A few simple tricks yield super-savory, extra-crunchy tofu nuggets.
It seems the tofu texture so many people crave is also the most elusive.
And so I did just thatand vegan chicken nuggets were born.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
These protein-packed nuggets are super-savory, ultra-crunchy, and just as satisfying as the fast food favorite.
To infuse it with flavor, I take the extra step of freezing and thawing it.
This process also gives the tofu a chewier, meatier texture.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Freeze the pieces, thaw in the fridge overnight, then squeeze out any excess moisture.
If you already have a block of tofu in your freezer, simply thaw andthentear.
Cook in a single layer, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden-brown, about 12 minutes total.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
The Best Dipping Sauces
No nugget is complete with a side of sauce.
Freeze until frozen solid, at least 4 hours.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
The tofu will turn yellow-ish; this is okay!
If freezing for longer, transfer the pieces to a ziptop bag for up to 4 months.
Transfer the tofu pieces to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Set aside the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Sandwich the tofu between several layers of paper towels and press with your hands to release any excess moisture.
Continue this process until very little moisture transfers to the towels.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Whisk with a fork to combine and set aside.
Add the thawed tofu to the marinade, tossing to coat.
Using the back of a spoon, press down on the pieces until mostly submerged.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Stir in 1 tablespoon of the marinade to create small clumps throughout the mixture.
Tip
it’s possible for you to also use this time to prepare any dipping sauces.
Remove the nuggets from the marinade, giving them one final dunk and then letting any excess drip off.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Dip them, one at a time, in the flour mixture until all sides are coated.
Shake off any excess, then place on the reserved baking sheet.
The nuggets can be breaded up to 1 day in advance; cover and store in the refrigerator.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
Cook them directly from frozen, adding 2 to 4 minutes to the cook time.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Heat over medium-high until shimmering and a pinch of flour sizzles when you drop it into the pan.
Use tongs to carefully transfer half of the nuggets to the oil in a single layer.
Reduce the heat if the oil gets too hot.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt, if desired.
Reheat in a 400F oven (or air fryer) for 5 minutes.
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Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
