Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu

⭐️ Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Ready in 25 minutes. While this tofu dish is not entirely made in the air fryer, it’s a healthier take on regular teriyaki tofu that is often deep-fried. Not only does the air fryer make the overall process much quicker, but it also makes it fuss-free. You can get this tofu on the table in less than 25 minutes!
• Better than takeout. Loaded with fresh ginger, garlic, and toasty sesame oil, the thick sauce coats the tofu wonderfully, giving it a ton of flavor.
• Great for meal prep. This teriyaki tofu keeps and reheats very well, meaning you can make a double batch and enjoy it throughout the week with different grains.

📘 What is Teriyaki

Teriyaki (照り焼き) is a Japanese cooking technique that involves grilling or broiling foods with a glaze. Food can be either marinated in the sauce and then grilled, or coated with the glaze after cooking.

Teriyaki sauce is often prepared with a combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Other aromatics such as garlic, ginger, or spring onions may also be included.

🧄 Ingredient Notes

This vegan teriyaki tofu requires just 8 simple ingredients. Here is what you will need:

• Firm tofu – You can use medium or firm tofu. There is no need to press the tofu in this recipe. Simply pat it dry.
• Oil – Any neutral oil works. We will use it to coat the tofu before air frying, helping it get a golden brown color.
• Ginger and garlic – Preferably fresh ones for a citrusy and spicy flavor. I went with one garlic clove, but you can use two for a more intense garlic flavor.
• Brown sugar – To balance with the saltiness of the sauce and add a subtle caramelized flavor. You can use brown sugar, coconut sugar, or granulated sugar.
• Soy sauce – For umami and saltiness. Feel free to use coconut aminos if you want to make this dish gluten-free.
• Sesame oil – Toasted sesame oil brings the sauce a nutty and complex aroma.
• Cornstarch – To thicken the sauce. You can substitute arrowroot for the cornstarch.

🥣 How To Make Teriyaki Tofu

Air fry the tofu

1. Dice the tofu. Start by cutting the tofu into thick 1-inch cubes. Transfer them to a deep plate or mixing bowl.
2. Coat it with oil. Add one tablespoon of oil and toss to coat the tofu with the oil. This ensures the tofu will brown evenly.
3. Air-fry. Next, place the tofu cubes into the basket of your air fryer, leaving about 1 inch between each. Air fry for 14 minutes, flipping once halfway through frying.

Make the sauce

While the tofu is air frying, prepare the homemade teriyaki sauce:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a pan. Add the minced garlic, ginger, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and water to a pan.
2. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes or until the sugar has dissolved.

Coat the tofu

Finally, it’s time to add the tofu to the sauce and let it absorb all of the flavors of the teriyaki sauce. To do so:

1. Simmer the tofu. Add the fried tofu to the pan and toss to coat. Let the tofu simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
2. Add the slurry. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water. Add the slurry to the sauce.
3. Toss to coat. Stir to coat the tofu with the thickened sauce and cook for another 30 seconds. The teriyaki tofu is now ready!

🍚 What To Serve With Air Fried Tofu

This teriyaki tofu is versatile and can be served on its own or served with a side dish. You can:

• Garnish: Before serving, feel free to garnish the tofu with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, pickled cucumbers, or vegan meat floss for extra texture!
• Pair with: Teriyaki tofu pairs beautifully with clay pot rice, quinoa, or brown rice. You can also include it in salads like this kale & carrot salad to add protein.

🥖 More Air Fryer Recipes

Perfect Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Marinated Air Fryer Zucchini

Air Fryer Croutons

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