These crispy, satisfying Vegan Air-Fried Tofu Nuggets will turn you into a tofu lover immediately! These nuggets satisfy that fast food craving without all of the hydrogenated oils and yucky additives. Don’t fret if you don’t have an air fryer, they can be made in the oven as well! This recipe is also way more cost-effective than actual fast food or even store-bought nuggets. I love to pair the nuggets with dipping sauce and my Crispy Baked French Fries. If you are looking for healthy fast-food alternatives, try my Healthy Happy Meal, Vegan Sesame Tofu Tenders, and Grillable Black Bean Burgers.
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Notes on Ingredients
- Tofu: Use a block of extra-firm, high-protein tofu. If you can’t find high-protein tofu, use a firm block of tofu and press it well. I like to use a tofu press for this.
- Salt: I try to use a high-quality mineral salt which adds essential minerals and more flavor to this recipe.
- Ketchup: Whatever your dipping sauce of choice works! Ideally, look for a ketchup that has no added sugar.
Please take note that this is important information about the ingredients used in this recipe and the FULL recipe with measurements and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.
How do you make Vegan Air-Fried Tofu Nuggets?
- Cut the tofu into bite size cubes and then use a bowl or bag and shake it with the spices.
- Add into the air fryer and cook for 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees F, shaking halfway through. For the oven method, bake at 475 degrees F on a baking sheet with parchment for 15 minutes (flipping halfway through) or until desired crispiness.
- Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy them fresh!
- Step 1: First, cut or rip the tofu into bite-size pieces.
- Step 2: Then, shake the tofu with spices in a baggie or bowl.
- Step 3: Air fry the tofu for 10-15 minutes at 475 degrees F.
- Step 4: Finally, serve fresh with dipping sauce of choice.
Commonly Asked Questions
These nuggets are best eaten fresh. If you are storing them, keep them in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, put them back in the air fryer or oven on a high heat for a couple minutes.
I love this budget air-fryer by Cosori. For more of a splurge, I love the Our Place 6-in-1 Wonder Oven.
Yes. For the oven method, bake the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper at 475 degrees F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Besides ketchup, I love hot sauce, barbecue, homemade vegan ranch, or even homemade hummus (call me crazy).
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Extra Helpful Tips
- You can make these nuggets in the air fryer or oven. See the recipe card instructions for both methods.
- Season the nuggets with whatever your favorite spices are including chili powder, cumin, onion powder, etc.
- Serve these tofu nuggets with a side of oil-free crispy baked French fries.
- Instead of cutting the tofu into perfect cubes, rip the tofu into bite-size pieces to give more of a classic chicken nugget shape.
How to Store
While these nuggets are best eaten fresh, you can store them in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, put them back in the air fryer or oven on a high heat for a couple minutes.
If you tried these Vegan Air-Fried Tofu Nuggets or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 5-star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Vegan Air-Fried Tofu Nuggets
Equipment
- 1 oven optional, if you don't have an air fryer
- 1 knife
- 1 tofu press
Ingredients
- 1 block high protein tofu or extra firm, pressed, and drained
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ketchup for dipping or other condiment of choice
Instructions
- Cut or rip the tofu into bite size cubes and then use a bowl or bag and shake it with the spices.
- Add into the air fryer and cook for 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees F, shaking halfway through. For the oven method, bake at 475 degrees F on a baking sheet with parchment for 15 minutes (flipping halfway through) or until desired crispiness.
- Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy them fresh!
Harriet Davis says
Hi, does this store well in the refrigerator?
Danielle Keith says
They’re best eaten fresh.
**** says
Great texture but a little bland for me. Would marinating first before seasoning add more flavor?
25+ Air Fryer Vegetarian Recipes For Delightful Meals 2022 says
[…] 8. Oil-Free Air Fried Tofu Nuggets […]
Shellie says
Delicious! So quick and easy. Thanks Danielle.
Linnea Quigley says
Sounds great!
Erin T. says
Oh. My. Gosh, air fryer tofu is delicious!!! I added much more of each spice, especially the paprika that I adore, but the crunchy outside after just 15 minutes without adding any oil is fantastic!
Alicia M says
LOVE this spice combo on tofu! The smoked paprika makes all the difference. Dipped the bites in a similarly spicy and slightly sweet BBQ. So good and the crispy texture was better than most of recipes I have tried.
bryant snedeker says
Hi Danielle
I recently found a recipe for sweet and sour tofu(before finding your site) and want to make according to recipe. I’m looking for way to do air frying tofu after doing the way recipe calls for which is in nonstick pan. How would you suggest to do in air fryer (am considering actually getting one for future use)?
Taylor says
Hi! Taylor from team HealthyGirl here!
If you are air frying tofu you can use a little olive oil on the tofu or parchment paper in the air fryer to cook. Shake up the tofu about half way through cooking.
Haley P Dennison says
Very bland? Did I do something wrong? Should I marinate in something before hand?
Taylor From HealthyGirl Kitchen says
Hi! Make sure to use all of the seasoning listed, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Laurie says
I have used this recipe twice and added it to stir fry veggies once I made it. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Highly recommend! Nice to have an oil free recipe.
Jordan Stacy says
These air-fried tofu nuggets are a game-changer! They are so quick, easy, and high protein! I make them every week for a healthy lunch or dinner with baked fries and a veggie.