This air fryer tofu nuggets recipe is a quick and healthy way to make crispy, golden nuggets without deep frying! I kept this recipe as simple as possible, so you can whip it up in around 20 minutes.
Not only are these tofu nuggets crispy and delicious, but they’re also vegan, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free (just use gluten-free breadcrumbs) and oil-free. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even as a protein-packed main dish!
Recipe for Tofu Nuggets Air Fryer
If you’re looking for a way to make crispy tofu nuggets in the air fryer without the mess of deep frying AND without any oil, you’ve found the right recipe!
These Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets come together in just 30 minutes. Marinate the tofu, coat it in a simple breadcrumb mix, and air fry until golden and crispy. You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious they are!
Ingredients
- Firm or extra firm tofu
- Dill pickle juice
- Corn starch or potato starch
- Bread crumbs
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
These Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets are vegan, nut-free and dairy-free and can be made oil-free or gluten-free.
How To Make Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets (Oil-free option)
- To start making your air fryer tofu nuggets, press the tofu to remove excess moisture and cut it into bite-sized squares.
- Place the tofu in a shallow dish and pour dill pickle juice over it. Let the tofu marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to soak up the flavor.
- In one bowl, mix together corn starch and water to create a slurry. In another bowl, combine bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
- Dip each tofu piece into the corn starch slurry, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick.
- Place the coated tofu pieces into your air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between them. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Once cooked, enjoy your tofu nuggets right away with your favourite dipping sauce, like vegan ranch, BBQ, or spicy mayo!
Watch me make it on YouTube here.
Tofu Nuggets Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 Knife
- 1 shallow bowl
- 1 Plate
Ingredients
- 1 block firm or extra firm tofu cut into thin, bite-sized squares
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 2 tbsp corn starch or potato starch
- 2 tbsp water more to taste
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- Cooking oil spray optional, omit to make this oil-free
Instructions
- For more firmer texture and better marination, press tofu for about 10-20 minutes to press out the water. This step is optional, but recommended.
- Cut tofu into thin, bite-sized squares (similar to nugget shape).
- In a large bowl, add the tofu pieces and pour in the dill pickle juice. Allow this to marinate for around 30 minutes or longer.
- Meanwhile, mix corn starch and water in a shallow bowl to create a thin paste. In a separate plate, mix together breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.
- Once tofu is done marinating, drain it well. The dill pickle juice can be used again so feel free to store in the fridge.
- Coat each piece of tofu with the starch liquid then dip into the breadcrumbs mixture to coat. Press down semi-firmly to get the dry mixture to stick.
- Place in the air fryer tray (grease if necessary), the tofu pieces not touching each other. Optionally, you can spray the tofu pieces using a cooking oil spray to make it more crispy, but it’s not necessary.
- Air fry at 390 degrees for 10 minutes, toss & flip the pieces and air fry again for another 5 minutes or until your desired crispiness.
- Enjoy right away with your favourite dip!
Notes
Nutrition
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