Crispy air fryer tofu nuggets (popcorn tofu)

Close-up crispy breaded coating on air fryer tofu nuggets.

5 from 2 votes

Crispy air fryer tofu nuggets (popcorn tofu)

With 21 grams of protein, popcorn tofu is a delicious snack, main course, or addition to salads and bowls.

Reminiscent of chicken nuggets, these gluten-free bites can be served on their own or with a sauce for dipping. (I especially love them with onion and garlic dipping sauce.)

Prep Time15

Cook Time11

Total Time26

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, Vegan

Keyword: air fryer tofu, popcorn tofu, vegan chicken nuggets

Servings: people

Calories: 220kcal

Author: Cadry Nelson

Ingredients

For the tofu marinade

16 ounces super firm tofu vacuum-packed
2 Tablespoons tamari low-sodium preferred*
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the breaded coating

¼ cup cornstarch
3 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
Several spritzes of oil spray I use avocado oil spray

Instructions

Remove tofu from package, and blot dry with a clean kitchen towel. Get a medium-sized bowl with lid, and use your hands to break the tofu apart into chunks, roughly 1 ½ inches to 2-inches in size.
Season the tofu with tamari, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and salt. Gently use your hands to make sure the tofu gets evenly covered in seasonings.
If you have the time, let the tofu marinate for about 5 minutes to soak up the flavor. (Though it's not essential since the marinade becomes part of the coating.)
Across the top of the tofu, sprinkle on cornstarch and nutritional yeast. Then cover the bowl with a lid, and shake to evenly coat all of the tofu pieces.
If you don't have a bowl with a lid, put the cornstarch and nutritional yeast into a freezer bag instead. Then add the tofu pieces, and shake to coat.
Put all of the tofu pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer.** Air fry at 400 degrees for 11 to 13 minutes, stopping halfway through to spray with oil and shake the basket. Continue cooking, stopping once or twice more to spray again and shake for even browning.
The tofu nuggets are ready when they're perfectly golden and crunchy. (Test one to be sure it's as crispy as desired.)
Remove from the air fryer. If you like, serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

* To keep this dish gluten-free, be sure to check the packaging on your tamari to ensure it's wheat-free.

**If your air fryer is small or if you're doubling the recipe, cook in batches. For perfect crispiness and the best air flow, it's important not to overfill the air fryer basket.

Alternative pan frying instructions:

If you'd prefer, you can pan fry the tofu instead of air frying. 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 breaded tofu, and fry about 13 minutes, flipping occasionally for even browning.

Once it has browned all over, transfer the tofu to a towel-lined plate to drain.

Alternative baking instructions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (This is very important. Otherwise, the tofu WILL stick.)

Add the breaded tofu to the baking sheet, and 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.

Note on nutrition info

Oil isn’t included in the nutrition info since it varies by cooking method (a few spritzes for air frying or baking vs. more for pan frying). Also, spray oils are labeled zero calorie per spray, but the actual amount used can vary.

Nutrition