🍢 Air-Fried Sticky Teriyaki Tofu Skewers 🇯🇵

Ensure your tofu has been pressed heavily under a towel to remove excess water. Cut the dense block into uniform 1-inch cubes. Drying the exterior thoroughly is the absolute gold standard for achieving a truly crispy skin rather than a soggy chew.

In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with the cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt until completely white and chalky. Drizzle with the neutral oil and mix gently. Thread the coated tofu cubes onto small wooden skewers, alternating with the squares of red pepper and onion.

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the skewers in a single layer across the basket. Air fry for 9 minutes, flipping them carefully halfway through. The tofu skin should feel rigid and look lightly golden on all sides.

Slide the basket out and use a pastry brush to coat the skewers generously with the thick teriyaki sauce. Return them to the air fryer for an additional 2–3 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Watch closely as the sugar in the sauce bubbles rapidly and fuses into a dark, sticky, caramelized shell.

Transfer the sizzling, glazed skewers to a serving plate. Immediately shower them with a handful of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Slide the hot, crispy cubes off the stick over a steaming bowl of jasmine rice!