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Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets (Crispy Outside, Tender Inside)

A close-up of a pile of golden brown, crispy air fryer tofu nuggets seasoned with spices.
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Make incredibly crispy, satisfying tofu nuggets using your air fryer. This recipe delivers a tender interior and a crunchy coating without deep frying, perfect for a healthy snack or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Cooking spray or oil mister

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. Wrap the block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into nugget-sized pieces, about 1 inch thick.
  3. In a medium bowl, gently toss the tofu pieces with soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until lightly coated.
  4. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. This dry mix creates the crispy coating.
  5. Working in batches, dredge each seasoned tofu piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Press the coating onto the tofu lightly to help it adhere.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  7. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil mister to prevent sticking.
  8. Arrange the coated tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. You must cook in batches for maximum crispiness.
  9. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with oil.
  10. Air fry for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through the cooking time. The nuggets are done when they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
  11. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For the best results, do not skip pressing the tofu; this step is key to achieving a firm texture that crisps well.
  • If you want an extra-thick crust, you can use a double-dip method: dip the tofu first in a small amount of plant milk, then coat in the dry mixture, then dip again in the milk, and finally coat again in the dry mixture.
  • To make this a great tofu meal prep idea, cook the nuggets fully, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/air-fryer-tofu-nuggets/