You're going to love these air fryer panko tofu nuggets. Crispy and crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they're perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.
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Stir fried, marinated and blackened, there's so many ways to enjoy tofu. But, my new favorite way is panko crusted tofu that's made ultra crispy with the help of your air fryer.
Battered and breaded tofu are air fried for 20 minutes, making a crave worthy finger food for little (and big hands).
Serve them with ketchup for little people, or Sriracha Aioli for bigger folks.
Related Post: Crispy Chicken Fried Tofu Burgers
Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
✅Breaded tofu nuggets are always a hit with kids.
✅Air fried tofu nuggets are much healthier than deep fried nuggets, and thanks to panko breadcrumbs, they're just as crunchy.
✅It's budget friendly, only requiring a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
✅Tofu is a great way to get a lot of protein in.
Ingredients
- Flour: All purpose flour is the best choice here. If you want to make this recipe gluten free, substitute your favorite gluten free flour blend. You'll also need to use gluten free panko breadcrumbs.
- Tofu: Use firm or extra firm tofu in this recipe.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs are a lighter type of Japanese breadcrumb. You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will be different. What makes this recipe different from traditional breaded tofu is in the panko breadcrumbs.
- Soy Milk: I used soy milk because it has the highest protein content of all the plant based milks, but any plant based milk will work.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar plus a plant based milk equals vegan buttermilk! Vegan buttermilk is the perfect substitute for eggs.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika & Salt: The holy trinity of batter spices:)
- Olive Oil: You only need a fraction of the oil that you'd need to deep these tofu nuggets.
How To Make Air Fryer Panko Tofu Nuggets
- Drain your tofu. Slice it in half lengthwise through the middle of the block. You should end up with 2 pieces that are same size as the original block. Wrap both pieces in paper towels or a tea towel and place something heavy (like a cast iron pan) on top. Press for 15-20 minutes.
- Combine the soy milk and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and salt in a large bowl. Put your panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
- Using your hands, tear the tofu into (roughly) 1 inch pieces.
- Put tofu in a clean bowl and drizzle olive oil over the pieces.
- Dredge the tofu nuggets in the flour mixture and set aside on a plate.
- Add the soy milk/apple cider vinegar mix to the bowl with the remaining flour. Stir until a batter forms. If the batter is too thick, add a bit more milk.
- Dredge tofu nuggets in batter until evenly coated. Let any excess batter drip off Now, dredge in panko breadcrumbs.
- Grease the insert in your air fryer. Transfer the panko tofu nuggets to the air fryer and air fry at 365 F (185 C) for 16-20 minutes, turning them over at the half way point.
Serving Suggestions
🧡Panko Breaded tofu is always a hit with BBQ sauce.
🧡Serve with garlic truffle fries for the ultimate comfort dinner.
🧡Dips I recommend: Garlic Aoili or Chipotle Mayo. Or, my new favorite dip, Sriracha aioli.
🧡Add a nutritious fresh salad like Jerusalem salad to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tofu has many nutritional benefits, but deep fried tofu in not a healthy choice. It's far too high in calories and saturated fats. However, in moderation baked and air fried breaded tofu can be a nutritious addition to a healthy diet.
One serving of tofu is equal to 120 grams. It's completely safe to eat 2 serving a day.
Yes, it can. Let the tofu cool completely. Store in an airtight container or freezer safe bag for 2-3 months. Defrost in the fridge and reheat at 180 for 5 minutes in the air fryer.
Layer the breaded tofu in an airtight container. Separate each layer with a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb any moisture and keep your tofu as crispy as possible. Breaded tofu should stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Craving More Easy Vegan Recipes?
Vegan Chicken Nuggets With Chipotle Mayo
Vegan Spicy Bang Bang Cauliflower
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Panko Tofu Nuggets
Ingredients
- 14 ounces tofu extra firm
- 1 cup soy milk
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil *plus more for brushing
- 1½ cups all purpose flour or gluten free blend
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Drain the tofu. Slice it in half lengthwise through the middle of the block. You should end up with 2 pieces that are same size as the original block. Wrap both pieces in paper towels or a tea towel and place something heavy (like a cast iron pan) on top. Press for 15-20 minutes.
- Combine the soy milk and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and salt in a large bowl. Put your panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
- Using your hands, tear the tofu into (roughly) 1 inch pieces.
- Put tofu in a clean bowl and drizzle olive oil over the pieces.
- Dredge the tofu nuggets in the flour mixture and set aside on a plate.
- Add the soy milk/apple cider vinegar mix to the bowl with the remaining flour. Stir until a batter forms. If the batter is too thick, add a bit more milk.
- Dredge tofu nuggets in batter until evenly coated. Let any excess batter drip off Now, dredge in panko breadcrumbs.
- Grease the insert in your air fryer. Transfer the panko tofu nuggets to the air fryer. Spray or lightly brush them with a bit of olive oil. Air fry for 20-25 minutes at 365° (185° C) turning them over at the half way point and spraying the other side with olive oil.
Notes
- To store leftovers: Layer the breaded tofu in an airtight container. Separate each layer with a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb any moisture and keep your tofu as crispy as possible. Breaded tofu should stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- To freeze: Let the tofu cool completely. Store in an airtight container or freezer safe bag for 2-3 months.
Megan
I made these and jeez they disappeared quick. Next batch has to be a double so that I can have enough to go round.
Keri Bevan
Hi Megan, Thank you for letting me know. So glad everyone liked the tofu nuggets.
Deb
Omg these were the crispiest. So good I’ll make them again soon.
Keri Bevan
Hi Deb, They're addictive, right? Thank you for your feedback!
Giangi
Intrigued and I must make for my family. We all love tofu and a new recipe is so welcomed, Thank you for sharing.
Keri Bevan
Hi Giangi, I hope they like it!
Oscar
Wow, I would never have thought to make tofu nuggets and use the air fryer. Game changer for me, loved them. Thanks for the recipe.
Keri Bevan
Thanks for letting me know, Oscar!x
Debra
Flavorful and crunchy...the kids devoured them and I loved how easy they were to make.
Keri Bevan
Hi Debra,
I'm so pleased the whole family enjoyed these tofu nuggets. We love them over here too. x