Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

$- 14 oz firm tofu - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish When I make air fryer tofu nuggets, I focus on great ingredients. Firm tofu is key. It has a nice texture. You can find it in most stores. Panko breadcrumbs give the nuggets a crispy shell. They are lighter than regular breadcrumbs. This helps create a crunch that you will love. Cornstarch is also important. It helps the coating stick to the tofu. It gives a nice crunch when cooked. For flavor, I use garlic powder and onion powder. These add depth to the taste. Paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Don't forget the salt and black pepper! They boost the overall flavor. For an extra kick, I mix soy sauce and olive oil. This adds a savory taste. If you want, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. They add a nice look and a bit of nuttiness. Gather these ingredients and get ready for a tasty snack! Pressing the tofu First, you need to press the tofu. This step is key. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top, like a cast iron skillet. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This removes extra moisture and helps the tofu get crispy. Cutting tofu into cubes After pressing, it’s time to cut the tofu. Use a sharp knife to slice it into bite-sized cubes. Aim for pieces about one inch big. Set the cubes aside while you prepare the coating. Mixing dry ingredients In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend gives the tofu a flavorful crust. Make sure to mix well so every piece gets the same taste. Preparing the wet mixture In another bowl, combine the soy sauce and olive oil. Stir until they mix well. This mixture helps the dry coating stick to the tofu. Coating process Now, dip each tofu cube into the soy sauce mixture. Ensure every side gets coated. Then roll the tofu in the dry mix you made earlier. Press gently to help it stick. Lastly, roll the tofu in panko breadcrumbs. This gives a nice crunch. Preheating the air fryer Before cooking, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 5 minutes. This step is important for even cooking. Air frying instructions Place the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not crowd them; give each piece space. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. Flipping for even cooking Halfway through, flip the nuggets. This helps them crisp up on all sides. When they turn golden brown, they’re done! Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your tasty snack! To get crispy tofu nuggets, start by pressing the tofu. This step is key. Pressing removes moisture. Moisture means soggy nuggets. Wrap your tofu in a towel. Place something heavy on it for about 15-20 minutes. This simple trick works wonders. Next, ensure your coating is right. Use a mix of cornstarch and spices. This gives a nice crunch. After dipping the tofu in the soy sauce mix, roll it in the cornstarch mixture. Make sure it’s fully covered. Then, coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly to help the crumbs stick. This extra step makes all the difference. When serving, pair your crispy nuggets with the best dipping sauces. I love sriracha for a spicy kick. Sweet chili sauce adds a nice touch of sweetness. You can also try a tangy soy sauce mix. This will enhance the flavor. For plating, arrange the nuggets on a nice serving platter. Add a bowl of sauce in the center. You can sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a fun look. It makes the dish pop and adds texture. Every air fryer is different. You might need to adjust the cooking time. Check your model’s instructions. Most air fryers work well at 400°F (200°C). Cook for about 12-15 minutes. Flip halfway for even crisping. If you like spicy food, modify the spice levels. Add more paprika or some chili powder. This gives your nuggets a nice heat. Tailor the recipe to your taste for the best results. {{image_2}} You can make your tofu nuggets even tastier by trying new flavors. For a spicy kick, add chili powder to the cornstarch mix. This will give your nuggets a nice heat. If you prefer fresh tastes, use dried herbs like oregano or thyme. Just sprinkle them into the dry mix. Both options will add fun layers of flavor. If you don't have an air fryer, you can still enjoy these nuggets! You can bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated tofu nuggets in a single layer and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway for even crisping. Another option is pan-frying. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated tofu nuggets and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side. This method gives a nice golden crust. Need gluten-free options? Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and check your soy sauce for gluten-free labels. This way, everyone can enjoy your tasty snack. For those who want vegan substitutions, ensure your soy sauce is vegan. You can also skip the olive oil if you want a lighter option. These small changes still keep the flavor high while meeting dietary needs. To store your tofu nuggets in the refrigerator, first let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. When you are ready to eat them, reheat the nuggets in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps them regain their crispiness. For long-term storage, you can freeze tofu nuggets. Allow them to cool down, then arrange the nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the nuggets to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To thaw and reheat, take them out the night before and place them in the fridge. When ready, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. Tofu nuggets maintain their best quality for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If frozen, they stay fresh for up to 2 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your crispy snack! To make tofu nuggets crispy, start by pressing the tofu. This helps remove moisture. Next, coat the tofu first in cornstarch, then in panko breadcrumbs. The panko creates a great crunch when cooked. Air fry the nuggets at the right temperature and time. Flip them halfway for even crispiness. I recommend using firm tofu for this recipe. Firm tofu holds its shape better and creates a nice texture. Soft tofu may break apart and not give you the nugget shape you want. If you only have soft tofu, consider making a different dish. The best temperature for air frying tofu nuggets is 400°F (200°C). This high heat allows them to cook quickly and get crispy. Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the nuggets. Leftover tofu nuggets can last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to store them in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat them, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crunch. Yes, you can prepare tofu nuggets in advance. You can coat them and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. This allows flavors to develop. Just remember to air fry them when you're ready to eat for the best texture. You’ve learned how to make tasty tofu nuggets step by step. We discussed the main ingredients, including firm tofu and panko breadcrumbs. You now know tips for achieving the perfect crispy texture and how to modify flavors to your liking. Whether you air fry, bake, or pan-fry, these nuggets are versatile. Remember, keeping them fresh is easy with proper storage. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Discover the delicious crunch of Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick snack or a flavorful addition to your meals. Made with simple ingredients like firm tofu, panko breadcrumbs, and spices, these nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Ready in just 30 minutes, they're a tasty and healthy treat everyone will love. Click to explore the full recipe now! #AirFryerRecipes #TofuNuggets #HealthySnacks #PlantBasedEating

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Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes.

Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and set aside.

In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, combine the soy sauce and olive oil.

Dip each tofu cube into the soy sauce mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.

Then, roll the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture until fully covered.

Next, take each coated tofu piece and roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing them lightly to adhere well.

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

Place the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.

Air fry the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden and crispy.

Once done, remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the tofu nuggets with a dipping sauce of your choice, like sriracha or sweet chili sauce, in a small bowl alongside the nuggets, arranged on a serving platter.