Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Name: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 1 14 ounce block of tofu; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons tamari sauce (or soy sauce); 2 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated); 2 cloves garlic

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Tofu nuggets are cooked to perfection in an air fryer

Air fryer tofu nuggets are a quick and delicious way to enjoy healthy, flavorful tofu. These nuggets are made with simple ingredients and cook in minutes, making them the perfect snack or addition to salads, pasta, soup or stir fry.

Close up picture of air fried tofu on a plate

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Tofu doesn’t have much flavor and usually picks up the flavors of what it is cooked with. This recipe is a basic and simple recipe that makes these bites so versatile. They are crispy on the outside and delicately flavored so that you can use them in many different ways.

Tofu is so versatile! I like to replace chicken with my Asian chicken pasta salad with these tofu bites or pan fried tofu for a vegetarian salad.

Why you will love this easy pork chops recipe

Easy – air fryer tofu bites are so easy to make, with simple ingredients.
Healthy – these tofu bites are made with simple ingredients, and are not breaded or fried.
Versatile – there are so many ways to use these tasty bites.

the ingredients needed to make air fryer tofu of ginger, garlic, sesame oil, tamari, tofu

Here is what you will need

This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make this tofu recipe and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. For a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card section.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

Extra firm tofu or firm tofu
Tamari or soy sauce
Sesame oil
Ginger
Garlic

🥄Equipment

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How to make this air fryer tofu nuggets recipe

Prepare the ingredients: An hour before cooking, press the tofu to release excess water with a tofu press or wrap it in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, place it on a plate or cutting board and weigh it down with a heavy object such as a cast iron skillet. Let the block of tofu sit for at least 30 minutes

Grate the fresh ginger, chop the garlic, and measure the sesame oil and tamari sauce.

tofu cut into blocks on a white cutting board

STEP 1. Cut the tofu. Use a sharp knife to cut the tofu block into cubes that are similar in size.

STEP 2. Mix the marinage. Combine the marinade ingredients in a small mixing bowl.

STEP 3. Marinate the tofu. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl with the marinade and toss to combine. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes.

STEP 4. Place in air fryer. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on an air fryer basket or tray.

Tofu pieces on a tray ready for the air fryer

STEP 5. Air fry until crispy. Place the tofu cubes into a preheated air fryer at 400 degrees f and cook until golden brown and crispy for 10-15 minutes.

Note: Cooking time can vary depending on the model of your air-fryer. The tofu will be done when they are golden and crispy on the outside. For more crispy tofu, cook for 15 minutes.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Tofu – The best tofu to use in this recipe is firm or extra-firm tofu which will give you a nice meaty texture once it’s been air fried. Do not use soft tofu as it will turn out mushy.

Tamari sauce – This is a fermented Japanese soy sauce that is also gluten-free, It can be replaced with soy sauce or coconut aminos.

Fresh garlic and ginger can be replaced with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger.

How to store leftovers

These crispy tofu nuggets are perfect to make for meal prep and use during the week. Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Leftovers can be used cold, at room temperature, or heated in the microwave or oven.

Recipe variations

Spicy air-fried tofu bites – Add a dash f sriracha sauce to the marinade.

Citrus – For a refreshing marinade add a tablespoon or 2 of fresh orange or lemon juice.

Serving suggestions

Serve crispy air fryer tofu nuggets as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce like sriracha dipping sauce, or peanut sauce.

These flavorful nuggets also taste great in salads, stir-fries or soup.

Tips

Make sure that the tofu has been properly pressed to release excess moisture for best results.
Don’t overcrowd the tofu cubes in the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
Spray a little bit of avocado oil or olive oil spray onto the air fryer basket or tray to prevent the tofu from sticking.

Why won’t my tofu get crispy in the air fryer?

Make sure to release as much water as you can from the tofu before air frying it. Also, make sure that the tofu is added to a preheated air fryer at 400 degrees.

Is tofu a good source of protein?

Yes, tofu is an excellent source of plant-based soy protein and a good replacement for meat.

Is a tofu press worth it?

A tofu press is fairly inexpensive, and it makes extracting excess liquid from tofu easy. If you cook with tofu frequently, it’s definitely a toll worth having.

Can you make air fryer tofu in the oven?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can easily make this air-fryer tofu nuggets recipe in the oven. Follow the instructions in the recipe card but instead of placing the tofu in an air fryer basket, place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place into a preheated oven at 400 degrees f and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn the nuggets over and bake until they are golden brown and crispy for 8 to 10 minutes longer.