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Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets — Asian-inspired Meal Prep recipe, 30 min, serves 4Asian-inspired

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Published ·Updated ·by ·✓ Editorially Reviewed
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Dairy-freeVegetarianVegan

Extra-firm tofu cubes with a crispy seasoned coating. Pressing the tofu first removes excess water, which is what makes the difference between crispy and soggy.

30
min
15
prep
🔥
15
cook
👥
4
servings
220
kcal / serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

1

Press tofu for 15 minutes between paper towels with a heavy object on top. Cut into cubes.

15:00
💡 Pressing is not optional. Unpressed tofu will steam instead of crisp.
2

Toss cubes with soy sauce and sesame oil. Let marinate 5 minutes.

3

Sprinkle cornstarch, garlic powder, and paprika over cubes. Toss to coat evenly.

4

Single layer in air fryer. Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes until crispy on all sides.

15:00
5

Serve with sweet chili sauce or peanut dipping sauce.

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Common Questions

Tofu falling apart?
Use extra-firm only. Silken or soft tofu will disintegrate. Handle gently when tossing with coating.
Can I halve this recipe?
Yes. Halve all ingredients. Cook time stays roughly the same for air fryer recipes; reduce slightly for stovetop.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Don't double cooking time — check doneness at the original time.
Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Yes, perforated air fryer parchment paper works well. Never use it without food on top — it can blow into the heating element.
Why is my food not crispy?
Common causes: overcrowding the basket, food too wet, not enough oil, or temperature too low. Single layer with space between pieces is key.
Can I open the air fryer during cooking?
Yes. Unlike an oven, opening briefly to check or shake doesn't significantly affect cooking. Most air fryers pause when opened.

What to drink with this

🍷
Wine
A medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir, or unoaked Chardonnay if you prefer white.
🍺
Beer
Pale ale or pilsner — light enough to not overpower.
🍸
Cocktail
Classic gin and tonic with cucumber.
🥤
Non-alcoholic
Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs.

Ingredient substitutions

IngredientReplace withRatioNotes
soy saucetamari1:1Gluten-free. Slightly less sweet, more pronounced umami.
coconut aminos1:1Soy-free + gluten-free. Slightly sweeter; reduce other sweeteners.
The story behind this recipe ▾
Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the curds. Extra-firm tofu has the most water pressed out during manufacturing, but still contains enough moisture to prevent crisping. The additional pressing step removes more water from the surface. Cornstarch absorbs remaining surface moisture and creates a thin shell that crisps in the hot air.
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This recipe is for inspiration only. We do not provide food safety, storage, or nutritional advice. Always follow your local food safety guidelines. Check all ingredients for allergens.
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