Crispy Tofu Nuggets (Air Fryer or Oven)

These crispy tofu nuggets are a homemade twist on my favorite high school snack — better! Crunchy outside, tender inside, baked or air-fried to perfection. I often rushed to McDonald's with friends for fries and nuggets, but the real treat was customizing our ketchup with jalapeño salt and black pepper — spicy and addictive! Now, I make these plant-based nuggets at home and pair them with my nostalgic ketchup. Whether air-fried or baked, these nuggets will be your go-to for a fun, easy, and comforting meal.
Recipe
Chunks of crispy tofu nuggets on a baking tray, accompanied by a bowl filled with a red, chunky dipping sauce. An oven-fresh aroma wafts as a spoon rests in the bowl with its striped rim. Crumbs are scattered around, catching the light from a bright source.

about this recipe

These crispy tofu nuggets are everything you want in a nugget: golden, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned. They’re easy to make, plant-based, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you air-fry or bake them, they turn out irresistible every time. The best part? They come with my special high school-style ketchup — trust me, it’s next level.

Back in high school, my friends and I had a ritual. We’d sprint to McDonald’s between classes just to devour fries and nuggets. But the real magic wasn’t just the food — it was the ketchup hack. We’d mix in pickled jalapeños salt and a pinch of black pepper to make the ketchup spicy and bold. Today, I still make this ketchup at home, and it goes perfectly with these homemade tofu nuggets.

Why you will love this recipe

  • Crispy without deep frying: Air fryer and oven instructions included.
  • Family-friendly: Perfect for kids, teens, or nugget-loving adults (calling out my husband here, lol).
  • Quick and easy: Just 30 minutes start to finish.
  • Flavor-packed: The seasoning mix gives them the perfect crunch and taste.
  • Perfect with homemade jalapeño ketchup: My personal twist from high school.
Two hands are crumbling pieces of pastry dough in a transparent glass bowl, prepping it for the oven. The flaky, pale dough contrasts against the light background. Well-lit, the scene highlights textures reminiscent of crispy tofu nuggets.

Ingredients Notes

  • Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu; frozen and thawed is best.
  • Panko. You could substitute it with regular breadcrumbs.
  • Spices: Garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and turmeric for color and flavor.
  • Cornstarch & flour: The combination helps create a crisp coating.
  • Oil: A light oil spray makes all the difference in getting that irresistible crunch.

Variation ideas

  • Spicy Nuggets: Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to the breading.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap the flour and panko for gluten-free versions.
  • Extra Crispy: Double coat — dip in plant milk again and re-bread for an extra crunch.

Home cook to home cook tips

  • Press the tofu well: Don’t skip this step! The drier the tofu, the crispier the nugget. Use a tofu press or an old kitchen towel, but remove all the liquid you can.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give them space so the air can circulate and crisp them evenly. Same if using a pan or making them in the oven.
  • My high school ketchup: Mix ketchup with pickled jalapeño, salt, and a dash of black pepper — it’s simple but game-changing.
  • Meal prep tip: You can coat the nuggets ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
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Chunks of crispy tofu nuggets on a baking tray, accompanied by a bowl filled with a red, chunky dipping sauce. An oven-fresh aroma wafts as a spoon rests in the bowl with its striped rim. Crumbs are scattered around, catching the light from a bright source.

Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Alejandra Graf
These crispy tofu nuggets are a homemade twist on my favorite high school snack — better! Crunchy outside, tender inside, baked or air-fried to perfection. I often rushed to McDonald's with friends for fries and nuggets, but the real treat was customizing our ketchup with jalapeño salt and black pepper — spicy and addictive! Now, I make these plant-based nuggets at home and pair them with my nostalgic ketchup. Whether air-fried or baked, these nuggets will be your go-to for a fun, easy, and comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 2 people

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block of firm tofu about 400 g, pressed and cut into nugget-sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika sweet or smoked
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric for color
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil spray or a few teaspoons of oil for baking or air frying

Instructions
 

  • Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water.
  • Cut or tear it into bite-sized nugget-style cubes. Season with salt.
  • In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, panko, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the tofu pieces and with your hands mix and make sure that all the pieces are fully coated.

Option 1: Air Fryer

  • Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the nuggets with oil.
  • Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping.
  • Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Option 2: Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
  • Place the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly spray with oil.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden on the outside and firm on the inside.

Notes

  • The tofu pieces should remain moist; if they are too dry and the coating is not sticking, lightly moisten them with a teaspoon or two of water or plant-based milk.
  • To make the jalapeño ketchup, add to a bowl about 1/4 cup of your favorite ketchup, mix about 2 tablespoons of the pickled jalapeño liquid and about 2 tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeños. Season with salt and pepper.
Keyword nuggets, tofu

information

Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @piloncilloyvainilla on Instagram and hashtag it #alecooks so we can all see your creations.
Alejandra Graf
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