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To make these tasty nuggets, you need: - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a wonderful mix of flavors. The tofu gives you a great base. Sriracha adds heat and spice. Soy sauce brings umami. Honey or maple syrup balances the heat with sweetness. Garlic adds depth, and sesame oil gives a nice aroma. Cornstarch helps achieve that crispy texture we all love! The marinade is key for flavor. You’ll whisk together: - Sriracha sauce - Soy sauce - Honey or maple syrup - Minced garlic - Sesame oil - Smoked paprika - Salt and pepper Mixing these ingredients makes your tofu burst with flavor. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the tofu to absorb all those amazing tastes. Garnishes can take your dish to the next level. I suggest: - Fresh cilantro Cilantro adds a fresh touch. You can sprinkle it on top after cooking. It not only looks nice but also enhances the flavor. Enjoy your crispy tofu nuggets with this simple, flavorful garnish! First, you need to press the tofu. This step is important. It helps remove extra water. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. This makes for easy eating and cooking. Next, you will make the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these together until they blend well. Add the tofu cubes to this marinade. Toss gently to coat each piece. Let the tofu sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This will enhance the flavor. Now, it’s time to cook the tofu. First, sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the marinated tofu. Toss again to coat. This will help it get crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the tofu nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not crowded. Air fry the nuggets for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly. Once they are golden and crispy, remove them carefully. You can garnish with fresh cilantro if you like. Enjoy your crispy tofu nuggets! To get your tofu nuggets nice and crispy, follow these steps: - Press the Tofu: Always press your tofu. This removes extra water. Less water gives you better texture. - Use Cornstarch: After marinating, sprinkle cornstarch on the tofu. This helps create a crunchy outside. - Don’t Overcrowd: Place nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer. This allows hot air to circulate, making them crispy. Want to take your tofu nuggets to the next level? Here are some ideas: - Add Heat: Increase Sriracha for more spice. You can also mix in chili flakes. - Herbs and Spices: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint. You can also use different spices like cumin or turmeric for added depth. - Different Sauces: Experiment with sauces like teriyaki or hoisin. This gives you a new twist each time. Avoid these common pitfalls for the best results: - Skipping the Marinade Time: Letting the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes is key. This allows the flavors to soak in. - Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer. This ensures even cooking from the start. - Ignoring Cook Times: Keep an eye on the nuggets. Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model. Check for golden color and crispiness before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sauce for a new taste. Try using hoisin sauce for a sweet twist. If you prefer a tangy flavor, lemon juice adds brightness. A spicy garlic sauce can really amp up the heat. Each sauce brings its own fun vibe to the dish. While firm tofu works great, you can experiment with other types. Extra-firm tofu will give you a denser bite. Soft tofu offers a different texture but may not crisp as well. Silken tofu is not ideal for frying but can work in a sauce. Just remember to adjust your cooking time based on the tofu you choose. Mix in some fresh herbs for extra flavor. Chopped green onions add a nice crunch and oniony taste. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. For a smoky touch, try adding liquid smoke to your marinade. Don't be afraid to play with spices to find your favorite blend! To store your leftover tofu nuggets, place them in a sealed container. Make sure they cool down first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date. This way, you keep track of freshness. Reheating tofu nuggets can be easy. I recommend using the air fryer again. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will help them stay crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may change. If you do use the microwave, heat in short bursts to prevent sogginess. If you want to freeze the nuggets, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight. Yes, you can try different tofu types. I recommend using firm or extra-firm tofu. Soft tofu can break apart easily. If you want a different texture, try baked or smoked tofu. These options add unique flavors to your dish. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change. This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just use maple syrup instead of honey. Both options help balance the heat from the Sriracha. If you want a stronger flavor, add more garlic. You can also experiment with different marinades. Try adding lime juice or ginger for a twist. The tofu nuggets are done when they turn golden brown and crispy. You can check them at the 15-minute mark. Shake the basket to ensure even cooking. If they need more time, air fry them for another 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. You learned how to make crispy Sriracha garlic tofu nuggets. We covered the main ingredients, marinade, and optional garnishes. I provided step-by-step instructions and valuable tips for perfecting your dish. You can explore different sauce options and seasonings to personalize your nuggets. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly and try the reheating tips. By using different tofu types and sauces, you can create exciting meals. Enjoy making these tasty nuggets and feel confident in your cooking. You now have all the tools for success!

Air Fryer Sriracha Garlic Tofu Nuggets

Indulge in a flavorful twist with these Air Fryer Sriracha Garlic Tofu Nuggets that are crispy, spicy, and irresistible! Perfectly marinated and air-fried, they make a delicious appetizer or snack. Discover the simple steps to create this mouthwatering dish, from prepping the tofu to achieving that perfect crunch. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed

3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes.

    Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

      In a mixing bowl, whisk together Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, sesame oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

        Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and gently toss until all pieces are well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.

          After marinating, sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the tofu and toss to coat, which will help achieve a crispy texture.

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

              Place the marinated tofu nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

                Air fry the tofu nuggets for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

                  Once done, carefully remove the tofu nuggets and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

                    Prep Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4