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- Firm tofu (14 oz, pressed and cubed) - Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup) - Cornstarch (1/4 cup) - Soy sauce (1 tablespoon) - Nutritional yeast (optional, 1 tablespoon) - Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) - Onion powder (1 teaspoon) - Dried oregano (1 teaspoon) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Air fryer - Mixing bowls - Cooking spray When making crispy air fryer tofu nuggets, the right ingredients matter. Start with firm tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape well and gives a satisfying bite. Press it to remove extra moisture. This step is crucial. It helps the tofu absorb sauces and seasonings better. Next, panko breadcrumbs add crunch. They are lighter than regular breadcrumbs. This texture makes your nuggets crispy and fun to eat. The cornstarch helps create a crispy coating. For seasonings, soy sauce gives a rich flavor. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste, but it is optional. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the savory notes. Dried oregano adds a nice herbal touch. Always season with salt and pepper to taste. Gather your cooking supplies. An air fryer is key for even cooking and crispiness. Mixing bowls help combine ingredients well. Don't forget cooking spray! It ensures a golden crust on your tofu nuggets. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. Happy cooking! - Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps the nuggets get crispy. - Toss cubed tofu in soy sauce. Make sure every piece is well-coated. - Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Use panko, cornstarch, and spices. - Coat each tofu cube in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to stick well. - Arrange nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer. Space is key for even cooking. - Mist with cooking spray and cook for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway for best results. Enjoy your crispy air fryer tofu nuggets! Check out the Full Recipe for more tips. To get crispy tofu nuggets, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps the nuggets cook evenly and become perfectly crunchy. While cooking, use cooking spray. A light mist on the nuggets before frying ensures they get that golden finish. You can change the taste of your tofu nuggets easily. Swap the seasonings for different flavors. Try adding chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for a rich flavor. You can also use other types of breadcrumbs. Regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can work well. Pair your crispy nuggets with tasty dipping sauces. Sweet chili sauce or spicy mayo works great. For a fun presentation, garnish your dish with fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onions. This adds color and makes your meal look appealing. Try these tips, and your tofu nuggets will impress everyone! {{image_4}} You can easily make this recipe vegan. If you want to skip the nutritional yeast, that’s fine. The tofu will still taste great. You can also change the seasonings to fit your taste. Try using paprika, cumin, or even curry powder for a unique twist. If you need a gluten-free snack, swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You should also check the soy sauce. Some brands add gluten, so look for a gluten-free option. This way, everyone can enjoy your crispy tofu nuggets. Feel free to mix in some veggies or spices. Chopped bell peppers or green onions can add a nice crunch. You could also use cheese alternatives. Adding these can create an extra layer of flavor and keep things exciting. To store your crispy air fryer tofu nuggets, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can freeze cooked tofu nuggets if you want to save some for later. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To keep your nuggets crispy, use an air fryer or an oven to reheat them. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. If using an oven, place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy. Enjoy your crispy air fryer tofu nuggets again! To make sure your air fryer tofu nuggets are crispy, follow these tips: - Press your tofu: Remove excess moisture by pressing your tofu. This helps it soak up flavors and become crispier. - Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko gives a better crunch than regular breadcrumbs. - Preheat the air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before cooking. This step is key for crispiness. - Don't overcrowd the basket: Place nuggets in a single layer, leaving space between them. This ensures hot air can circulate. - Mist with cooking spray: A light spray helps create a golden, crispy surface. - Shake halfway through: Give the basket a shake halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Yes, you can use different types of tofu for this recipe: - Firm tofu: This works best for nuggets. It holds its shape and crisps well. - Extra firm tofu: This is also a great choice. It will be very crispy and satisfying. - Silken tofu: I do not recommend this type for nuggets. It will crumble and not hold its shape during cooking. To add some heat to your tofu nuggets, try these suggestions: - Add cayenne pepper: Mix cayenne pepper into your breadcrumb mixture for a kick. - Use spicy sauce: Toss the tofu in a spicy sauce before coating with breadcrumbs. - Include chili powder: Mix chili powder into your dry ingredients for a warm flavor. - Serve with hot sauce: Pair your nuggets with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha or hot chili sauce. For the full recipe and more details on making crispy air fryer tofu nuggets, check out the [Full Recipe]. These tofu nuggets are easy and fun to make. You prep the tofu, coat it, and air fry it for a tasty snack. You can adjust the seasonings and even use different breadcrumbs for variety. Store leftovers well for later enjoyment. In the end, these nuggets are a great meal or snack choice. Explore different flavors and share them with friends. Enjoy your cooking adventures!

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Discover how to make the most delicious crispy air fryer tofu nuggets that everyone will love! This easy recipe uses firm tofu, flavorful spices, and a crunchy panko coating for a snack or appetizer that’s both satisfying and healthy. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy these tasty bites perfect for dipping. Click through to create crispy air fryer tofu nuggets that will impress your family and friends!

Ingredients
  

14 oz firm tofu, pressed to remove excess moisture and cut into bite-sized cubes

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional for added flavor)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking spray for a crispy finish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crispiness on your tofu nuggets.

    In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the cubed tofu and pour in the soy sauce. Gently toss the tofu until each piece is evenly coated in the sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavor.

      In a separate mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, nutritional yeast (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

        Take each tofu cube and gently roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing slightly to ensure the coating adheres well. Aim for a thorough coating on all sides of the tofu.

          Place the coated tofu nuggets into the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer. Ensure there is enough space between each nugget for optimal air circulation and even cooking.

            Lightly mist the nuggets with cooking spray to encourage a golden, crispy surface during frying.

              Cook the nuggets in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure uniform crispiness. They should turn golden brown and have a delightful crunch when finished.

                Once cooked, carefully remove the tofu nuggets from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly on a plate before serving.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy tofu nuggets alongside a small bowl of your preferred dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or spicy sriracha mayo. For an appealing visual touch, garnish your dish with fresh cilantro leaves or thinly sliced green onions, adding a vibrant pop of color to the plate. Enjoy!