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- 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - Cooking spray For these crispy air fryer tofu nuggets, you need the right mix of ingredients. Firm tofu works best. It holds its shape well and gives that satisfying bite. Cornstarch is key for crispiness. It forms a great base layer. Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch that you will love. For flavor, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy taste without dairy. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Smoked paprika brings a touch of warmth and color. Salt and black pepper round out the flavors perfectly. To marinate the tofu, combine soy sauce and maple syrup. This mix adds savory and sweet notes. The cooking spray helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior in the air fryer. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to make a delicious snack! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make crispy tofu nuggets, start by draining and pressing the tofu. First, open the package and pour out any excess water. Place the tofu on a plate and put another plate on top. Weigh it down with something heavy, like a can. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps remove moisture. Next, cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized nuggets. Aim for 1-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly and stay crispy. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce and maple syrup. This mixture gives the tofu a sweet and salty flavor. Once it’s combined, gently fold the tofu cubes into the marinade. Make sure all the nuggets are coated. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This soaking time allows the tofu to soak in the flavors. Now, set up a breading station. You will need three plates: one with cornstarch, and another with a breadcrumb mixture. For the breadcrumb mixture, mix breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. To coat the nuggets, first dip each piece into the cornstarch. Then, quickly dip it back into the marinade. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help it stick well. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Once it’s hot, arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray. This step promotes crispiness during cooking. Cook the nuggets for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. Enjoy your crispy air fryer tofu nuggets! To get the best crunch from your tofu nuggets, use cooking spray wisely. Lightly coat each nugget before air frying. This helps the outside crisp up nicely. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. Cook the nuggets for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway to ensure even cooking. You want them golden brown and crispy. Soak the tofu in your marinade for about 10-15 minutes. This lets the flavors soak in well. If you have more time, let it sit longer for a richer taste. Add extras to your marinade for more flavor. Try a splash of lime juice or some chili flakes for heat. This will make your nuggets even tastier. For dipping sauces, sweet chili sauce pairs great with these nuggets. You could also try a tangy barbecue sauce or a creamy ranch dressing. To make your dish pop, garnish with fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro or parsley adds color and freshness. Serve on a colorful platter to impress your guests! Pro Tips Press Tofu Thoroughly: Ensure you press the tofu well to remove excess moisture. This helps the nuggets become crispier during cooking. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They create a delightful texture that elevates the dish. Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange tofu nuggets in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasonings! Add spices like cayenne pepper or Italian herbs for a unique twist on flavor. {{image_2}} You can use soft or firm tofu for your nuggets. I recommend firm tofu for a better texture. Soft tofu can fall apart when you cook it. Firm tofu holds its shape well and gives a nice crunch. Press the tofu to remove extra water. This step makes the nuggets crispy. You can change the spices to create new flavors. Try adding smoked paprika or curry powder for a twist. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. This keeps the nuggets crispy and tasty. Tofu nuggets are great in many dishes. You can make a salad with greens, veggies, and your nuggets. Just top with a light dressing. You can also put the nuggets in wraps or sandwiches. Add some avocado, lettuce, or your favorite sauce for a tasty meal. These options let you enjoy tofu nuggets in fun ways! To keep your crispy air fryer tofu nuggets fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the nuggets in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from making them soggy. They will stay good for about three to five days. If you made a large batch, consider separating them into smaller containers for easy access. To bring back the crunch, reheating is key. The best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat the nuggets for about five to seven minutes. This method keeps them crispy and delicious. You can also use an oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Preheat it to the same temperature and bake for about ten minutes. You can freeze tofu nuggets before or after cooking. If you freeze them raw, coat the nuggets and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they're frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. If you freeze them after cooking, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps their texture intact. To press tofu, start by draining it well. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel. Place a plate on top and add some weight, like canned goods. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This helps remove excess water. You can also buy a tofu press for ease. A press applies even pressure and makes the process faster. Yes! You can bake or pan-fry the nuggets. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the nuggets on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. For pan-frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the nuggets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. To keep tofu crispy, always press it well to remove water. Coat the tofu in cornstarch before breading. This forms a barrier that helps retain crispiness. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer or pan. This can trap steam and make the tofu soggy. Yes, these nuggets can be gluten-free! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Check that your soy sauce is gluten-free, or use tamari, which is a great substitute. Always read labels to ensure all ingredients are safe for a gluten-free diet. Tofu nuggets are easy to make and delicious. You learned how to press, marinate, and coat the tofu for the best crunch. Our tips on cooking and storing help keep your nuggets tasty. Remember, you can customize flavors, too. Try different spices or serving options. These nuggets are a great snack or meal, whether alone or in wraps. Enjoy experimenting in your kitchen. Each batch will get better as you learn what you like!

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Deliciously crispy tofu nuggets made in an air fryer, perfect for a snack or appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 spray cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Tofu: After pressing the tofu, cut it into bite-sized cubes or nuggets, approximately 1-inch each.
  • Marinate: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce and maple syrup. Gently fold the tofu cubes into the marinade and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Coat Tofu: Set up a breading station: one plate with cornstarch, one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Bread the Nuggets: Coat each piece of marinated tofu in cornstarch first, then dip it back into the marinade briefly, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches). Lightly spray with cooking spray to promote crispiness.
  • Cooking Time: Cook the nuggets for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve: Once done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve on a colorful platter with a side of sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs for an added pop of color!
Keyword air fryer, nuggets, snack, tofu, vegan