If you’ve been looking for a kid-friendly, easy way to enjoy tofu, these Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets are it!
They’re golden, crispy, and full of flavor—perfect for dipping into ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard. Plus, they’re super simple to make. Even picky eaters will love them!
Let’s get started on these crispy bites of goodness!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or soy)
- Cooking spray
Tools
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowls for dredging
- Whisk
- Tongs
Ultra Close-Up Ingredient Shot
Pro Tips for the Best Tofu Nuggets
✔ Press the tofu – Removing excess water helps it crisp up better. Use a tofu press or wrap it in a clean towel and place something heavy on top.
✔ Season every layer – Tofu absorbs flavor, so don’t skip the soy sauce marinade!
✔ Use panko for crunch – Regular breadcrumbs won’t get as crispy.
✔ Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Give each nugget space to crisp up.
✔ Spray lightly with oil – Helps get that golden, crispy coating!
Substitutions & Variations
🔹 Make it gluten-free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and swap all-purpose flour for cornstarch.
🔹 Spice it up – Add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
🔹 Try different coatings – Swap panko for crushed cornflakes for extra crunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Press and Cube the Tofu
Press your tofu for about 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
2. Marinate the Tofu
Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and toss them with soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes to soak up the flavor.
3. Set Up the Breading Station
In one small bowl, place the flour. In another, pour the plant-based milk. In a third, add the panko breadcrumbs.
4. Coat the Tofu
Dip each tofu cube into the flour, then the milk, then roll in the panko until fully coated.
5. Air Fry the Nuggets
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, lightly spray with oil, and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.
- Avoid microwaving—they’ll get soggy!
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets are a game-changer—crispy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping! Whether you’re making them for kids, meal prep, or just a snack, they’re sure to be a hit.
Give them a try and let me know how they turned out in the comments below! What’s your favorite dipping sauce? 🍽️💛