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- 14 oz firm tofu, well-pressed and cubed - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Dipping sauce suggestions: sweet chili sauce, vegan ranch dressing These ingredients make crispy air fryer tofu nuggets that are simple and tasty. Firm tofu gives a great base. Pressing the tofu removes moisture. This step is key for crispiness. Panko breadcrumbs add crunch. Cornstarch helps form a nice crust. Soy sauce and olive oil bring flavor and moisture. The spices are simple yet effective. Garlic powder adds depth. Onion powder enhances sweetness. Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky touch. Black pepper and salt round out the taste. For extra fun, you can pick dipping sauces. Sweet chili sauce is sweet and spicy. Vegan ranch dressing is creamy and cool. These sauces make the nuggets even better. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! Pressing the tofu First, you need to press the tofu. This step is crucial. Pressing removes excess moisture, which helps the tofu get crispy. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel. Place something heavy on top, like a cast-iron skillet. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. This process makes a big difference in texture. Cutting into cubes Once the tofu is pressed, take it out of the towel. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Aim for pieces about 1 inch in size. This size helps them cook evenly. Even cooking means perfect crispiness! Mixing dry ingredients In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. This mix adds great flavor to the tofu. Make sure to blend it well. Coating tofu and marinating Now, add the tofu cubes to the bowl. Toss them gently in the dry mixture. Ensure each piece is coated evenly. Next, drizzle soy sauce and olive oil over the tofu. Use a spatula or your hands to mix it well. Let the tofu marinate for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. Dredging in panko breadcrumbs Take each marinated tofu cube and dredge it in panko breadcrumbs. Press down slightly. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better to the tofu. The more coating, the crunchier the nuggets! Air frying process Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This ensures even crispiness. When they are golden brown and crunchy, they are ready to enjoy! To get super crispy tofu nuggets, start by removing as much moisture as possible. Moisture makes it hard for the nuggets to crisp up. Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes. Use a clean towel and a heavy weight to help. Next, use panko breadcrumbs for that crunchy texture. They are light and airy, making your nuggets extra crispy. When coating the tofu, make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each piece. This helps them stick better. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. This high heat makes the nuggets golden and crispy. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through. This helps the nuggets cook evenly. Do not overcrowd the basket. If you add too many nuggets at once, they will steam instead of crisping up. Cook in batches if needed. You can spice things up by adding extra flavors. Try a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or some Italian seasoning for a twist. Mix these into your dry coating for added taste. If you want to marinate, use soy sauce and olive oil as your base. Let the tofu sit for 10 minutes after coating. This helps the flavors soak in before you bread the tofu. You can also try using teriyaki sauce for a sweet touch. {{image_4}} You can switch up the breadcrumbs for your tofu nuggets. Here are some fun ideas: - Gluten-free breadcrumbs: If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well. - Seasoned breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. This adds a tasty twist to your nuggets. Not a fan of regular tofu? Try these options: - Using different types of tofu: Extra-firm tofu gives a nice, chewy bite. It holds its shape well and is great for frying. - Other protein alternatives: Tempeh is a great choice too. It has a nutty flavor and can be prepared the same way. Changing the spices can really enhance your tofu nuggets. Here’s how: - Adding different spices: Experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder. This can give your nuggets a unique kick. - Incorporating herbs or citrus zest: Fresh herbs like basil or a touch of lemon zest can brighten the flavor. It’s a simple way to make them feel fresh and exciting. To store your crispy tofu nuggets, let them cool down first. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge. These nuggets will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them crispy, avoid stacking them. Use parchment paper between layers to help with airflow. You can freeze tofu nuggets for long-term storage. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer the nuggets to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. For reheating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen nuggets in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. This will help them regain their crispy texture. To keep your tofu nuggets crispy, avoid using moisture-heavy storage methods. If you must cover them, use a loose cover to allow steam to escape. When reheating, always use the air fryer instead of a microwave. This will help restore the crunch. Enjoy your nuggets as fresh as possible for the best taste and texture! To achieve crispy tofu nuggets, start by pressing the tofu well. Remove excess moisture by wrapping it in a towel and placing something heavy on top. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. This step is vital for crispiness. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Coat the cubes in cornstarch and spices, then dredge them in panko breadcrumbs. Using panko gives a crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs. Yes! You can use many sauces for dipping. Sweet chili sauce works great for a sweet kick. Vegan ranch dressing is another tasty choice. You can also try sriracha or soy sauce for a spicy twist. Feel free to mix and match sauces to find your favorite flavor. You can store leftover nuggets in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. - For extra tips, consider using silken tofu for a softer bite. - If you like a little heat, add cayenne pepper to your breadcrumb mix. - You can also double the recipe to have tasty snacks ready for later! You learned how to make tasty air-fried tofu nuggets. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and great tips for crispness. You can even try different toppings or tofu types for unique flavors. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas to find your favorite version. Happy cooking!

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Looking for a delicious snack that's both healthy and satisfying? Try these crispy air fryer tofu nuggets! Made with firm tofu, panko breadcrumbs, and just the right blend of spices, these nuggets are perfect for dipping and enjoyment. This easy recipe guarantees a crunchy texture that everyone will love. Click through to discover how to make them step-by-step and impress your taste buds today!
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Ingredients
  

14 oz firm tofu, well-pressed and cubed

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crispy texture)

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional: dipping sauce (such as sweet chili sauce or vegan ranch dressing)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: First, press the tofu to eliminate excess moisture, which is key for achieving a crispy texture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object, like a cast-iron skillet, on top. Let it sit for about 20 minutes.

    Cut the Tofu: Once pressed, carefully remove the tofu from the towel and cut it into bite-sized cubes, aiming for approximately 1 inch in size to ensure even cooking.

      Coat the Tofu: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated in the dry mixture.

        Marinate and Add Oil: Drizzle the soy sauce and olive oil over the coated tofu cubes. Use a spatula or your hands to gently mix everything together, ensuring that the tofu is fully covered. Let the tofu marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

          Bread the Tofu: Take each marinated tofu cube and dredge it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press down slightly on the breadcrumbs to make sure they adhere well to the surface of the tofu.

            Air Fry the Nuggets: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness until the nuggets are golden brown and delightfully crunchy.

              Serve and Enjoy: After cooking, carefully remove the tofu nuggets from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with your choice of dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or vegan ranch dressing, for an extra burst of flavor.

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