Crispy Air Fried Tofu Nuggets

Your tofu might not be crispy in the air fryer due to excess moisture. Tofu contains a lot of water; if it’s not correctly pressed before cooking, it can prevent it from achieving a crispy texture. Additionally, not using enough coating or not air frying at the correct temperature and time can also result in soggy tofu instead of crispy.

To prevent tofu from sticking to the air fryer basket, lightly coat it with cooking spray or oil before placing the tofu nuggets. You can also use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line the basket, further preventing sticking and making cleanup easier.

Before frying tofu, it’s typically coated in cornstarch, egg (or a vegan alternative like a flaxseed egg), and breadcrumbs. The cornstarch helps to absorb moisture from the tofu and creates a crispy exterior, while the egg acts as a binder for the breadcrumbs, ensuring they adhere to the tofu properly.

Yes, drying tofu before frying is essential to remove excess moisture. Pressing the tofu between paper towels or clean kitchen towels with a weighted object on top helps to expel the water from the tofu, allowing it to absorb marinades and coatings better and achieve a crispier texture when fried.