Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer tofu nuggets are a crispy, delicious alternative to traditional chicken nuggets, perfect for a plant-based snack or meal. Freezing the tofu first helps achieve a firm, chewy texture that soaks up the flavorful batter and crunchy panko coating. Ready in under 30 minutes, these nuggets are a tasty, healthier treat.

Ingredients

• 1 block extra firm tofu (frozen, see instructions)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain the block of tofu and place it on a dish towel. Set something heavy on top, like a cast iron skillet, and press for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Step 2: Place the pressed tofu in a container or bag and freeze until solid.
3. Step 3: Remove the frozen tofu from the freezer and microwave for 3 to 5 minutes until thawed.
4. Step 4: Place the thawed tofu on a towel and press out remaining water with your hands or something heavy for about 30 seconds.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and nutritional yeast to form a batter.
6. Step 6: Place the panko bread crumbs in a separate bowl.
7. Step 7: Tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
8. Step 8: Dip each tofu piece in the batter, shake off excess, then roll it in the panko bread crumbs until coated.
9. Step 9: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray and arrange the breaded tofu bites evenly in the basket.
10. Step 10: Repeat the battering and breading process until all tofu pieces are coated and placed in the air fryer.
11. Step 11: Air fry the tofu nuggets at 400°F for 5 minutes. Then, shake the basket and flip the pieces.
12. Step 12: Continue air frying for another 3 to 8 minutes until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy.
13. Step 13: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tofu nuggets with oil before air frying.
• Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the batter for a smoky or spicy kick.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Leftover nuggets can be tossed in buffalo sauce or barbecue sauce for a different flavor twist.

Storage

Store leftover tofu nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I skip freezing the tofu?

Freezing the tofu changes its texture, making it firmer and chewier, which helps the nuggets hold their shape better and absorb flavors. Skipping this step will result in softer, less crispy nuggets.

What dipping sauces go well with tofu nuggets?

Classic choices include vegan ranch, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo. Feel free to experiment with your favorite sauces for added flavor.

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets Recipe

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4.4 from 128 reviews

Crispy and delicious Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets made from frozen extra firm tofu, coated in a flavorful batter and panko breadcrumbs. These nuggets are perfect as a snack or appetizer and are cooked quickly in the air fryer for a guilt-free crunchy treat.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

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Tofu Preparation

• 1 block extra firm tofu (frozen as per instructions)

Batter

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

Coating

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Drain and Press Tofu: Drain a block of tofu and place it on a dish towel. Place a heavy object such as a cast iron skillet on top of the tofu and let it press for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Freeze the Tofu: Place the drained tofu in a container or plastic bag and freeze until completely solid, which helps improve texture for crispiness.
3. Thaw the Tofu: Remove the frozen tofu from the freezer and microwave it for 3 to 5 minutes until thawed but still firm.
4. Press Out Water Again: Place the thawed tofu on a towel and press out any remaining water using your hands or a heavy object. This quick pressing should take about 30 seconds.
5. Prepare the Batter: In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and nutritional yeast until you have a smooth batter.
6. Prepare the Coating: Pour the panko bread crumbs into a separate bowl for breading.
7. Tear Tofu into Pieces: Tear the tofu block into bite-sized nugget pieces, suitable for easy dipping and cooking.
8. Coat the Nuggets: Dip each tofu piece into the batter, shaking off any excess, then roll it in the panko bread crumbs to coat thoroughly.
9. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking, then place the breaded tofu pieces in a single layer inside the basket.
10. Continue Breading: Repeat the batter and breading process for all pieces of tofu and arrange them evenly in the air fryer basket.
11. First Air Fry Cycle: Air fry the tofu nuggets at 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes to begin crisping the coating.
12. Flip and Continue Air Frying: Shake and flip the tofu nuggets in the basket, then air fry for an additional 3 to 8 minutes until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy all over.
13. Serve: Remove the crispy tofu nuggets from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Freezing the tofu before cooking helps create a chewier texture that crisps nicely.
• Adjust air fry time depending on your air fryer model and desired crispiness.
• Use gluten-free flour and panko if a gluten-free version is needed.
• Serve with sauces like BBQ, vegan ranch, or sweet chili for variety.

Keywords: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets, Crispy Tofu, Vegan Snack, Plant-Based Nuggets, Gluten-Free Option, Easy Air Fryer Recipes