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Here are the ingredients you need for crispy air fryer tofu nuggets: - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Optional: dipping sauce (sweet chili or vegan ranch) These ingredients work together to make delicious, crispy nuggets. Firm tofu gives a nice texture, while panko breadcrumbs add that extra crunch. The spices bring flavor that makes each bite great. Soy sauce and olive oil add moisture and richness. Feel free to choose a dipping sauce that you love for an extra kick! Pressing the Tofu Start by pressing the tofu. This step is key. It helps remove extra moisture. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Then, place a heavy object on top. Leave it for about 20 minutes. This will make your nuggets crispier. Cutting the Tofu into Cubes After pressing, you need to cut the tofu. Slice it into bite-sized cubes. Aim for about 1 inch in size. This size helps with even cooking and crunch. Coating the Tofu with Dry Mixture Now, let’s coat the tofu. In a large bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Toss the cubed tofu in this dry mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. This adds flavor and helps the breading stick. Adding Soy Sauce and Olive Oil Next, drizzle soy sauce and olive oil over the coated tofu. Gently mix until all pieces are covered. Let the tofu marinate for about 10 minutes. This step adds great taste to your nuggets. Dredging Tofu Nuggets in Breadcrumbs Now, it’s time to bread the tofu. Take each tofu cube and dredge it in the breadcrumbs. Press down slightly to help them stick. This will give your nuggets a nice, crunchy exterior. Air Frying Instructions Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and turn golden brown. To get your tofu nuggets crispy, start with pressing the tofu. Pressing removes extra moisture, which helps the nuggets cook better. Wrap the tofu in a towel and place a heavy item on it for about 20 minutes. This step is key to achieving that crispy texture. Using panko breadcrumbs also makes a big difference. Panko is lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. It gives your nuggets a nice, airy crunch that is hard to resist. Be sure to coat each piece well with panko for the best results. For cooking delicious tofu nuggets, the right air fryer settings matter. I recommend setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps to brown the nuggets perfectly while keeping them tender inside. Cook the nuggets for about 10 to 12 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures even cooking and perfect crispiness all around. When it comes to serving, dipping sauces can make your tofu nuggets shine. Sweet chili sauce adds a nice kick, while vegan ranch offers a creamy balance. Both pair well with the crispy nuggets. You can also serve these nuggets with fresh veggies or a light salad. They make a great snack or a tasty addition to any meal. Enjoy your crispy tofu nuggets! {{image_2}} Spicy Tofu Nuggets To add heat to your nuggets, mix in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy sauce in the marinade. This will give your nuggets a bold kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Herb-Infused Nuggets For a fresh twist, add dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the dry mix. You can also use fresh herbs if you have them. Basil or parsley will bring bright flavors to your tofu. This makes the dish more aromatic and flavorful. Substituting Breadcrumbs If you need a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers or cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs. This keeps the crunch while ensuring it fits your diet. Just check the labels to ensure they are truly gluten-free. Alternative Coatings Another option is to coat the tofu in ground almonds or chickpea flour. These alternatives add a unique taste and texture. They are also rich in protein, making your meal even more nutritious. - Refrigeration Tips: Place the tofu nuggets in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps keep them crispy. - Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the nuggets. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then move them to a freezer bag. They last up to 2 months this way. - Best Methods for Reheating: The air fryer is the best method to reheat these nuggets. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy. No, soft tofu does not work well here. Firm tofu holds its shape. It gives you that nice crunch you want. Soft tofu can break apart and become mushy. Stick with firm tofu for best results. To get extra crispy nuggets, follow these tips: - Press the tofu well to remove moisture. - Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for more crunch. - Coat the tofu in cornstarch before the breading. - Air fry at a high temperature, around 400°F (200°C). These steps ensure your nuggets turn out crispy and delicious! Yes, air fryer tofu nuggets can be healthy! They use less oil than deep frying, reducing calories and fat. Tofu is a good source of protein and contains healthy fats. You can also control the salt and seasoning. Pair with fresh veggies or a salad for a balanced meal. Enjoy these nuggets guilt-free! This article shared a simple way to make crispy tofu nuggets. We looked at essential ingredients and key steps for preparation. I offered tips for the best crisp and air fryer settings. You can even try flavored or gluten-free variations. Finally, proper storage and reheating tips help keep your nuggets fresh. Enjoy making these tasty treats anytime! They are a fun and healthy snack for everyone.

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Discover the ultimate crispy air fryer tofu nuggets that will satisfy your cravings! This easy recipe features firm tofu coated in a flavorful blend of spices and crunchy breadcrumbs, cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Perfect as a snack or a main dish, these nuggets are sure to please everyone.Click through to explore and get cooking!
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Ingredients
  

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional: dipping sauce (sweet chili or vegan ranch)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for about 20 minutes.

    Cubing Tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes approximately 1 inch in size.

      Coat the Tofu: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Toss the tofu cubes in the dry mixture until evenly coated.

        Marinate and Oil: Drizzle the soy sauce and olive oil over the coated tofu, gently mixing to ensure all pieces are covered. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

          Bread the Tofu: Dredge each tofu cube in the breadcrumbs, pressing down slightly to ensure they stick well.

            Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy.

              Serve: Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

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