Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets (Quick & Easy)

The best and easiest recipe for air fryer tofu nuggets! These crispy naked nuggets will convert anyone who thinks they don’t love tofu.

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It’s my personal mission as a dietitian to get the world to love tofu.

It’s inexpensive, accessible, and easy to make. And what most people don’t appreciate is that tofu is neutral and super versatile — so when it’s made right, it is the foundation for some of the tastiest dishes out there.

These air fryer tofu nuggets won’t disappoint! With just a few tips, we’ve transformed an unassuming block of tofu into the tastiest naked nuggets you’ll ever find. Even my tofu-hating husband loves these. And I think you will too!

Why you’ll love air fryer tofu nuggets

Crisp: You can thank corn starch for the light and crisp coating on these delicious nuggets.

Easy: Tofu can be a little intimidating, but this is one of the easiest recipes on my site!

Vegan: Whether you eat a vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, or omnivorous diet, you’ll love these satisfying tofu nuggets made in the air fryer.

High protein: Tofu is rich in plant-based protein to support your health and fitness goals.

Kid-friendly: The whole family will love this simple weeknight recipe. Promise!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crispy air fryer tofu recipe:

• Extra firm tofu
• Corn starch — don’t skip this because it’s what makes the nuggets crunchy
• Neutral oil — canola oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, and olive oil work
• Spices — garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper (or sub whatever spices you enjoy)

How to make

Pre-heat your air fryer to 400 F.

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and seasonings. Set aside.

Remove tofu from packaging and pat dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel.

Using your hands, tear tofu into 1-inch chunks. They can (and should!) be textured and uneven. Add tofu chunks to a large mixing bowl.

Then, add oil and toss until well-coated.

Add cornstarch and seasoning mix and toss until well-coated.

Transfer tofu to air fryer and cook for 12-15 minutes. Shake/toss the tofu every 4-5 minutes to prevent nuggets from sticking together. Tofu is ready when all nuggets are golden brown with crisp edges.

Alternative spices

If you’d prefer, swap the garlic and onion powder for different spices like these:

• Curry powder
• Chili powder
• Sriracha seasoning
• Green goddess seasoning
• Ranch seasoning
• Elote seasoning

If you’re using one of these spice blends, adjust the quantity to taste. They can be a little more powerful than plain onion and garlic powder, so you may need to use less than what the recipe asks for.

Expert tips

• Smaller chunks might need less cooking time
• Bigger chunks might need more cooking time
• Your nuggets will stick together in the first 5-10 minutes of cooking, so make sure you shake them regularly (If needed, break them apart with tongs)
• Every air fryer is different, so check your nuggets regularly to avoid burning
• If your air fryer runs hot, cook at 375 F instead of 400 F

How to serve

These nuggets are super versatile! You can serve them however you like, but here are some of my favorite ways:

• Served with fries and dip
• On top of salads or grain bowls
• Tossed in sauce like buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or sweet thai chili sauce
• Paired with vegetables and noodles in a stir fry
• In wraps like a buffalo tofu wrap or tofu caesar wrap

Common questions