Spicy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
Sriracha and hot honey marinade paired with crispy panko breading takes this tofu from bland to bold. Even tofu skeptics will enjoy these light and zesty air-fried nuggets.
Servings: 4
Calories: 116kcal
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 16 oz super firm tofu
Marinade
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp hot honey regular honey is also fine!
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Breading
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes. Lay a kitchen towel or paper towel over a plate, then arrange the tofu cubes on top in a single layer. Cover the tofu with the towel and top with another plate, then place a heavy object (a pot, cast iron pan, textbook) on top and let gravity press any excess water out of the tofu for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the marinade ingredients (sesame oil, sriracha, hot honey, and cornstarch) to a small bowl and mix until most of the cornstarch lumps are gone. (It's okay if some remain!)
- Once the tofu is done pressing, add the tofu pieces to a medium bowl. Pour in the marinade and mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until all of the tofu pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for 5 minutes to marinate.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- In a separate small bowl, add the breading ingredients (panko, red pepper flakes, generous pinch of salt) and mix until combined.
- Pour the breading mixture over the marinated tofu pieces and mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until all of the tofu pieces are coated with breading.
- Arrange the breaded tofu pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry for 15 minutes, gently turning each piece halfway through (7.5 minutes).
- Serve immediately as an appetizer with sriracha aioli, or as a main dish with a salad, rice bowl, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Please note that nutrition facts are an estimate and can vary widely based on amounts and specific types used.
- For a fully vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Need an easy dipping sauce for your nuggets? Mix together equal parts mayonnaise (or veganaise) and sriracha.
Nutrition
Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 296mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 307IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg