Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

Name: Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 43 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed, cubed; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Extra-firm tofu pressed, cubed, tossed in a cornstarch-spice coating, and air-fried until deeply golden and satisfyingly crunchy - a high-protein vegan side or snack that pairs with any dipping sauce. Plan ahead: press the tofu for at least 20 minutes before starting.

43 minEasyServes 4240 cal/serving

AmericanSideAir FryerHigh ProteinVeganVegetarianLow CarbKosher-styleDairy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-Free

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Ingredients

14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed, cubed
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

1

Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy skillet on top for at least 20 minutes. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
2

In a large bowl, toss the tofu with 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) and 2 tbsp olive oil. Let sit 2 minutes to absorb.
3

Sprinkle 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper over the tofu and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
4

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Arrange the coated tofu in a single layer in the basket - do not crowd. Work in batches if needed.
5

Air fry 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the nuggets are deep golden and crisp on all sides.
6

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce such as sweet chili, sriracha mayo, or teriyaki.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets?

As written, 43 minutes: 25 of prep and 18 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 1 (20 minutes): "Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy skillet on top for at least 20 minutes."

What temperature does Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets cook at?

For Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets, the air fryer is set to 400 F (about 205 C) in step 4. The longest stretch at that heat is 18 minutes, in step 5. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time.

How do I know when Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 3: cook until every piece is evenly coated. Step 5: cook until the nuggets are deep golden and crisp on all sides.

Do I have to press the tofu for Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets?

Step 1 reads: "Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy skillet on top for at least 20 minutes." Yes, if you want it to brown. Step 1 squeezes out water that would otherwise steam the surface and dilute the sauce.

Is there a substitute for cornstarch in Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets?

The entry for Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets calls for 1/4 cup cornstarch. In its place: Use twice as much all-purpose flour and cook it a few minutes longer, or the same amount of arrowroot or tapioca starch.

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