losing the sweet and savory taste. The spicy version pairs well with a cooling dip like yogurt-based sauce. If you need a gluten-free option, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari has a similar taste but is made without wheat. You can also check labels on all your ingredients. Ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty nuggets without worry! No air fryer? No problem! You can bake or pan-fry these tofu nuggets. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the tofu nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. If pan-frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the nuggets in batches until crispy on all sides. Both methods yield delicious results! To store your honey garlic tofu nuggets, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to layer parchment paper between the nuggets to keep them from sticking. You can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, use your air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the nuggets for about 5-7 minutes. This helps them regain their crispiness. You can also use a microwave, but they won't be as crunchy. Just heat them for about 1-2 minutes. If you want to freeze the nuggets, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for a few hours until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then reheat them in the air fryer as mentioned above. No, soft tofu will not work well here. It breaks apart too easily. Firm tofu holds its shape better when you cook it. It gives you that nice, crispy texture you want in these nuggets. Stick with firm tofu for the best results. Cooked tofu nuggets can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Just reheat them in the air fryer or oven when you're ready to eat. This keeps them crispy and tasty. You can use maple syrup as a great substitute for honey. It gives you that sweet taste without using honey. Agave nectar also works well if you need a vegan option. Both of these will keep your nuggets sweet and delicious. In this post, we covered how to make tasty tofu nuggets from start to finish. We started with the right ingredients, including options for vegan substitutes. I shared step-by-step instructions on prepping, cooking, and serving. You learned tips for crispy texture and marinating for flavor. We also discussed variations and best practices for storage. Tofu nuggets can be both fun and satisfying. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and cooking methods!

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Tofu Nuggets

Satisfy your cravings with these crispy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Tofu Nuggets! This easy recipe combines firm tofu marinated in a delicious honey (or maple syrup) and garlic sauce, then air-fried to perfection. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they are sure to impress everyone. Discover how to create these tasty bites that are both flavorful and fun to make. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking!
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Ingredients
  

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

¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

    Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a marinade.

        Pour the marinade over the tofu cubes, gently tossing to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb flavors.

          In another bowl, combine cornstarch, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the marinated tofu into the cornstarch mixture and toss until evenly coated.

            Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

              Arrange the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.

                Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu nuggets are golden and crispy.

                  Remove from the air fryer and serve hot, optionally drizzled with extra honey for sweetness.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the tofu nuggets on a platter, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and color. Pair with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or your favorite sriracha for extra zing!