Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

This air fryer tofu nuggets recipe is simple to make, easy to adapt, and freezer-friendly. Serve as a protein-packed snack or meatless meal!

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack

Prep Time 50

Cook Time 10

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 293kcal

Author Jenna Urben

Equipment

Ingredients

For the marinade

1 (16-ounce) block of extra-firm tofu
¼ cup soy sauce (substitute with tamari, if gluten-free)
¼ cup water

For the batter

1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with 1:1 GF flour, if gluten-free)
1 cup dairy-free milk (oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc.)
1 ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

For the breading

2 cups panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Remove the tofu from its package and drain the liquid. To avoid soggy tofu, press the tofu either in a tofu press or by stacking a heavy object on top, like a cast iron skillet. Press tofu for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together soy sauce and water in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Once tofu is pressed, tear off 1-inch pieces and place into the bowl. Give it a stir and let tofu marinate for 15 minutes.
Using two separate mixing bowls, combine the batter ingredients in one and the breading ingredients in the other. If the batter is too thick, add an extra splash of dairy-free milk and stir until desired consistency is reached. Set up an assembly line with the marinated tofu, batter, breading, and air fryer basket.
Coat the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Working one at a time, take a piece of tofu and dip it in the batter, then roll it in the bread crumbs.
Place each piece of breaded tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces are touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Give the nuggets a light coating of oil spray.
Air fry tofu nuggets at 400F for 10-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Notes

Serving Tips: Serve vegan nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, plant-based honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Storage & Reheating: Store nuggets in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350F for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed throughout.

Gluten-Free Option: Instead of soy sauce, use tamari or liquid aminos. Replace all-purpose flour with gluten free 1:1 flour, and ensure the breadcrumbs are gluten free.

Oven Option: Instead of air frying, make baked tofu nuggets in the oven at 425F for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Nutrition