Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Tofu: the quiet kid in the corner of your fridge, just waiting for its big moment. Well, here it is. With a handful of spices, a coat of nutritional yeast (or vegan gold dust as we like to call it), and a spin in your air fryer, tofu transforms into crispy nuggets with an epic flavor. Air fryer tofu nuggets aren’t just good—they’re the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and crunchy.

This recipe is proof that magic happens when simple ingredients meet the right technique. These tofu nuggets are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and everything a great snack should be. Enjoy them straight from the bowl or dunk them into your favorite sauce (spicy buffalo, creamy dressing, plant-based ranch, zesty mustard—you do you). Either way, tofu just leveled up—and it’s cheesy in all the right ways.

Why You’ll Love These Tofu Nuggets

There’s tofu, and then there’s this tofu. Coated in savory seasonings and nutritional yeast, then crisped to golden perfection in your air fryer, these nuggets are a snack (or dinner!) hero. Here’s why they’ll quickly earn a spot in your rotation:

• Crispy, Crunchy, Golden Goodness: The air fryer does its thing here, creating a crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful inside. It’s tofu, but with the crunch factor you didn’t know you needed.
• Cheesy Flavor Vibes: Nutritional yeast isn’t just a coating—it’s a flavor upgrade. This “vegan fairy dust” adds a savory, cheesy kick that makes these nuggets impossible to pass up.
• Snack Dilemma, Solved: Feeling a little snacky? These tofu nuggets are here to deliver. Quick to make, crunchy as ever, and the perfect protein-rich companion for a flop on the couch or at your work desk.
• Fast, Easy, and Impressive: In just 15 minutes, and with a handful of pantry staples, you’ve just made golden magic. These nuggets are simple enough for busy weeknights and hearty enough for weekend gatherings.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with simple, wheat-free ingredients, these nuggets are totally gluten-free. Perfect for anyone avoiding gluten but still craving that crispy, satisfying bite.
• Endless Meal Possibilities: They’re not just for snacking. Use these nuggets to top super salads, add crunch to grain bowls, or even tuck them into tasty vegan wraps. Wherever they land, they bring big flavor!

Key Ingredients

This recipe proves that the right ingredients can turn even the most basic block of tofu into something magical. With a little culinary science and a lot of flavor, these ingredients work together to deliver that perfect crispy bite. With just these key players, you’re not just making tofu—you’re giving it a crispy, golden makeover that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Here’s the lineup:

• Super-Firm Tofu: Not all tofu is created equal, and super-firm tofu is the overachiever of the tofu world. It’s dense, sturdy, and already pressed to remove excess water, so it’s basically ready to show up and shine. No sogginess, no mush—just a block of pure potential waiting for its crispy transformation. Bonus: no extra prep work for you.
• Nutritional Yeast (Nooch): Nooch isn’t just an ingredient; it’s the life of the tofu party. This savory, cheesy dust brings bold umami flavor while also helping to create a golden, crispy crust in the air fryer. It’s like a magic coat for tofu that makes every bite better. You’ll wonder why you don’t put nooch on everything.
• Cornstarch: Meet your secret crunch-maker. Cornstarch locks in flavor while forming a delicate, crispy crust on the outside of the tofu. It works its magic by absorbing any surface moisture, which is what makes fried and air-fried foods so irresistible. Without it? No crunch. With it? Nugget perfection.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: More than just an oil, this stuff is liquid gold. Toasted sesame oil brings a nutty, toasty depth that complements the tofu’s crispiness beautifully. And since it has a high smoke point, it’s basically made for air frying. Bonus: it smells amazing while it’s working its magic.
• Spices (Garlic Powder, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, and Pepper): This spice mix is simple but does all the heavy lifting. Garlic powder adds a savory depth, red pepper flakes bring just the right amount of heat, and salt and pepper round it all out, making sure every bite is perfectly balanced. Together, they let the nooch and sesame oil shine while adding their own flavor boost.

How To Make This Air-Fried Tofu

Making these tofu nuggets is as easy as mix, coat, and crisp. With just a handful of steps, you’ll have golden, crunchy nuggets ready to devour in no time. Here’s the game plan! Be sure to scroll to the end for the full recipe details:

Step 1: Chop it like it’s hot – Grab your block of super-firm tofu and slice it into bite-sized cubes. No pressing, no fuss—just quick, easy prep to get the party started.

Step 2: Spice things up – Toss your tofu cubes with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and your spice mix. This is where the magic starts, as the flavors soak into the tofu and get it ready for greatness.

Step 3: Give it a golden coat – Add cornstarch and nutritional yeast to the bowl and give it a good toss. Make sure each cube is fully covered in that savory, cheesy goodness—this is where the crunch happens.

Step 4: Into the air fryer they go – Lay the tofu cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket (crowding = no crunch, so spread them out!) Cook, shake, and cook again until they’re golden perfection.

Step 5: Snack, dip, repeat – Pull those nuggets out, let them cool for a second (if you can wait that long), and dive in. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce or eat them straight from the bowl. Tofu’s glow-up is officially complete!

How To Serve These Nuggets

These air fryer tofu nuggets are the ultimate team player—they’re crispy, savory, and versatile enough to work with whatever meal vibe you’re going for. From snackable classics to creative twists, here are some fun ways to serve them up:

• Dunk It Like a Pro (Classic and Foolproof): Pair these vegan nuggets with vegan ranch, spicy buffalo, sriracha ketchup, or a tangy mustard dip. Bonus idea: create a full sauce lineup and let everyone dunk their way to happiness.
• Crunchify Your Salad: Toss these nuggets on your favorite greens for an easy protein boost and next-level crunch. Add a creamy dairy-free green goddess dressing or zippy vinaigrette, and boom—your salad just became the main event. (Hint: these also work beautifully as a topping for grain salads like this quinoa kale salad.)
• Wrap It, Roll It, Love It: Tuck these nuggets into a tortilla with crisp veggies, avocado, and a swipe of hummus or sriracha mayo. Want to go green? Pop them into these fresh collard green wraps!
• Build the Bowl of Your Dreams: Start with a base like quinoa or rice, layer in some roasted veggies, pile on the nuggets, and finish with a drizzle of your favorite sauce. Try adding a side of vegan tzatziki or zesty tahini for next-level flavor. Congratulate yourself for winning at dinner!
• For the Little Nugget Lovers: Pair these nuggets with air-fried sweet potato fries and a side of ketchup for a kid-friendly meal that will have them asking for seconds. You may find you’ll want some, too! Need a veggie sidekick? Serve with a plate of crispy Brussels sprouts.

From snacking straight from the air fryer to tossing them into your favorite meals, these crispy tofu nuggets can do it all, and then some!