Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

If you’re looking for a quick and easy Air Fryer Tofu recipe that’s packed with flavor and delicious - you’ve come to the right place. The best part? No need to crank the oven, this recipe is summer-friendly. 

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This 
• Air Fryer To Use 
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• What To Eat With Air Fryer Tofu 
• Recipe FAQs
• Recipe Tips
• How To Store 
• Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Why You’ll Love This 

• This air fryer tofu is perfectly soft on the inside and CRISPY on the outside! It’s the perfect balance for the perfect tofu chunk. 
• It’s ridiculously easy to make. With just 7 ingredients and a 20-minute air-fry time. 
• The recipe is super versatile! Go for any spice mix you enjoy. 

Into tofu? These tofu-based recipes are a must-try: Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup with Tofu, Tofu Scramble, Tofu “Butter Chicken, and Tofu Nuggets. 

Air Fryer To Use 

I am 100% in love with my air fryer, which is what I used to make this air fryer tofu recipe. I use a Cuisinart air fryer. It can also be used as a convection toaster oven. 

It’s a pretty large air fryer, so a lot of food can fit into it. No need to work in batches if you’re using this air fryer for this recipe. 

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Extra-firm Tofu: This is a must! Any other type of tofu will be too tender/soft. And you don’t want to get “silken” tofu - that’s better for more saucy or soft tofu recipes. 
• Olive Oil: Any kind of oil may work, especially a neutral-flavored oil. 
• Soy Sauce: If you need something gluten-free, tamari sauce and coconut aminos are great options. 
• Cornstarch: This will help crisp up the tofu and soak up any excess liquid. This is a must-have in this recipe! 
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Nutritional Yeast: This is going to be our spice mix for this air fryer tofu. If you want to switch it up, go for it! 

Other Seasonings That Work Well For Air Fryer Tofu

• Black pepper 
• Paprika (not-smoked) 
• Cayenne pepper 
• Italian seasoning 
• BBQ seasoning 
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder 
• Ground mustard
• Cajun seasoning 
• Curry powder 
• Turmeric 
• Ground cumin 
• Coriander 
• Garam masala 

What To Eat With Air Fryer Tofu 

Because tofu nuggets are packed with plant-based protein, I enjoy pairing them with vegetable or carb-heavy sides. 

These sides include french fries, red potatoes, mashed potatoes, potato wedges, potato salad, green beans, or brown rice. Puerto Rican yellow rice (arroz con gandules) is also a great addition. 

As for vegetables, air fryer tofu pairs well with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a light vegetable-based soup like zucchini soup. 

Sauces For Air Fryer Tofu 

Can’t forget a dippable sauce for that tofu! 

Ketchup and sriracha are always our go-to sauces for baked or air-fried tofu. We also love honey mustard, buffalo dip, peanut sauce, ranch, and garlic aioli. You can also make your own dipping sauce. 

Or, keep ‘em plain! You choose! 

Recipe FAQs

How to cook tofu in an air fryer 

1. Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, and spices. Toss tofu cubes into the sauce + spice mixture.
2. Evenly toss the tofu with cornstarch and nutritional yeast.
3. Air fry at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Flip tofu after 10 minutes.

The complete recipe is below! 

How long to cook tofu in an air fryer 

You’ll only need to air fry the tofu for 20 minutes. It may take a little less or more time - keep an eye on it and remove it from the air fryer when it’s to your liking. 

I found that 20 minutes is the sweet spot. It’s enough time to turn golden and crisp up when air-fried at 400 degrees F. 

How to season tofu for air fryer 

Simply transfer the tofu nuggets into a mixing bowl. Toss with the spice mix or your seasonings of choice. 

Does tofu get crispy in an air fryer 

This air fryer tofu recipe yields a crispy exterior and a tender interior! It’s the perfect balance for air-fried tofu. 

Why won’t my tofu get crispy

If your tofu doesn’t get crispy, try to press out the liquid from the block for longer. Also, be sure to use extra-firm tofu - it holds on to less water than firm tofu. 

You can even go for smaller tofu chunks, just keep an eye on it in the air fryer and you may only need to cook for less time. 

Alternatively, you can freeze extra-firm or firm tofu, then thaw, drain, and press. Freezing the tofu will create a porous block, making it easier to remove the excess water. 

Recipe Tips

1. You may have to work in batches if your air fryer is smaller. If you have a Cuisinart, one batch will be just fine. 
2. Not sure how to press tofu? Check out this tofu-pressing method. 
3. Be sure to use extra-firm tofu - Trader Joe’s has great options. Silken tofu will not work for this recipe.  

How To Store 

Store the tofu in an airtight container or reusable silicone bag for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

More Air Fryer Recipes:

• Air Fryer Cinnamon Chickpeas 
• Air Fryer Tostones (Plantains) 
• Air Fryer Red Potatoes 
• Air Fryer Tempeh 
• Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes 

Tried out this Extra-Crispy Air Fryer Tofu recipe?

Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it, or tag a picture @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and hashtag it #plantbasedandbroke. Show off that creation with us.