30-Minute Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Peanut Sauce

Name: 30-Minute Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup peanut butter; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1/4 cup water; 1 tsp sriracha (optional)

Author: lia

Published: November 7, 2025

Air fryer tofu nuggets with peanut sauce

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I still remember the first time I tried making air fryer tofu nuggets—I was skeptical. “Tofu can’t possibly get crispy,” I thought. Oh, how wrong I was! That magical little air fryer transformed those humble cubes into golden, crunchy perfection that even my meat-loving friends couldn’t resist. And that peanut sauce? Absolute game-changer. Creamy with just the right tang, it’s the kind of dipping sauce you’ll want to put on everything. What started as a desperate “what’s for dinner” experiment has become my go-to weeknight hero—ready in 30 minutes flat and packed with more flavor than you’d ever expect from such simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Peanut Sauce

These tofu nuggets are a total winner, and here’s why:

Crispy perfection: The air fryer works its magic, giving you that golden, crunchy exterior without all the oil.
Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
Healthy protein: Tofu is a fantastic plant-based protein that keeps you full and satisfied.
Flavor-packed sauce: The creamy peanut sauce is a dream—tangy, slightly sweet, and just a little spicy if you’re into that. Trust me, you’ll want to dip everything in it!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Peanut Sauce

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy little nuggets of joy:

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed (don’t skip pressing!)
1/4 cup cornstarch – this is the crispy magic dust
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika – smoked or sweet, your choice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup peanut butter (packed!)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp lime juice – fresh squeezed makes all the difference
1/4 cup water
1 tsp sriracha (optional but oh-so-good)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No peanut butter? Almond butter works great too! Need it gluten-free? Swap soy sauce for tamari. The key is pressing your tofu really well—at least 30 minutes wrapped in towels with something heavy on top. Trust me, drier tofu means crispier nuggets! And if you’re out of maple syrup, honey or agave will do the trick.

How to Make Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Peanut Sauce

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is so easy, you’ll be munching on crispy tofu nuggets before you know it. Here’s how it all comes together:

Prep that tofu: After pressing, cut your tofu into bite-sized cubes – about 1-inch pieces work perfectly. Too small and they’ll dry out, too big and they won’t get crispy all over.
Mix your coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. This is your crispy flavor bomb!
Coat those cubes: Gently toss your tofu in the cornstarch mixture until each piece is evenly coated. I like to do this in batches so every nugget gets love.
Preheat matters: Get your air fryer nice and hot at 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This helps the tofu start crisping immediately.
Air fry time: Arrange tofu in a single layer (no stacking!) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and sound hollow when tapped.
Whip up the sauce: While the tofu cooks, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, water, and sriracha (if using) until smooth. Add more water if needed to reach your perfect dipping consistency.

Air fryer tofu nuggets with peanut sauce - detail 2

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Don’t crowd the basket: Air needs to circulate! Cook in batches if needed.
Pat tofu extra dry: More moisture out = more crispiness in.
Shake or flip: That halfway point is crucial for even browning.
Want extra crisp? Add 1-2 minutes if needed – all air fryers vary slightly.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

These tofu nuggets are super versatile! Serve them over steamed rice or with a fresh green salad for a light meal. For a fun snack, pair them with veggie sticks or cucumber slices. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store your leftover tofu nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes—they’ll come out just as crispy as the first time!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Peanut Sauce

These nutrition facts are estimates based on the exact ingredients I use—your results may vary slightly depending on brands and measurements. Per serving (about half the recipe), you’re looking at:

320 calories – satisfying but not heavy
16g protein – great plant-based protein boost
28g carbs – mostly from the cornstarch and peanut butter
18g fat – the good kind from peanut butter and tofu
3g fiber – keeps you feeling full longer

Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

I get questions about these tofu nuggets all the time! Here are the ones that come up most often:

Can I bake these instead of air frying? Absolutely! Spread coated tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious.
How do I make this gluten-free? Super easy—just swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your peanut butter too, as some brands add wheat.
My peanut sauce is too thick—help! No worries! Just whisk in warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your perfect dipping consistency.
Can I use silken tofu? I wouldn’t recommend it—firm or extra-firm holds its shape better. Silken tofu would turn to mush in the air fryer.
Why press tofu? Removing that extra water is the secret to crispy nuggets! Unpressed tofu steams instead of crisping up nicely.

Final Thoughts

Give these crispy tofu nuggets a try—I promise they’ll surprise you! Let me know how yours turn out, and don’t be shy with that peanut sauce. Happy air frying! You can find more delicious recipes on our Pinterest page.