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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed - 1/4 cup honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option) - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon grated ginger - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice) - Cooking spray (for the air fryer) The main ingredients make the base of your dish. Tofu is your protein. Honey or agave gives sweetness. Soy sauce adds saltiness. Garlic and ginger bring wonderful flavors. Cornstarch will help create a nice crunch. You can mix things up with these options. Consider adding chopped green onions for freshness. Sesame seeds can give a nice crunch and look. A splash of lime juice can add brightness. These sauces pair well with your nuggets. Sweet chili sauce adds a spicy kick. Soy sauce with a hint of lime is refreshing. You can also try sriracha for a hot touch. Each sauce will enhance your tasty vegan treat. Start with a block of firm tofu. Drain it well and press it to remove excess water. This step is key to getting a great texture. Next, cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized nuggets. Aim for pieces that are about one inch. This size helps them cook evenly. After cutting, pat the nuggets dry with a paper towel. This removes any leftover moisture and helps them crisp up. In a medium bowl, combine the following: - 1/4 cup honey (or agave syrup for vegan) - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon grated ginger - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice) Mix all ingredients well. The honey or agave gives sweetness. The soy sauce adds saltiness, while garlic and ginger bring freshness. This marinade is full of flavor and makes the tofu taste amazing. Once the tofu is marinated, it’s time to coat it with cornstarch. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the tofu nuggets. Toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. This step is important for achieving that crispy outside. Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This usually takes about five minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking. Place the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the basket. If you have a lot, cook in batches to avoid crowding. Air fry the nuggets for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want them to be golden and crispy when done. Once finished, remove the nuggets from the air fryer. If you like, drizzle any leftover marinade on top. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or your favorite dip. For the best nuggets, use firm or extra-firm tofu. This type holds its shape well during cooking. Silken tofu can fall apart, so it's not a good choice. Press the tofu to remove extra water. This step helps the nuggets absorb more flavor and stay crispy. To boost the taste, add spices like smoked paprika or onion powder. A dash of cayenne pepper can add heat. You can also mix in fresh herbs, like cilantro or basil, for a fresh kick. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Each spice adds a unique twist to the dish. Coating the tofu with cornstarch is key to crispiness. It creates a crunchy shell when air-fried. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Air needs space to circulate for that perfect golden color. Flip the nuggets halfway through cooking for even crispiness. {{image_2}} You can make this recipe vegan by swapping honey with agave syrup. Agave gives a similar sweetness without using animal products. It blends well with the soy sauce and garlic. This choice keeps your dish tasty and plant-based. You can also use maple syrup if you want a different flavor. Both work great in this recipe. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also mix in some sriracha or chili sauce. This gives your nuggets a nice kick. The spicy flavor pairs well with the sweet honey. It makes for a delicious balance that will thrill your taste buds. You can boost the nutrition of your nuggets by adding veggies. Try mixing in finely chopped bell peppers or carrots in the marinade. You can also serve the nuggets with a side of steamed broccoli. This extra crunch and color make your meal more appealing. Plus, it adds vitamins and minerals to your dish. Tofu nuggets are best fresh, but you can store leftovers. Place the cooled nuggets in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing to prevent sogginess. Reheating is easy. For the best texture, use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a regular oven at the same temperature for a few minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but they may lose some crispiness. You can freeze cooked tofu nuggets for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can! Agave syrup works well as a vegan swap. Maple syrup also adds a nice flavor. Both options will keep your nuggets sweet and tasty. Just use the same amount as honey. To make these nuggets gluten-free, choose gluten-free soy sauce. Look for tamari, which is a great option. Ensure your cornstarch is also gluten-free, as most brands are. This way, you enjoy the same great taste without gluten. These nuggets taste amazing with various dipping sauces. Sweet chili sauce adds a nice kick. You can also try soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar. For a zing, use sriracha or a creamy vegan ranch. Each sauce complements the honey garlic flavor perfectly. In this blog post, I covered how to make tasty tofu nuggets. We looked at main and optional ingredients, plus great sauces for dipping. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, marinating, and air frying the tofu. Importantly, I offered tips on the best tofu types and flavor boosters for crispiness. We explored fun variations like spicy nuggets and veggie adds. Finally, I shared smart storage and reheating tips. Now you can enjoy these delicious nuggets anytime!

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Tofu Nuggets

Elevate your snacking game with these Air Fryer Honey Garlic Tofu Nuggets! Perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor inside, this easy recipe is a must-try for tofu lovers and anyone looking for a tasty plant-based option. Simple ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and garlic come together for a delicious treat. Click through to discover how to make these delightful nuggets and impress your friends and family!
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Ingredients
  

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

1/4 cup honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option)

3 tablespoons soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon grated ginger

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Cooking spray (for the air fryer)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized nuggets. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

    Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine honey (or agave), soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

      Marinate the Tofu: Add the tofu nuggets to the marinade and gently toss to coat all sides. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes for the flavors to absorb.

        Coat with Cornstarch: After marinating, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu nuggets and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. This will give the nuggets a crispy texture during cooking.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes.

            Air Fry the Nuggets: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the basket (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

              Serve: Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and drizzle any remaining marinade if desired. Serve hot with a side of sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4