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To make crispy tofu nuggets, you need: - 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained - ½ cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) These ingredients work together to create a tasty and crunchy snack. Firm tofu holds up well and absorbs flavors nicely. The cornstarch gives a crispy texture, while the spices add great taste. You can enhance your tofu nuggets with a tasty dipping sauce. Here are some options: - Sweet chili sauce - Sriracha - Tahini These sauces pair well with the nuggets. They add flavor and a creamy texture, making your snack even better. When picking tofu, always choose firm or extra-firm types. Soft tofu will not hold its shape. Look for tofu that is fresh and well-packaged. This ensures you get the best flavor and texture. Pressing the tofu is key. It removes excess moisture, leading to crispier nuggets. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by pressing and draining one block of firm tofu. This step removes excess water, helping the tofu get crispy. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or nugget shapes. Aim for even pieces to cook well. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the tofu. In a large bowl, mix together cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix adds flavor and crunch. In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce and olive oil. Toss the tofu nuggets in this mixture until they are well coated. Next, sprinkle the cornstarch mix over the nuggets. Toss gently until every piece is covered. Place the coated tofu nuggets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the basket. Air fry the nuggets for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This helps them cook evenly. When they turn golden brown and crispy, they are ready. Transfer them to a serving plate, and add fresh parsley as a garnish if you like. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili, sriracha, or tahini. To get the best crunch, start with firm tofu. Press it well to remove water. Cut the tofu into small cubes or nuggets. Coat them in the soy sauce mixture first. Then, add the cornstarch mix. Make sure every piece is covered. This layering helps create a crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave space between nuggets for better air flow. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Most air fryers work well at 400°F (200°C). Cooking times can change based on the model. For most, 15-20 minutes is ideal. If your air fryer runs hot, check earlier. If it runs cooler, you might need extra time. Keep an eye on the nuggets. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Always shake or turn them halfway through for even cooking. Serve the tofu nuggets hot for the best taste. You can pair them with sweet chili sauce or sriracha for a kick. Tahini also makes a great dip if you want something creamy. Add fresh parsley on top for color. Serve alongside a crisp salad for a complete meal. These nuggets make a tasty snack or a fun appetizer for any gathering. Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure you press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve maximum crispiness in the air fryer. Even Coating: Coat the tofu evenly with the cornstarch mixture to get a consistent crispy texture on every nugget. Don’t Overcrowd: Place the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, allowing for proper airflow and even cooking. Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings according to your taste preferences for a unique flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your tofu nuggets. Here are some ideas: - Curry Powder: Add a teaspoon of curry powder for a warm, spicy taste. - Cayenne Pepper: If you like heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne. - Italian Herbs: Mix in dried oregano or basil for a fresh twist. - Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest can brighten the flavors. Feel free to mix and match these spices to find your favorite blend. The right sauce can make your nuggets even better. Here are some tasty options: - Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick. - Sriracha: Use sriracha for a bold, hot flavor. - Tahini: A creamy tahini sauce gives a nutty taste. - Barbecue Sauce: For a smoky flavor, dip in your favorite BBQ sauce. Try these sauces to see what you enjoy most. Want to make your nuggets vegan and gluten-free? It’s simple. Here’s what you can do: - Soy Sauce: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep it gluten-free. - Cornstarch: This ingredient is both vegan and gluten-free. - Olive Oil: This oil is also vegan and helps with crispiness. Make these swaps, and you’ll have a delicious snack that fits your diet. Store leftover tofu nuggets in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3 days. Make sure they cool down first to keep them crispy. To reheat, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crunchy. You could also use the oven. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for 10-12 minutes. You can freeze tofu nuggets if you want to save them. First, let them cool down completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. They last up to 3 months. When ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes. No, you cannot use soft tofu. Soft tofu is too moist. It won’t hold its shape or crisp up well. Firm tofu is best for this recipe. It gives a nice texture and holds the coating better. Always press firm tofu to remove excess water. This helps make the nuggets crispy. To make this recipe soy-free, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos or a blend of vinegar and salt. Coconut aminos gives a similar taste but is soy-free. You can also use tamari if you want a gluten-free option. Just ensure your other ingredients are also soy-free. The best dipping sauce for tofu nuggets depends on your taste. Sweet chili sauce adds a nice sweetness. Sriracha gives a spicy kick. Tahini offers a creamy option that pairs well. You can even mix them for more flavor. Try different sauces to find your favorite! You learned how to make crispy tofu nuggets from scratch. The main ingredients give a solid base, and optional sauces add flavor. I shared steps to prepare, coat, and air-fry these bites. Tips included how to get them super crispy and serving ideas. You can try variations with spices and sauces to fit your taste. Don't forget to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these simple steps, you can enjoy tasty, homemade tofu nuggets any time!

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 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block firm tofu, pressed and drained
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • to taste Dipping sauce of your choice (sweet chili, sriracha, or tahini)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the tofu.
  • Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or nugget shapes.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • In another smaller bowl, mix the soy sauce and olive oil together.
  • Toss the tofu nuggets in the soy sauce mixture until well coated.
  • Sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over the tofu and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated.
  • Place the tofu nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded for maximum crispiness.
  • Air fry the nuggets for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Once cooked, transfer the nuggets to a serving plate and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve with your choice of dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Keyword air fryer, crispy, snack, tofu, vegan