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To make Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Nuggets, gather these items: - 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, well-pressed and drained - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil You can switch some ingredients if needed. Here are some options: - Firm Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu for more crunch. - Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder works well if you need a substitute. - Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can replace panko but may not be as crunchy. - Nutritional Yeast: Skip it if you want a simpler flavor. - Soy Sauce: Tamari is a good gluten-free option. - Olive Oil: Any vegetable oil is fine if you don't have olive oil. Each serving of these tofu nuggets offers a tasty and healthy snack. Here’s the breakdown per serving: - Calories: Approximately 150 - Protein: 8 grams - Carbohydrates: 16 grams - Fat: 6 grams - Fiber: 1 gram These nuggets are a great way to enjoy a plant-based snack that is both crunchy and satisfying. They fit well into many diets and are easy to make! Start with a block of firm tofu. Make sure to press it well. Pressing removes excess water. This step helps the tofu get crispy. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Aim for 1-inch pieces. This size ensures even cooking. Place the cubes on a clean towel. Let them sit for a few minutes to dry. In one bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend adds flavor and crunch. In another bowl, whisk soy sauce and olive oil. Dip each tofu cube into the soy sauce mix. Make sure every side gets coated. Then transfer the cubes to the cornstarch mix. Toss gently until coated evenly. Next, move the coated tofu to the panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly so the crumbs stick well. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the nuggets cook evenly. Spray the air fryer basket with a bit of cooking spray. Place the tofu nuggets in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow air flow. Air fry them for 15 to 18 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. Once finished, let them cool for a moment before serving. Enjoy your crunchy tofu nuggets! To get your tofu nuggets extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a nice crunch. Press the tofu well to remove moisture. This helps the nuggets stay crispy inside the air fryer. After coating, let the nuggets sit for a few minutes before frying. This allows the coating to set up. I love pairing these nuggets with sweet chili sauce. It adds a nice kick. You can also try spicy sriracha for heat. For a creamier option, mix soy sauce with a bit of mayo and lime juice. This gives a cool contrast to the crunchy nuggets. Serve the crispy tofu nuggets on a fun plate. You can add sliced veggies for color. Carrot sticks or cucumber slices work great. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for a nice touch. This makes your dish look fancy and appetizing. {{image_4}} To add some heat to your tofu nuggets, try making spicy tofu nuggets. Start with the basic recipe. Then, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dry mix. You can also mix sriracha into the soy sauce. This will give your nuggets a nice kick. Adjust the spice to your taste. If you love heat, don't hold back! For a fresh twist, make herb-infused nuggets. Use dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil in the cornstarch mixture. You can also add fresh herbs if you have them. Just chop them finely before mixing. This will give your tofu a lovely aroma and flavor. These nuggets pair well with a light dip. To make gluten-free tofu nuggets, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko. You can find this at most grocery stores. Make sure your soy sauce is also gluten-free. Tamari is a great choice here. It has a similar taste but is safe for gluten-free diets. Enjoy your crispy nuggets without worry! You can store leftover tofu nuggets in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps keep them crispy. Avoid stacking them too high, so they don’t get soggy. To reheat tofu nuggets, use the air fryer for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Air fry the nuggets for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will make them crispy again. You can also use an oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. Check them often to avoid overcooking. If you want to freeze your tofu nuggets, let them cool completely first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To cook from frozen, do not thaw. Just air fry them straight from the freezer at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy the crunch! To make these tofu nuggets gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Always check the panko breadcrumbs. Some brands offer gluten-free options made from rice or corn. You can also skip the breadcrumbs entirely. Use crushed gluten-free snacks for a similar crunch. Using soft tofu is not ideal for this recipe. Firm tofu gives the best texture and holds its shape well. Soft tofu tends to break apart during cooking. If you want a softer nugget, you can try silken tofu. Just be prepared for a different texture and adjust cooking time. There are many tasty dipping sauces for your tofu nuggets. Here are a few favorites: - Sweet chili sauce - Spicy sriracha - Soy sauce mixed with rice vinegar - Peanut sauce - Tangy barbecue sauce These sauces add flavor and fun to your snack! Feel free to mix and match to find your perfect pair. This blog post covered everything you need to make tasty tofu nuggets. We explored the ingredients, how to prep and cook them, and tips for extra crispiness. I shared fun variations and how to store and reheat your nuggets. Tofu nuggets are not only easy to make but also very versatile. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing them with friends and family. Have fun in the kitchen and savor every bite!

Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Satisfy your cravings with these Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Nuggets! Perfectly golden and crunchy, these nuggets are made with simple ingredients like firm tofu, panko breadcrumbs, and flavorful spices. Ready in just 35 minutes, they're ideal for a snack or meal. Discover how to easily make this delicious plant-based treat and impress your friends with your cooking skills. Click through now for the full recipe!
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Ingredients
  

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

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunchy texture)

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy flavor)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature.

    While the air fryer is heating, carefully cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes, aiming for 1-inch pieces for optimal crispiness.

      In a medium mixing bowl, gather the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are fully combined.

        In another small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and olive oil until blended. Dip each tofu cube into this soy sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is completely coated on all sides. Once coated, transfer the tofu to the cornstarch mixture, tossing gently until each cube is evenly covered.

          After the tofu is coated in cornstarch, transfer the pieces to the panko breadcrumbs, pressing them lightly to ensure an even and crispy layer forms on the outside.

            Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the tofu nuggets in a single layer inside the basket, ensuring they do not touch to allow for proper air circulation.

              Air fry the tofu nuggets for about 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. They should turn a beautiful golden brown and have a delightfully crispy texture when done.

                Once cooked, carefully remove the nuggets from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few moments before serving to enhance their crispiness.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the crispy tofu nuggets on a stylish serving platter alongside a small bowl of your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or spicy sriracha. To add an appealing touch, garnish with finely chopped scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added color and flavor.