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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and black pepper - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Cooking spray To make crispy air fryer tofu nuggets, you need a few simple ingredients. Start with firm tofu. It gives the best texture. You want to drain and press the tofu well. This step removes extra water, making it easier to crisp up. Next, you will need cornstarch. This is the secret for a crunchy coating. It helps absorb moisture and creates that crispy outside we all love. Then, gather your spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add depth of flavor. If you like a little heat, add cayenne pepper. Adjust the salt and black pepper to your taste. For flavor, soy sauce and olive oil are key. They help season the tofu and keep it moist. Lastly, don’t forget cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. - Sweet chili sauce - Zesty vegan ranch Dipping sauces add fun! Sweet chili sauce gives a nice balance of sweet and spicy. Zesty vegan ranch adds a creamy touch. Both pair well with the crispy nuggets. You can mix and match to find your favorite. Happy cooking! 1. Drain and press tofu Start with a block of firm tofu. Remove it from the package and drain off the water. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture. 2. Cut into uniform cubes Once pressed, slice the tofu into even 1-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly in the air fryer. 1. Mix cornstarch and spices In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix it well. 2. Toss tofu in soy sauce and olive oil In a separate bowl, drizzle 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the tofu cubes. Gently toss to coat all pieces. 3. Coat tofu in seasoning mixture Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the tofu. Toss until each nugget is fully covered. This coating makes your nuggets crunchy. 1. Preheat air fryer Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking. 2. Arrange nuggets in basket Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the tofu nuggets in a single layer. Make sure they are not crowded. You may need to cook in two batches. 3. Cooking duration and temperature Air fry the tofu nuggets for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to help them cook evenly. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy these tasty nuggets fresh from the air fryer! To get the best crispiness in your tofu nuggets, focus on two key things. First, make sure the coating is uniform. This means every piece of tofu needs the same amount of cornstarch and spice mix. A good coating helps to create that crunchy texture. Second, avoid overcrowding the air fryer. If you pack too many nuggets in at once, they won't cook evenly. Always leave space for air to flow around each nugget. If you have a lot of pieces, consider cooking them in batches. You can make these crispy tofu nuggets even easier to enjoy by preparing ahead. Marinating the tofu gives it more flavor. Use soy sauce, garlic, and even a splash of lime for a tasty blend. Let the tofu sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you want to save time later, freeze the coated tofu nuggets. After coating, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready to cook, you can air fry them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Find the full recipe for crispy air fryer tofu nuggets to start your tasty snack adventure! {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your crispy air fryer tofu nuggets by adding different spices. Try using cumin for a warm flavor or turmeric for a lovely color. You can also mix in some Italian herbs like oregano or basil for a fresh twist. Another fun option is to incorporate nutritional yeast. This ingredient adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy. Just sprinkle it in when you mix your spices. It boosts taste and adds some nutrients, too! Pair your crispy tofu nuggets with delicious sides. They go well with rice or a fresh salad. You can also serve them as a fun snack at a party. For dipping sauces, sweet chili sauce works great. You can also make a zesty vegan ranch by mixing vegan mayo, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. For a unique experience, try different sauces like spicy mustard or a tangy barbecue sauce. These dips can change the whole meal. Feel free to get creative and mix your favorite flavors! For the full recipe, check the Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets section above. To keep your crispy air fryer tofu nuggets fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside to absorb any moisture. This helps keep the nuggets crispy. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the nuggets crunchy. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy. For added crispiness, you can lightly spray them with cooking oil before reheating. Yes, you can use soft or extra-firm tofu. Soft tofu gives a creamier texture. Extra-firm tofu is great for a firmer bite. However, I find that firm tofu works best for a crispy nugget. The key is to press it well to remove moisture. To make these nuggets gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Tamari is a great choice. Make sure to check the cornstarch too. Most cornstarches are gluten-free, but it’s good to confirm. These nuggets pair well with many sides. Try a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a healthy balance. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. I enjoy them with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping! To add heat, include more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer milder nuggets, simply skip the cayenne. You can also choose a less spicy dipping sauce. Experiment to find your perfect balance! You can check the full recipe for crispy air fryer tofu nuggets above. It includes all the steps and tips you need to make the perfect snack! In this blog post, we explored how to make crispy air fryer tofu nuggets. We reviewed the main ingredients and their roles, including firm tofu, cornstarch, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, coating, and air frying the nuggets. We also discussed tips for maximum crispiness and variations for added flavor. In short, these nuggets are easy to make and fun to customize. Enjoy experimenting with dips and spices to fit your taste!

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Discover the ultimate recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets that are simple to make and bursting with flavor! With just a handful of ingredients like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, you can create these delicious plant-based bites in under 30 minutes. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are ideal for snacking or as a side dish. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, thoroughly drained and pressed

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for added spice)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking spray for the air fryer

Instructions
 

Start by cutting the pressed tofu into uniform bite-sized cubes, approximately 1 inch on each side for even cooking.

    In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you enjoy a bit of heat), along with salt and pepper. Stir well until the spices are evenly mixed.

      Drizzle the soy sauce and olive oil over the cubed tofu, using a spatula or your hands to gently toss the tofu until every piece is nicely coated.

        Gradually sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over the tofu cubes, continuing to toss until each nugget is fully coated in the flavorful seasoning. Aim for a uniform coverage for optimal crispiness.

          Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure the nuggets cook evenly.

            Lightly mist the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

              Carefully arrange the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are not crowded. If necessary, air fry in two batches to maintain space between the nuggets.

                Air fry the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket gently halfway through the cooking duration to promote even crispiness across all nuggets.

                  Once the nuggets are beautifully golden brown and crispy to the touch, take them out of the air fryer and allow them to cool for about one minute before serving.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: To elevate your serving experience, present the crispy tofu nuggets on a vibrant platter accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili or a zesty vegan ranch. For a burst of freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or finely sliced scallions, adding a delightful visual and flavor contrast.