Baked Teriyaki Tofu Cubes (Air Fryer and Oven Options!)
These baked teriyaki tofu cubes are easy to make in your oven or air fryer. They're a perfect, homemade alternative to pre-seasoned and baked tofu from the store, and they're versatile! Add them to bowls, stir fry dishes, or noodles for extra protein.
1/2 cup soy sauce ((you can use a lower sodium version if it suits your health needs best))
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground ginger ((optional and adjust to taste; can be substituted with 1-2 teaspoons fresh, finely minced ginger))
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ((optional; can be substituted with 1 finely minced clove garlic))
Categories
protein
side
Cuisine
Japanese-inspired
Steps
Drain the tofu and press the block gently between tea towels or paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Cut the tofu into cubes, each about 3/4" on all sides (I get 32 cubes for a standard 14 or 16oz block of tofu). Place the cubes in a storage container that can fit them all easily. Whisk the soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup, vinegar, avocado oil, ginger, and garlic powder together.
Pour this marinade over the cubes.* Cover the container and shake it gently to disperse the marinade. Refrigerate the tofu for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
If using an air fryer: use a slotted spoon to remove the tofu cubes from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer (if your basket is small and this isn't possible, air fry the tofu in 2 batches). Air fry the tofu at 400F for 10 minutes.
After 5 minutes, pause the cooking cycle, remove the basket from the air fryer, and give it a gentle shake. This will help "stir" the tofu and help it to cook evenly. Use a brush to coat the tofu cubes with a little extra marinade. Return them to the air fryer and allow them to cook for the remaining 5 minutes, or until browning along the edges. Serve.
If using an oven to bake: preheat the oven to 400F. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tofu cubes from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer on a nonstick or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 6 minutes.
Use a brush to brush the top sides of the tofu with extra marinade, then gently flip them over, so that they cook evenly. Bake for another 6-8 minutes, or until the cubes are browning and crisping along the edges. Serve.
Reviews
Catherine Hall on 2025-08-27 (5 stars): I love this teriyaki sauce, and I love that it has no cornstarch. I soak my tofu slices overnight and then bake. And I keep this going, making more sauce, adding tofu slices so that I can have a piece of tofu at any time for a quick snack of protein.
