Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tofu nuggets are a delicious, crunchy alternative to traditional chicken nuggets—completely meat-free and cooked with little to no oil. The air fryer gives them a golden, crispy coating without deep frying, making them lighter yet just as satisfying. They’re also kid-friendly, easy to customize, and great for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Extra-firm tofu (pressed to remove moisture)
• Olive oil or spray oil
• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: nutritional yeast or breadcrumbs for extra crunch

Directions

1. Press tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into nugget-sized cubes.
2. In a bowl, toss tofu with olive oil (or spray lightly).
3. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat tofu pieces in the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
5. Place tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

Makes about 3–4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Pressing time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
• Cheesy flavor: Add nutritional yeast for a savory, cheesy taste.
• Breaded nuggets: Dip tofu in plant-based milk, then coat with seasoned breadcrumbs before air frying.
• Asian-inspired: Toss in soy sauce and sesame oil before coating for added umami.
• BBQ twist: Brush tofu with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture.

FAQs

What kind of tofu works best?

Extra-firm tofu is ideal because it holds its shape and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.

Do I need to press the tofu?

Yes, pressing removes excess moisture, which helps the tofu get crisp instead of soggy.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use an oil-free method?

Yes, but the nuggets will be less crispy. A light spray of oil helps them brown and crisp better.

How do I make them gluten-free?

Make sure all your seasonings and coatings (like breadcrumbs or sauces) are certified gluten-free.

Are these good for kids?

Yes, they’re a fun, finger-friendly way to get in plant-based protein.

Can I use flavored tofu?

Flavored or marinated tofu can add extra taste—just adjust seasonings as needed.

What dips go well with tofu nuggets?

Try ketchup, vegan ranch, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, or tahini dressing.

Why isn’t my tofu crispy?

Make sure the tofu is well-pressed, don’t overcrowd the air fryer, and cook long enough for a golden crust.

Can I meal prep these?

Yes, cook ahead and reheat in the air fryer for a quick snack or meal throughout the week.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets are a healthy, protein-packed snack or meal that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With a crispy texture and endless seasoning options, they’re a must-try for tofu lovers and skeptics alike. Whether you dip, toss, or stack them—these nuggets deliver big on flavor and crunch.

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

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Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets are crispy, golden bites of plant-based protein made with seasoned tofu and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. They’re perfect for snacking, dipping, or adding to meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings
• Category: Snack, Appetizer, Main
• Method: Air Fried
• Cuisine: Universal
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed
• 1 tbsp olive oil or spray oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1 tbsp nutritional yeast or 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for extra crunch

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Instructions

1. Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into nugget-sized cubes.
2. In a bowl, toss tofu with olive oil or lightly spray with oil.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the tofu pieces in the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
5. Place tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Use extra-firm tofu for best texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed.
• Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
• Customize seasonings based on your favorite flavor profile.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 0mg