Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

This is a great recipe to cook when you want a filling and savory dish to feed the family. Munching on these crunchy nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup, vegan ranch, or Cherry Tomato Sauce will certainly take you down memory lane. 

All you need is a block of tofu and a few other simple ingredients to make these tasty vegan nuggets! 

Simply toss the tofu in the freezer whenever you get home from the grocery store or whenever you know you’re making this recipe. Even if it’s just an hour before. Doing this freeze-thaw method helps to give the inside of the tofu a meaty texture.

After marinating the tofu pieces, they are breaded in a lovely layer of crunch with nutritional yeast and breadcrumbs. You can make them even crispier, like popcorn chicken, with panko-style breadcrumbs. 

These delicious homemade air fry tofu bites will certainly make you want to skip the store-bought vegan chicken nuggets because they are less expensive and healthier!

For some more vegan game-day appetizer and snack ideas, be sure to check out my Breaded Mushrooms, Rotel Dip, and Skillet Cookie!

Reasons To Love This Recipe

• These vegan “chicken” are so easy to make
• They are made without meat, eggs, or dairy
• A healthier way to enjoy crispy fried tofu nuggets
• A tasty, high-protein snack, main course, or appetizer

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Ingredients and Substitutions

• Tofu – Use a block of firm or extra firm tofu.
• Soy Sauce – Low-sodium soy sauce, aminos, or tamari adds so much flavor.
• Water – Regular tap water thins the marinade.
• Garlic Powder – I find powdered garlic to work best in the marinade.
• Plant Milk – Any kind of plant-based milk turns the batter into a creamy slurry. 
• Flour – All-purpose or gluten-free works.
• Cornstarch – Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch works as a good substitute, if needed.
• Onion Powder – Gives an irresistible flavor.
• Bread Crumbs – Use any vegan breadcrumbs or Panko if you want extra crispy nuggets.
• Nutritional Yeast – Adds a flavorful layer of flakes with a hint of cheesiness. 
• Paprika – Adds a wonderful smoky flavor. You can also add in a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for spicy nuggets.
• Poultry Seasoning – A naturally vegan seasoning that really brings out a Chick-Fil-A essence here. 
• Salt & Pepper – feel free to adjust the amount according to your preferences. 
• Cooking Spray – Use a thin layer of cooking spray such as olive oil or avocado oil. It’s best to use a spray that relies on air pressure, and is chemical/propellant free.
• Garnish – Serve with optional herbs such as parsley or basil as garnish.

How to Make Tofu Nuggets in the Air Fryer

Here are some quick visual steps. Find the full recipe with exact measurements on the recipe card below.

Freeze the tofu block overnight if you can, or for at least an hour. There is no need to press the block before freezing it and keep it in the original packaging. You can skip this step if you’re short on time but freezing the tofu prior to cooking it helps to make it chewy, dense, and juicy. 

Place the frozen tofu on a plate and thaw it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. 

Drain the excess liquid and then press the tofu for 10 minutes. You can use a tofu press if you have one. I just usually wrap the block in a kitchen towel and place a heavy cast iron skillet on top of it. 

Meanwhile, mix the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. 

Slice the tofu into 1/2 inch thick strips, then tear or cut them into 1-inch pieces. Or, you can make tofu tenders by leaving them a bit longer. 

Place the pieces in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Combine the dry breading ingredients in a shallow bowl or plate. Then, mix the wet batter ingredients in a separate, wide-mouthed bowl. 

Heat the air fryer to 375°F and spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. 

Dip the tofu pieces in the wet batter and gently toss each piece in the dry mixture until fully coated. 

Place the breaded nuggets in a single layer in the basket with some space in-between each one. Spray the nuggets with a thin layer of cooking spray. 

Bake them for 8-10 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Give the tray a good shake halfway through the cooking time. 

Prepare the next batch while one is air-frying. Repeat this breading and frying process until all of the nuggets are cooked. 

Sprinkle parsley, and more salt and pepper over the tofu nuggets. Enjoy these vegan nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce.

How To Bake Tofu Nuggets

If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can bake these breaded tofu nuggets in the oven. Place them on a greased or lined baking sheet and cook them at 415°F for 30 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover nuggets in the refrigerator in a covered dish for 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven. They may not be as crispy as they were when freshly made, but still just as tasty.

I hope you loved this recipe! If you try it, please let me know what you think with a rating and comment below. Your feedback really supports my blog and is helpful to other readers! 🙂 You can stay updated on my latest recipes by following me on Pinterest and joining my Email List.