Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets Mediterranean Marinade Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it transforms tofu into these irresistibly crispy, flavor-packed nuggets that are perfect for snacking or jazzing up any meal. Plus, the blend of Mediterranean spices in the marinade makes me feel like I’m indulging in something both healthy and gourmet!

I adore making meals that are both scrumptious and wholesome, and this Mediterranean-Marinated Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets recipe ticks all those boxes and then some. Firm tofu is the base of this plant protein-packed dish, and the marinade (which also serves as a batter of sorts) is made with olive oil, zesty lemon juice, minced garlic, and a medley of Mediterranean herbs and spices, like oregano and basil.

These nuggets get an umami-packed crunch from panko breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast before being finished off in the air fryer.

Ingredients

Tofu, firm: A fantastic source of protein that is low in calories and rich in essential nutrients like iron and calcium.

Olive Oil: Healthy fat for the heart, abundant in antioxidants, and supportive of anti-inflammatory processes.

Juice of Lemons: Provides sharp taste, is abundant in ascorbic acid, and is beneficial for immune system functions.

Garlic: Contributes a fragrant flavor, gives anti-inflammatory effects, is good for heart health.

Dried oregano is full of antioxidants and has a lot of antimicrobial properties.

That’s what gives it that earthy flavor.

Panko breadcrumbs: Offers a crunchy texture, low-fat, and are perfect for breading.

Nutritional Yeast: Offers a flavor akin to that of cheese; is abundant in B vitamins; and is completely friendly to vegan diets.

Ingredient Quantities

• 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast

Instructions

1. Press the tofu, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.

2. In a big bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade. Whisk these ingredients together.

3. The marinade can be prepared while the tofu is pressing. Prepare the marinade by mixing the soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar together in a bowl. Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and gently toss to ensure each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

4. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to heat beforehand.

5. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the nutritional yeast.

6. Each marinated tofu cube should be dredged in the breadcrumb mixture, pressed gently to coat evenly.

7. Place the breaded tofu nuggets in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer, making sure that none of them are touching.

8. Prepare the tofu nuggets in the air fryer for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.

9. The cooking time may need to be extended by 2-3 minutes if the desired golden-brown crust is not yet present.

10. Immediately serve with your preferred dipping sauce or as part of a dish inspired by the Mediterranean. Relish!

Equipment Needed

1. Tofu press
2. Chef’s knife
3. Cutting board
4. Large mixing bowl (for the marinade)
5. Whisk
6. Measuring spoons
7. Small mixing bowl (for breadcrumb mixture)
8. Air fryer
9. Tongs or spoon (to toss tofu in marinade and breadcrumb)
10. Plate or shallow dish (for dredging tofu)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use extra firm tofu instead of firm tofu?A: Yes, and it’s often recommended because it holds its shape well and absorbs flavors much better than the other kinds.
• Q: Do I need to press the tofu?Q: Does pressing the tofu make it absorb more flavor?
• Q: Can I marinate the tofu overnight?A: Certainly! Letting it sit overnight in the fridge allows the flavor to develop even more, but if time doesn’t allow for that, even 30 minutes will give you good results.
• Q: Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?To create a gluten-free version of the recipe, panko breadcrumbs can be replaced with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Q: What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?You can either use grated vegan parmesan cheese or just leave it out, which is an option since you don’t really need it for the flavor.
• Q: How should I serve these tofu nuggets?They make an excellent starter or between-meal treat, not to mention a potent one. They pack quite a wallop and can be served with any sauce of your choice, although I cannot think why you would not eschew the store-bought stuff and instead serve one of the following sauces:

Substitutions and Variations

Tofu firm: Use extra-firm tofu for a more substantial texture.
Olive oil: Substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor profile and a higher smoke point.
Lemon juice: Use lime juice for an even more zesty and punchy flavor.
Red wine vinegar can be replaced with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Panko breadcrumbs: If you want a different texture, use crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs instead.

Pro Tips

1. Maximize Flavor Absorption When pressing the tofu, ensure you remove as much moisture as possible. This will allow the tofu to absorb the marinade better, enhancing the flavor profile.

2. Marinating Time Although the recipe suggests marinating for at least 30 minutes, allowing the tofu to marinate for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator can significantly enhance the depth of flavor.

3. Breadcrumb Coating For extra crispiness, consider double-dipping the tofu cubes in the breadcrumb mixture. Dip them back into the marinade briefly, then re-coat with the breadcrumbs before air frying.

4. Air Fryer Spacing It’s crucial that the tofu pieces are not crowded in the air fryer. Leave some space between the pieces to ensure even air circulation and uniform crisping.

5. Customize Seasonings Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can add an additional layer of flavor to the dish.