Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Name: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 block super-firm tofu ((or firm/extra-firm tofu)); ½ cup vegetable broth; ¼ cup dill pickle juice ((or: 2 Tbsp water, 2 Tbsp vinegar, and ¼ tsp salt) ); 2 Tablespoons tamari ((or soy sauce)); 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup corn starch; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; ½ cup unsweetened soy milk ((or milk of choice)); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs ((or gluten-free panko)); 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt ((or ¼ teaspoon fine/table salt)); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; spray oil ((to taste))

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These crispy air fryer tofu nuggets are the ultimate plant-based response to the familiar chicken nugget. With their crispy coating, meaty texture, and savory flavor, these nuggets are a favorite amongst tofu fans and skeptics alike.

Bowl of tofu nuggets on parchment paper and dipping sauce, with other sauces and salt.

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Ingredients and Substitutions
Instructions
Variations
Storage
Tips
FAQ
Recipe

Ingredients and Substitutions

Ingredients for tofu nuggets with labels.

Super-firm tofu gives the meatiest texture to these nuggets. Firm or extra-firm tofu will also work well, especially if you freeze and thaw it before cooking.
Panko breadcrumbs provide an extra-crispy texture, however regular bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes will also work well. Gluten-free panko also works great.
Nutritional yeast adds a savory, buttery flavor. Plus, it's fortified with Vitamin B12, which is especially important if you are choosing mostly plant-based sources of protein.
Corn starch helps to get that crisp coating all over the tofu pieces. You can use all-purpose flour or tapioca starch as well.
Unsweetened soy milk or your preferred plant-based milk is used for dredging the nuggets to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
Tamari or soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the tofu for convincing vegan chicken nuggets.
Seasonings including smoked paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne come together in these super flavorful nuggets.
Veggie broth is the base of the tangy marinade. Use whatever broth you have on hand.
Pickle juice adds acidity and saltiness to the marinade. If you do not have pickle juice, you can substitute it with 2 Tablespoons each of water and vinegar, plus ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Cooking spray gives the vegan tofu nuggets maximum crispiness. I like to use avocado oil or olive oil spray.

Instructions

To start, combine the marinade ingredients in a one-quart-sized container. Cut the block of tofu lengthwise into four thin slices. From here, break each slice into nugget-sized pieces and place them in the marinade. Allow the tofu to marinate for a couple of hours to several.

sliced tofu and marinade, with some tofu broken into chunks.

Once the tofu has marinated, set up three shallow bowls with the starch mixture, non-dairy milk, and breadcrumb mixture. Then, dip each side of each tofu piece into the starch, milk, and breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated. Place the tofu pieces into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer.

Corn starch, milk, and breadcrumb mixtures in bowls with some coated nuggets in an air fryer basket.

From here, spray the tofu generously with oil, and cook them at 400° F (204° C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown. Pause the air fryer roughly halfway through cooking to flip the tofu and spray the other side.

Tofu nuggets before and after air frying.

When they're done, serve these flavorful tofu nuggets with french fries or parsnip fries and your favorite dipping sauce. I love them with barbeque sauce, buffalo sauce, or my copycat Chick-fil-A sauce.

Hand dipping tofu nugget into chick-fil-a sauce.

Variations

Spicy tofu nuggets: Add an additional ¼-1/2 teaspoon of cayenne to the cornstarch mixture. Or try my tofu wings for an even spicier tofu recipe!

Oil-free tofu nuggets: Your tofu nuggets will still get pretty crispy without oil, though they will stay a bit lighter in color.

Storage

Make ahead: Prepare the marinade 2-3 days before using it if desired.

Store: Leftovers will stay in the fridge for 3-4 days or freezer for 1-2 months.

Reheating: Reheat leftover tofu nuggets back in the air fryer at low heat (about 325° F) for about 5 minutes.

Close-up image of tofu nuggets with one nugget ripped in half.

Tips

If you're using firm or extra firm tofu, freezing the tofu block beforehand can give it an even meatier texture. Pop the tofu (container and all) in the freezer for at least 6 hours. Then, place it back in the freezer to thaw until you're ready to use it.

Before marinating, you can press the tofu with a tofu press or between two cutting boards, but this is not very necessary unless you plan to marinate the tofu for a shorter time.

Cooking time will vary based on the size and type of air fryer you use. The first time you air fry these tofu nuggets, take note of the cooking and make adjustments to this recipe as need be.

FAQ

Does tofu get crispy in an air fryer?

Yes, very! Because an air fryer circulates hot air in a small area, the tofu can quickly get crispy without much oil.

Why won't my tofu get crispy?

This is likely because the tofu is not getting hot enough, is not cooking long enough, or is too crowded in the fryer. Try cooking your tofu nuggets longer, at a higher temperature, or in smaller batches.

Can you bake these tofu nuggets?

Sure! Spread them evenly onto a baking sheet and bake them at 400° F (204° C) for about 20-25 minutes. About halfway through cooking, flip the nuggets and give them a second spray of oil.