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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari - 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor) - Dipping sauce of your choice (e.g., sweet chili sauce or vegan ranch) When making Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Nuggets, you want to focus on quality ingredients. Firm tofu is key. It holds its shape and gives you that perfect bite. Pressing and draining it first helps remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispiness. Cornstarch acts as the secret weapon. It helps create a crunchy coating. Combine it with breadcrumbs for extra texture. Panko breadcrumbs work best since they are light and airy. The seasonings elevate the flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper create a delicious blend. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. This is optional but highly recommended. Finally, choose a dipping sauce that you love. Sweet chili sauce adds a sweet kick. Vegan ranch offers a cool contrast. The right sauce can take your nuggets to the next level. Pressing and draining Tofu holds a lot of water. To get crispy nuggets, press the tofu first. Place a heavy object on the tofu for about 15-20 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture. After pressing, drain any liquid that collects. Cutting into cubes Once drained, cut the tofu into cubes. Aim for about 1-inch pieces. This size cooks evenly and gets crispy all around. Combining dry ingredients In a bowl, combine your dry ingredients. Mix together 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. If you want a cheesy flavor, add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast. This mix adds great taste. Preparing the liquid mixture In another bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. This will help the tofu get extra flavor and stick to the dry mix. Preheating air fryer Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the tofu start cooking right away. Arranging tofu in the basket Carefully place the coated tofu nuggets in the air fryer basket. Lay them in a single layer. Make sure there is space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small. Cooking time and checking for doneness Air fry the tofu nuggets for about 12-15 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy. The nuggets should be golden brown and crunchy when finished. To get that extra crunch in your tofu nuggets, use cornstarch. Cornstarch absorbs moisture and helps create a crispy outside. It acts like a shield during cooking, keeping the inside tender. Panko breadcrumbs are a great choice too! They are light and airy. Their texture adds crunch that regular breadcrumbs cannot match. You’ll love how they turn golden brown in the air fryer. You can spice up your tofu nuggets with different seasonings. Try adding paprika for a smoky taste or chili powder for heat. You can also mix in dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a fresh twist. Don’t forget about garlic and onion powder! They add depth and umami. If you want more flavor, consider using a splash of soy sauce or tamari in the mix. This adds a savory kick to each bite. You can serve your crispy tofu nuggets with many tasty dipping sauces. Sweet chili sauce gives a nice balance of sweet and spicy. Vegan ranch is also a great choice for a creamy dip. For presentation, place the nuggets on a wooden board or colorful plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped herbs like cilantro or green onions. This not only looks nice but also makes it fun to share! {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free version, swap the breadcrumbs. Try using crushed gluten-free crackers or ground oats. Both give a nice crunch without gluten. Make sure to check labels to avoid hidden gluten in store-bought options. You can customize the flavor of your tofu nuggets easily. Here are some ideas: - Different spices: Instead of smoked paprika, use curry powder or chili powder for a kick. You can also try Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a Mediterranean twist. - Using marinades: Marinate the tofu before coating for extra flavor. Try soy sauce with ginger, lime juice, or even a spicy sriracha blend. Let the tofu soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes. Using accessories can enhance your air frying experience. - Using parchment paper: Place parchment paper in the basket to help prevent sticking. It makes cleanup easier too. Just ensure there are holes for air circulation. - Silicone mats: A silicone mat can also work well. It adds an extra layer between the nuggets and the basket. This can help achieve a crispier texture while keeping the tofu from sticking. To store leftovers, let the tofu nuggets cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. I recommend separating layers with parchment paper to keep them crispy longer. For the best taste, reheat the nuggets in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven for reheating. Place the nuggets on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. To freeze your tofu nuggets, first let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight or heat directly from frozen in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes. You will cook these nuggets for 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Start by preheating your air fryer for about 5 minutes. This helps to create a nice, crispy texture. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to ensure even crispiness. The nuggets are done when they are golden brown. No, soft tofu won't work well here. Firm tofu is best for crispy nuggets. Firm tofu has less moisture, which helps it hold its shape. Soft tofu is too delicate and can crumble during cooking. Stick with firm tofu for the best results. Popular dipping sauces include sweet chili sauce and vegan ranch. Sweet chili sauce adds a nice, sweet heat. Vegan ranch gives a creamy, savory option. You can also try barbecue sauce or soy sauce for a different twist. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors! You now know how to make delicious air fryer crispy tofu nuggets. We discussed the main ingredients, prep steps, and cooking process. I shared tips for texture and flavor and offered storage and serving suggestions. As you experiment with variations, remember to have fun. Adjust spices and sauces to fit your taste. With practice, you’ll find the perfect nugget recipe for you and your friends. Enjoy your tasty creations!

Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Enjoy delicious Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Nuggets with this easy recipe! Perfectly seasoned and delightfully crunchy, these nuggets make a great snack or meal. Made with simple ingredients like firm tofu, cornstarch, and flavorful spices, they’re a must-try for any tofu lover. Discover how to achieve the perfect crispiness in your air fryer. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)

Dipping sauce of your choice (e.g., sweet chili sauce or vegan ranch)

Instructions
 

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Slice the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch pieces.

    In a bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and nutritional yeast (if using). Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.

      In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil and soy sauce. Add the tofu cubes to this mixture, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.

        Gradually add the dry mixture to the tofu, gently tossing until all pieces are well coated with the cornstarch mix.

          Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

            Arrange the coated tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between each piece for even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

              Air fry the tofu nuggets for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.

                Once cooked, remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the tofu nuggets on a wooden cutting board or a colorful plate, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for an appealing touch. Include small bowls of dipping sauce for a fun, interactive experience!