Lightly crisped tofu tossed in a sweet and savoury sauce.

These Sweet & Savoury Tofu Bites are incredibly satisfying without being fussy. The tofu is lightly crisped in the air fryer, then tossed in a warm sweet and savoury sauce made with hoisin, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

The result is tender tofu that’s full of flavour — perfect for bowls, wraps, noodles, or enjoying straight from the pan.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

Firm Tofu: A great plant protein that holds its shape while absorbing flavour.

Cornstarch: Helps create a lightly crisped exterior when air fried.

Water: Helps loosen the sauce so it coats evenly.

Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweetness and depth with a slightly sticky finish.

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides savoury umami without overpowering saltiness.

Garlic: Brings warmth and savoury depth.

Ginger: Bright, slightly spicy note that balances sweetness.

Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity and balance.

Maple Syrup: Adds gentle sweetness to round out the flavours.

Chili Garlic Sauce: Optional heat, adjustable to taste.

Lime Juice: Adds a fresh finish.

Kitchenware

You’ll also need:

• Air fryer (or oven)
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Paper towel or clean towel (for dabbing tofu dry)

Steps

1. Press the Tofu: Press the tofu for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into cubes or bite-sized pieces.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Coat tofu in the sauce and marinate for 30-60 minutes in the fridge.
3. Drain + Dab: Remove tofu from marinade and reserve the sauce. Set the sauce aside. Lightly dab tofu dry with paper towel so it isn’t wet going into the air fryer.
4. Coat: Toss tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
5. Air Fry: Air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway, until lightly golden. Exact time will depend on your air fryer.
6. Finish in Sauce: Simmer reserved sauce in a small pan over medium heat until it begins to thicken. Add tofu and toss for 2-3 minutes until coated.
7. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds or green onion if desired.

Tips & Notes

• Longer marination deepens flavour but may slightly reduce crispness.
• For more crisp texture: Dab tofu very well before coating.
• For softer, more saucy tofu: Dab lightly so a bit of marinade remains before air frying.
• No air fryer? Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Best served fresh, but reheats well when used in bowls or noodles.

Recipe

Sweet & Savoury Tofu Bites

• Servings: 3
• Time: 45-60 mins
• Print

Lightly crisped tofu tossed in a sweet and savoury sauce.

Ingredients

Tofu
• 350 g firm tofu, pressed
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
Sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tsp ginger, finely minced or 1/4 tsp ginger powder
• 2 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp lime juice

Directions

1. Press the tofu for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into cubes or bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Coat tofu in the sauce and marinate for 30-60 minutes in the fridge.
3. Remove tofu from marinade and reserve the sauce. Set the sauce aside. Lightly dab tofu dry with paper towel so it isn’t wet going into the air fryer.
4. Toss tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
5. Air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway, until lightly golden. Exact time will depend on your air fryer.
6. Simmer reserved sauce in a small pan over medium heat until it begins to thicken. Add tofu and toss for 2-3 minutes until coated.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onion if desired.

Nutrition

Per Serving: Energy/Calories: 235 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Protein: 17 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Sodium: 420 mg | Fibre: 2.5 g | Total Sugars: 5 g

Please note: the nutrition information provided above is an estimation based on a reference serving size. It is subject to error/variation and is for information purposes only. The website owner is not liable for this information. While this information may be helpful for you, please remember that food is more than just numbers.

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