Vegan · Japanese-inspired
Sticky Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Bites
Crispy tofu cubes tossed in a glossy garlic-ginger teriyaki glaze. Serve them over rice, noodles, or as a sticky vegetarian snack.
These sticky air fryer teriyaki tofu bites are built for quick bowls and snack plates: crisp cubes first, glossy sauce second. Air frying gives extra-firm tofu browned edges without deep-frying, while the garlic-ginger teriyaki glaze clings to every piece.
Ingredients
Instructions
Air fryer:200°C / 392°F
Press the tofu for 15 minutes between clean towels with a heavy pan on top, then cut into 2 cm cubes. Pat the cubes dry so the coating can crisp.
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. Toss the tofu with the neutral oil, then sprinkle over 18 g cornflour, salt, and pepper. Toss gently until the cubes look evenly dusted.
Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between pieces. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until the edges are lightly golden and crisp. Work in batches if your basket is small.
While the tofu cooks, make the glaze. In a small pan, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the cornflour slurry and simmer for 30–60 seconds, stirring, until glossy and spoon-coating. Remove from the heat.
Transfer the hot tofu to a bowl and toss with enough teriyaki glaze to coat. Return the sauced tofu to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 200°C to set the glaze slightly.
Scatter with sesame seeds and spring onions. Serve straight away over rice or noodles, or with extra glaze on the side.
Tips & tricks
- For the crispiest tofu, press it well and keep the cubes in a single layer; crowded tofu steams instead of crisping.
- Sauced tofu softens as it sits. For meal prep, store the crisp tofu and glaze separately, then reheat and toss just before eating.
- For a spongier, chewier texture, freeze the tofu in its packet, thaw fully, then press before using.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce if you need a wheat-free version, and check all labels.
Air fryer cooking guides
Exact times & temperatures for the ingredients in this recipe.