Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Nuggets

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil To make these crispy tofu nuggets, you need a few key items: - Air fryer - Mixing bowls - Sharp knife - Cutting board - Measuring cups and spoons - Cooking spray You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use tapioca starch instead of cornstarch for a different crunch. - Try whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option. - Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free dish. - Use garlic salt instead of garlic powder for added flavor. 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. 2. Take a block of firm tofu, press it, and drain it well. 3. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Aim for bite-sized pieces. 4. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. 5. In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce and olive oil. 6. Dip each tofu cube in the soy sauce mix. Make sure all sides are coated. 7. Toss the coated tofu in the cornstarch mix until well covered. 8. Next, roll each piece in breadcrumbs. Use panko for extra crunch. 9. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents sticking. 10. Place the tofu nuggets in the basket in a single layer. They should not touch. 11. Air fry the nuggets for 15-18 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. 12. Check for a golden brown color and crispy texture when done. 13. Carefully remove the nuggets from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly. 14. Serve the crispy tofu nuggets on a plate. Add a small bowl of dipping sauce. 15. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for a nice touch. To get that perfect crunch, follow some easy steps. First, press the tofu well. This removes extra moisture. Moisture makes it hard for the tofu to turn crispy. Cut the tofu into even cubes, about 1 inch. This helps them cook evenly. Toss them in cornstarch for a great coating. Make sure they are well-covered. The breadcrumbs will provide the final crunch. Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. Seasoning is key for flavor. You can mix and match spices to your liking. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat. If you love garlic, add more garlic powder. Nutritional yeast brings a cheesy taste without dairy. Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme for depth. Don’t forget to use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Avoid overcooking the tofu nuggets. They can turn hard instead of crispy. Keep them in a single layer in the air fryer. If they touch, they won’t crisp up well. Don’t skip the oil. It helps the nuggets brown nicely. Lastly, don’t rush the cooling time. Letting them sit a moment helps them finish crisping. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your tofu nuggets. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cornstarch mix. If you love garlic, double the garlic powder for a bolder taste. To make herbed nuggets, mix in dried herbs like oregano or thyme. These simple tweaks can create new and exciting flavors for your dish. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch. This will keep your nuggets crispy without gluten. For nut-free nuggets, use olive oil instead of sesame oil. This keeps your dish safe for those with nut allergies. Always check labels to ensure the products are free from allergens. Serving your tofu nuggets with the right dips makes a big difference. Sweet chili sauce adds a nice sweetness. Spicy sriracha gives your meal heat and flavor. You can serve them with fresh veggies like carrot sticks or cucumber slices. These sides add crunch and freshness, making your meal balanced and fun! To store leftover tofu nuggets, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they are cool before sealing. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat your tofu nuggets, use an air fryer for best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the nuggets for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven if needed. Just make sure to preheat it first. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. Allow the nuggets to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, air fry from frozen for a quick snack! You should air fry tofu for 15-18 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. Keep an eye on them. Cooking times can vary between air fryers. Aim for a golden brown color. No, soft tofu won’t work well for these nuggets. Firm tofu holds its shape better during cooking. It also gets crispier compared to soft tofu. Stick to firm tofu for the best results. Many sauces go great with crispy tofu nuggets. Here are some tasty options: - Sweet chili sauce - Spicy sriracha - Soy sauce - Peanut sauce - Hoisin sauce Feel free to mix and match sauces. Each adds a unique flavor to your crispy nuggets! This blog covers making tasty crispy tofu nuggets. We explored the right ingredients, recommended tools, and alternatives. Step-by-step instructions guide you from prep to cooking. You learned tips for perfect crispiness and common mistakes to avoid. Flavor variations and dietary swaps ensure everyone can enjoy this dish. Lastly, we shared how to store and reheat your leftovers. Now you have the tools to make amazing crispy tofu nuggets. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and impress your family and friends!$

Craving a delicious snack? Try these Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Nuggets that are not only easy to make but incredibly tasty! With a perfect balance of crunch and flavor, these nuggets are coated in a delightful mixture of cornstarch, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. They're perfect for dipping and will satisfy your cravings guilt-free. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your snack time extraordinary!

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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 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil

Instructions

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

Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes, around 1-inch each.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce and olive oil. Dip each tofu cube into the soy sauce mixture, ensuring all sides are coated, then toss it in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.

Once all the tofu pieces are coated, transfer them to the breadcrumbs and ensure they are thoroughly covered to achieve a crispy exterior.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not touch each other.

Air fry the nuggets for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.

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

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy tofu nuggets on a plate with a small bowl of your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or spicy sriracha. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for a pop of color.