Reminiscent of chicken nuggets, air fryer tofu nuggets are crunchy on the outside, and full of delicious, savory flavor. Dunk them into your favorite dipping sauce, or add them to wraps, bowls, or salads.
This one bowl recipe is simple to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes, and naturally gluten-free. (Plus, each serving has 21 grams of protein!)
Okay, it’s safe to say that my husband and I are fully obsessed with these crispy tofu nuggets.
We’re eating so many straight from the air fryer that we “forget” to make anything else for dinner.
We’re picking each bite like a “choose your own adventure” game – whether we’re craving big pieces with maximum tofu, or zigzags of breading for optimum crunch.
(Personally, I can’t get enough of those little crispies that are leftover at the end. You can see them nestled between the nuggets in the picture above.)
We’re even noshing on tofu nuggets in the morning, straight out of the fridge, when we’ve waited too long to make breakfast.
If you try them, I know you will love them too.
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Popcorn tofu for less
Air fryer tofu nuggets are similar to the popcorn tofu sold in natural grocery stores, but for a fraction of the price.
(A small container of pre-made popcorn tofu at the health food store can run $6 or $7, while an entire 1 pound block of Trader Joe’s tofu is $2.99.)
These breaded tofu bites are also reminiscent of the classic fast food-style chicken nuggets you may have grown up eating. (Except these are available every day of the week – even Sunday.)
Ingredients for crispy tofu nuggets
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe.
Tofu: Choose vacuum-packed super firm tofu, not water-packed. I buy high protein tofu from Trader Joe’s. (It’s one of my favorite Trader Joe’s vegan products.)
Tamari: While most tamari is gluten-free, not all of it is. If you need this dish to be gluten-free, be sure to read the label to check that it’s wheat-free.
Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a little sweetness and acid, which complements the richness of the breading.
Seasonings: Onion powder adds savory flavor, and a little salt brings everything to life.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is part of the breading, and it makes the tofu extra crispy.
Nutritional yeast flakes: Nutritional yeast is the other half of the breading, and it adds chicken-style umami. Look for nutritional yeast flakes in natural grocery stores, Trader Joe’s, big box stores like Walmart, or online.
Oil spray: Avocado oil spray is my go-to, but any neutral-flavored cooking spray will work here.
Step by step instructions
This section shows how to make this recipe at a glance with process photos of the steps. For complete ingredient amounts & instructions, keep scrolling to the recipe card below.
1. Remove tofu from its package and blot dry. Then use your hands to tear it into 1 ½ to 2-inch chunks, and put it into a bowl with a lid. (I use a 2.5 quart Pyrex bowl.)
2. Season the tofu with:
- Tamari
- Apple cider vinegar
- Onion powder
- Salt
Use your hands to gently combine, and make sure all of the tofu is evenly covered.
If you have the time, let the tofu marinate about 5 minutes to soak up the flavor. If you’re in a rush, skip it. All of the marinade becomes part of the coating, so it won’t go to waste.
3. Sprinkle on:
- Cornstarch
- Nutritional yeast
Why I use the one-bowl method: I’ve also tested this recipe by mixing the dry ingredients separately, draining off the marinade, and then coating the tofu.
It works, but it’s not worth the extra step. The breading is slightly more uniform, but the one-bowl method creates a more craggy, flavorful coating because the marinade gets fully incorporated.
4. Cover the bowl with a lid, and shake to evenly coat the pieces (like old school Shake ‘n Bake).
If you don’t have a bowl with a lid, put the cornstarch and nutritional yeast into a freezer bag instead. Then transfer the tofu pieces into it, and shake to combine.
5. Put the tofu pieces into the air fryer basket. (Don’t forget the tiny pieces too! They get extra crunchy and delicious.)
6. Air fry at 400 degrees for 11 to 13 minutes, stopping a couple of times to spray with oil, and shake the basket for even browning.
Remember: Every air fryer runs differently. Times given are a general recommendation and should be tested in your own air fryer. Adjust as needed.
Alternative cooking methods
I love this popcorn tofu best in the air fryer. It’s faster, more convenient, and the tofu slightly shrinks in the air fryer, which intensifies the flavor and makes the texture even more chicken-like.
However, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can also cook popcorn tofu by pan frying or baking.
How to pan fry tofu nuggets
Fill a nonstick skillet with a shallow layer of high heat oil, like avocado oil. Bring to a medium or medium high heat. Add the tofu, and fry about 13 minutes, flipping occasionally for even browning.
Once it’s evenly brown, transfer the tofu to a towel-lined plate to drain.
How to bake tofu nuggets
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (This is very important, because otherwise, the tofu WILL stick.)
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stopping once halfway through to spray the nuggets with oil, flip, and spray the other side. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re perfectly browned and crunchy on the outside.
Make it your own
You can make this protein-packed tofu your own by varying the ingredients.
- Replace tamari: Use an equal amount of your preferred soy sauce or soy sauce alternative, like liquid aminos.
- Vary the vinegar: Instead of apple cider vinegar, use an equal amount of rice vinegar, white vinegar, or dill pickle brine.
- Add more seasonings: In addition to onion powder, add garlic powder, pepper, paprika, and/or cayenne. Replace salt with dill pickle salt or Slap Ya Mama seasoning salt.
- Vary the cooking method: This tofu can be prepared in the air fryer, pan fried, or baked.
Dipping sauce options
Tofu nuggets are delicious on their own or dipped in any of these tasty sauces:
Serving suggestions
Tofu nuggets are a terrific protein-packed snack or an addition to wraps and bowls.
Put them in:
Or serve them as the main course with any of these side dishes:
Storage instructions
Store leftover tofu nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
They’re terrific cold right out of the fridge. Or reheat in the air fryer until crispy.
If you try this recipe and love it, let me know! Leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comment section below. It truly makes my day and is such a help!
📖 Recipe
Crispy air fryer tofu nuggets (popcorn tofu)
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Servings: people
Notes
To keep this dish gluten-free, be sure to check the packaging on your tamari to ensure it’s wheat-free.
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 665mg | Potassium: 342mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.03g | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 5mg
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