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Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets With Peanut Sauce - Crispy, Fast, and Flavor-Packed

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Tofu: 14–16 oz extra-firm tofu
  • Binder: 1 large egg or 2 tbsp aquafaba (for vegan) or 2 tbsp unsweetened plant milk mixed with 1 tsp cornstarch
  • Coating: 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • Oil: Avocado or olive oil spray
  • Optional marinade: 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp maple syrup
  • Peanut Sauce: 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (or rice vinegar)
  • 1–2 tsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated
  • 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional but great)
  • 2–4 tbsp warm water to thin
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha (to taste)
  • To serve (optional): Lime wedges, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Press the tofu. Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Place something heavy on top (like a skillet) and press for 15–20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Preheat the air fryer. Set to 390°F (200°C) for at least 3 minutes. A hot basket helps instant crisping.
  3. Cube the tofu. Cut into nugget-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes or rectangles. Pat dry again if they look damp.
  4. Optional quick marinade. Toss tofu with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and maple syrup. Let sit 5–10 minutes for extra flavor.
  5. Mix the coating. In a bowl, combine panko, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt.
  6. Bind the coating. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg (or aquafaba/plant milk + cornstarch). Add tofu and gently toss to coat.
  7. Bread the nuggets. Transfer tofu to the panko mixture and roll to coat evenly. Press lightly so the crumbs stick.
  8. Load the basket. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil. Arrange tofu in a single layer, not touching. Spray the tops of the nuggets with oil for better browning.
  9. Air fry. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. They’re done when golden, crisp, and firm to the touch. Add 2–3 minutes if you want extra crunch.
  10. Make the peanut sauce. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add warm water 1 tbsp at a time until smooth and dippable.
  11. Serve. Plate the hot nuggets with peanut sauce. Finish with lime, cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds if you like.