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Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets Recipe Easy Homemade Vegan Snack with Creamy Dipping Sauce

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These crispy air fryer tofu nuggets are a quick, easy, and flavorful vegan snack with a creamy dipping sauce, perfect for any occasion and loved by tofu skeptics and fans alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (14 oz / 400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ cup (120g) vegan mayonnaise or regular mayo
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Remove the tofu from packaging and drain. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and press gently with a tofu press or heavy skillet for at least 15-20 minutes to squeeze out excess water.
  2. Cut the tofu into nugget-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces, keeping them uniform for even cooking.
  3. Marinate the tofu: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss the tofu cubes gently in the marinade and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Prepare the breading: In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast. Optionally add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
  5. Bread the tofu: Dredge each marinated tofu cube in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so crumbs stick well. Place coated nuggets on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  7. Air fry the nuggets: Arrange tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip each nugget and cook an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Make the creamy dipping sauce: Whisk together vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust sweetness or tang to taste.
  9. Serve the crispy tofu nuggets hot with the creamy dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Press tofu well to remove moisture for maximum crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Flip nuggets halfway through cooking. A quick 2-3 minute air fryer boost can help if nuggets are not crispy enough. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for best texture. The dipping sauce keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days but should not be frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: tofu nuggets, air fryer tofu, vegan snack, crispy tofu, plant-based snack, easy tofu recipe, gluten-free tofu nuggets, creamy dipping sauce

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-tofu-nuggets-recipe-easy-homemade-vegan-snack-with-creamy-dipping-sauce/