Easy Crispy Vegan Tofu Nuggets: No-Press Recipe for Air Fryer & Oven

2 週間前

Inspired by: @iszy

Say goodbye to long pressing times and hello to perfectly crispy, flavorful vegan tofu nuggets! This recipe, inspired by abillion user @iszy, revolutionizes how you approach tofu. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a quick, high-protein plant-based snack or meal that delivers on crunch without the fuss. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just curious about plant-based cooking, you'll love how effortlessly these nuggets come together.

Many people wonder, "How can I make tofu crispy without a press?" The secret lies in using extra-firm tofu and a unique tearing method that naturally increases surface area, leading to an incredibly satisfying texture. As one user commented, "Yeah it's nice to not have to worry about pressing before working with it!" This recipe makes getting delicious, golden-brown tofu a breeze, proving that even a simple squeeze out of the package is enough for fantastic results. Perfect for lunchboxes, appetizers, or as a protein-packed addition to any meal!

Extra Firm Tofu ready to be torn Extra-firm tofu, drained and ready for a quick tear to maximize crispiness.

Ingredients

1 block (around 14-16 oz) extra-firm tofu, drained (no press needed!)
2-3 tablespoons cornstarch
1-2 tablespoons homemade or store-bought vegan "poultry" seasoning blend (e.g., from The Herbivorous Butcher cookbook)
Pinch of salt (to taste)
Pinch of black pepper (to taste)
Cooking oil spray (optional, for air fryer/oven)

For the Homemade Dijonaise Dipping Sauce:

3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise (like Follow Your Heart Vegenaise)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet or air fryer basket
Parchment paper (for oven)

Instructions: How to Make Crispy No-Press Tofu Nuggets

Prepare the Tofu: Remove the extra-firm tofu from its packaging. Give it a gentle squeeze to release any excess water – no elaborate pressing is required!
Tear for Texture: Instead of cutting into neat cubes, tear the tofu block into irregular, bite-sized pieces. This creates rough edges that get incredibly crispy.
Season: Place the torn tofu pieces in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch, vegan "poultry" seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
Cook in Air Fryer or Oven:
- Air Fryer Method: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange tofu in a single layer. Bake for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
Make Dijonaise: While tofu cooks, whisk together vegan mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
Serve: Transfer the hot, crispy tofu nuggets to a serving plate. Serve immediately with the creamy homemade dijonaise. Enjoy your delicious, high-protein snack!

Crispy Tofu Nuggets served with dijonaise sauce The final crispy tofu nuggets, perfect for dipping in homemade dijonaise.

Tips & Hacks for the Best Crispy Tofu Nuggets

The Tearing Advantage: Tearing the tofu instead of cutting it creates more uneven surfaces, which means more crispy bits! This is a game-changer for texture.
Extra-Firm is Key: Opting for extra-firm tofu is crucial for this no-press method. It has less water content to begin with, making it easier to achieve crispiness quickly. A user on abillion noted, "I want to try the super firm tofu. I guess it doesn’t need any pressing?" confirming this benefit!
Don't Overcrowd: Whether using an air fryer or oven, ensure a single layer of tofu pieces. Overcrowding will steam the tofu instead of making it crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.
Seasoning Options: While a poultry seasoning blend works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other flavors like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or a spicy chili blend.

Variations & Adaptations

Flavor Adventures:
- BBQ Nuggets: Toss crispy nuggets in your favorite vegan BBQ sauce.
- Buffalo Bites: Coat with a spicy vegan buffalo sauce for a kick.
- Sweet & Sour Tofu: Serve with a tangy sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Global Flavors: Experiment with curry powder, cumin, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a "cheesy" flavor.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free cornstarch and ensure your "poultry" seasoning and dijonaise ingredients are also gluten-free.
Serving Ideas:
- Add to salads for a protein boost.
- Use in wraps or sandwiches.
- Serve as a side dish with rice and vegetables.
- Make them a fun, family-friendly appetizer for game nights!

Ready to transform your tofu experience? Give these easy, crispy, no-press vegan tofu nuggets a try! Share your creations on abillion and let us know your favorite dipping sauce!