Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Nuggets

These Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Nuggets are a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. Made with extra firm tofu and seasoned to perfection, they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This vegan recipe is easy to make and pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy these guilt-free nuggets as a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional fried snacks.

Ingredients

  • Extra Firm Tofu: 1 block
  • All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup
  • Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
  • Paprika: 1 tsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black Pepper: ¼ tsp
  • Unsweetened Almond Milk: ¼ cup
  • Seasoned Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
  • Cooking Spray

Instructions

Preparing the Tofu

  1. Drain and Press the Tofu: Start by draining the tofu and pressing it to remove any excess water. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a firm texture in your nuggets.
  2. Cut the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into nugget-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes.

Setting Up the Breading Stations

  1. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will be the first coating for your tofu nuggets.
  2. Prepare the Almond Milk: Pour the unsweetened almond milk into another shallow bowl. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the tofu.
  3. Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Place the seasoned breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl. You can use store-bought seasoned breadcrumbs or make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with your favorite spices.

Breading the Tofu Nuggets

  1. Dip the Tofu: Take each tofu nugget and dip it first into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
  2. Dip in Almond Milk: Next, dip the floured tofu nugget into the almond milk, making sure it is well-coated.
  3. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the tofu nugget in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the tofu.

Air Frying the Nuggets

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Arrange the Nuggets: Place the breaded tofu nuggets in the basket of the air fryer, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook them evenly.
  3. Spray with Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
  4. Cook the Nuggets: Cook the tofu nuggets in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through cooking to ensure they are evenly crispy and golden brown.

Serving

  1. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the tofu nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as vegan ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Tofu Nuggets

  1. Press the Tofu Well: Properly pressing the tofu is crucial for removing excess moisture and achieving the best texture. Use a tofu press if you have one, or a heavy object if not.
  2. Season the Breadcrumbs: If using plain breadcrumbs, add your own seasoning mix to enhance the flavor. Consider adding Italian seasoning, nutritional yeast, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick.
  3. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure to place the tofu nuggets in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures they cook evenly and become crispy.
  4. Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spraying the nuggets with cooking spray helps them achieve a crispy, golden brown exterior without adding too much oil.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Potassium: 150 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Vitamin A: 150 IU
  • Vitamin C: 2 mg
  • Calcium: 200 mg
  • Iron: 3 mg

Conclusion

These Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Nuggets are a delightful and healthy vegan alternative to traditional nuggets. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden brown perfection in the air fryer, they make a delicious snack or appetizer. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce and savor the crispy, flavorful bites!