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To make crispy air fryer tofu nuggets, you need: - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray If you can’t find firm tofu, you can use extra-firm tofu for a firmer bite. For gluten-free options, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko. You can also skip the nutritional yeast if you don’t have it; the nuggets will still taste great. If you want a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix. Each serving offers a healthy balance of protein and fiber. This recipe serves four and includes: - Calories: Approximately 160 - Protein: 10g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Fat: 6g - Fiber: 2g - Sodium: Varies based on soy sauce and salt added These crispy air fryer tofu nuggets are not just tasty; they're also nutritious. Enjoy them as a snack or a meal. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. Start by pressing the tofu. This helps remove excess water. Cut the firm tofu into bite-sized cubes. Next, grab a medium bowl and toss the tofu cubes with soy sauce. Make sure each piece is coated. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This mix adds great flavor and crunch. Roll each tofu cube in the breadcrumb mix until fully coated. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy nuggets. Place the coated tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; it leads to uneven cooking. Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up nicely while cooking. Air fry the nuggets for 12 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The nuggets should be golden brown and crispy when done. Let them cool slightly before serving. This lets the flavors settle and makes them easier to eat. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Tofu often holds water, which makes it soggy. To fix this, press the tofu. Start by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a flat plate on top and add weight, like a can. Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes. This step helps the tofu absorb flavors better and become crispier. Air fryers need space for air to flow. Place the tofu nuggets in a single layer. Avoid stacking them on top of each other. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This step helps all sides get that nice golden color. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches for the best results. Dipping sauces make your crispy tofu nuggets even better. Try sweet chili sauce for a sweet kick. Sriracha mayo adds a spicy twist. You can also mix soy sauce with a dash of rice vinegar for a zesty dip. Pair your nuggets with any sauce that excites your taste buds. For a fun touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your tofu nuggets easily. Try adding spices like paprika or cumin for a smoky taste. If you want some heat, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also mix in some Italian herbs, like basil or thyme, for a fresh flavor. This lets you create a new dish each time! If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many stores sell these now. You can also grind gluten-free crackers into crumbs. For the cornstarch, make sure it is labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy these tasty nuggets without worry. You can boost your nuggets by adding veggies or other proteins. Try mixing in finely chopped spinach or carrots to the breadcrumb mix. You could also add cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein. This makes your meal more hearty and colorful. The Full Recipe allows for these fun changes too! To store your crispy air fryer tofu nuggets, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for longer. You can also use a zip-top bag. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible. If you want to keep them extra crispy, use a paper towel inside the container. This absorbs moisture and helps maintain their crunch. To reheat your tofu nuggets, use the air fryer again. Set it to 375°F (190°C). Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back their crispiness. You can also use a regular oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. If you prefer a microwave, use it, but they may lose some crunch. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the tofu nuggets. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to separate them with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your crispy air fryer tofu nuggets again! To make crispy tofu nuggets, start with firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes. Toss the cubes in soy sauce. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, cornstarch, and spices. Roll each tofu cube in the breadcrumb mix. Place the nuggets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer. Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway to help them cook evenly. When golden and crispy, they are ready to eat! Yes, you can use extra-firm tofu. Extra-firm tofu holds its shape very well. It also has less water than softer types. This makes it a great choice for crispy nuggets. Just remember to press it too. Removing moisture helps the nuggets get crunchy. The best oils for air frying are oils with high smoke points. Some great options include canola oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil. These oils help achieve that golden brown color and crispy texture. You can also use a light spray of cooking oil for convenience. It keeps the nuggets low in fat while still getting crispy. Tofu nuggets can last up to four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Make sure they cool completely before sealing. This helps avoid sogginess from moisture. Yes, you can freeze crispy tofu nuggets. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last for about three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, bake them from frozen or reheat in the air fryer for that fresh crunch. Many dipping sauces work great with tofu nuggets. You can try sweet chili sauce for a kick. Sriracha mayo adds creaminess with heat. Also, think about soy sauce or barbecue sauce. Each option brings out different flavors in the nuggets. The nuggets are done when they are golden brown and crispy. You can check by looking at their color. You can also insert a fork into a nugget. It should feel firm and not mushy. If you like them extra crispy, air fry for a few more minutes. For the full recipe, check out the details above! In this post, we covered everything you need for crispy tofu nuggets. We discussed ingredients, tips for preparation, and air fryer settings. I offered tricks for pressing tofu and making it cook evenly. You learned about flavor variations and storage methods. In closing, enjoy experimenting with your tofu and air fryer skills. You’ll make tasty meals that everyone will love!

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Satisfy your cravings with these Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets that are easy to make and full of flavor! With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, you'll have a delicious snack or appetizer that everyone will love. Perfectly golden and crunchy, these nuggets pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce.
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Ingredients
  

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

    In a medium bowl, toss the cubed tofu with soy sauce until evenly coated.

      In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

        Gently roll each tofu cube in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.

          Arrange the coated tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket for even cooking.

            Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray to help them crisp up.

              Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

                Once done, carefully remove the tofu nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the tofu nuggets with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or sriracha mayo, and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for an extra pop of color.