Crispy air fryer tofu nuggets (popcorn tofu)

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

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Crispy air fryer tofu nuggets (popcorn tofu)

With 21 grams of protein, these popcorn tofu-style bites are delicious as a 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: Main Course

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

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. Air fry at 400 degrees for 11 to 13 minutes, stopping once about 6 minutes in to spray with oil and shake the basket, then again midway through for even browning.
The tofu nuggets are ready when they're perfectly golden and crunchy.
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.

Nutrition