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Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets Recipe

Tofu has long been a staple in vegetarian and vegan diets, prized for its versatility and ability to absorb flavours. However, many people are hesitant to try it, concerned about its texture or how it can be prepared. Fear not! With the invention of the air fryer, transforming firm tofu into tantalising, crispy nuggets is easier than ever. In this article, we’ll guide you through a delicious crispy air fryer tofu nuggets recipe that even the most sceptical of tofu lovers will appreciate.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 400g block of firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavour)
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• 100g breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs offer extra crunch)
• 30g cornflour (cornstarch)
• Fresh herbs or spices for garnish (such as parsley, coriander, or chilli flakes)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

1. Drain the tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain any excess liquid. Wrap the tofu block in a clean towel or paper towels and place a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet) on top to press out additional moisture. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.

2. Cut the tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or triangles, depending on your preferred shape for nuggets.

Step 2: Marinate the Tofu

1. Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate: Add the tofu pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For an extra burst of flavour, consider marinating it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

1. Set up your coating station: In one bowl, place the cornflour. In a second bowl, place the breadcrumbs. This will allow you to create a lovely crispy coating on the tofu nuggets.

Step 4: Coat the Tofu

1. Coat each piece: Take each marinated tofu piece, first dipping it into the cornflour, shaking off any excess, and then pressing it into the breadcrumbs. Ensure each nugget is fully covered for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Air Fry the Nuggets

1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes.

2. Arrange the nuggets: Once preheated, place the coated tofu nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.

3. Air fry: Cook the nuggets for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. They should be golden and crispy when done.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and enjoy: Once finished, remove the nuggets from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs or sprinkle some chilli flakes for a touch of heat. Serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as sweet chilli, barbecue, or a creamy tahini sauce.

Conclusion

These crispy air fryer tofu nuggets are a delightful addition to any meal or a fantastic snack on their own. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they’re also fun to customise with your favourite spices and sauces. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face and satisfy your cravings for a crunchy, flavourful treat. So, fire up your air fryer, and let’s get cooking!

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