Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets (Vegan & Oil-Free) Recipe
Delicious and crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets that are vegan, oil-free, and packed with flavor. These nuggets are easy to make, perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, and nutritional yeast, and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. A healthy and protein-rich snack or appetizer perfect for plant-based diets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Tofu Nuggets
- 14 oz extra firm tofu (or super firm tofu)
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp poultry spice or veggie broth powder
Instructions
- Thaw Tofu: If using frozen tofu, ensure it is fully thawed by transferring it to the refrigerator in the morning of cooking day.
- Press Tofu: Press the tofu for 10 to 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. The exact time depends on how firm your tofu is.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat.
- Prepare Paste: In a large glass mixing bowl, combine nutritional yeast, soy sauce, water, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, and poultry spice or veggie broth powder. Stir well to create a paste. Adjust thickness by adding more nutritional yeast if too thin or a little water if too thick.
- Shape Tofu: Break tofu into bite-sized chunks directly over the bowl. Use your thumb to create rounded, craggy edges to help the paste adhere better and form nugget-like shapes.
- Coat Tofu: Gently fold the tofu chunks into the paste to coat them evenly, being careful not to crumble the tofu.
- Arrange in Basket: Using tongs, place the coated tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding excess paste to prevent burning.
- Cook Nuggets: Air fry the tofu nuggets for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Serve: Serve immediately for best texture or store leftovers for later use.
Notes
- Pressing tofu is essential for crispiness by removing excess moisture.
- For a firmer texture, freeze and thaw your tofu before starting.
- Adjust seasonings and spices to taste for varied flavor profiles.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Use tongs to handle tofu gently to keep the nuggets intact.
- This recipe is oil-free, making it a healthy and low-fat option.
