From the recipe box
Tofu Nuggets
Wraps, roti rolls, tacos, enchiladas, sandwiches, and street-food plates you can eat with your hands.
- Protein
- Tofu
- Meal format
- Handhelds
- Base
- Tortilla
Onion, Green chilies, Carrot (finely grated)
From my kitchenCook this meal
Ingredients & method
- Prep
- 15 mins
- Cook
- 15 mins
- Total
- 30 mins
- Serves
- 2
Ingredients
- ½block extra firm tofu (about 7-8 ounces), drained and crumbled by hand
- ½medium onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cupfinely chopped cilantro
- ¼ cupbesan (gram flour)
- 1 tablespoonrice flour
- 2 teaspoonscumin powder
- 2 teaspoonsgarlic powder
- to tasteSalt
- ¼-½ teaspoonred chili powder
- —Oil spray or a light drizzle of oil
Notes & Tips
- These tofu nuggets are a quick, high-protein snack or meal component that comes together without needing any complicated prep.
- Extra firm tofu works best because it has less moisture and naturally helps the nuggets hold their shape.
- The onion adds moisture and flavor, while besan and rice flour create the structure and help give the nuggets a lightly crisp exterior.
- If using older or very dry tofu, you may need to adjust the amount of besan slightly to get the right texture.
- These can also be customized with different spices — try adding garam masala, smoked paprika, chaat masala, or crushed red pepper for different flavors.
- They are great on their own, in wraps, grain bowls, or served alongside chutneys and dips.
Step by step
Method
- 01
Drain the tofu well and crumble it by hand into a mixing bowl. The tofu should resemble a coarse, crumbly texture rather than a paste.
- 02
Add the finely chopped onion, cilantro, besan, rice flour, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, and red chili powder (if using).
- 03
Mix everything together and mash the mixture with your hands until it begins to clump and hold its shape. The moisture from the tofu and onion should be enough to bind the mixture. If it feels too wet, add a little more besan. If it feels too dry, mash a little longer to release moisture from the tofu.
- 04
Shape the mixture into small nuggets, balls, or short logs. An egg-shaped nugget works especially well because it cooks evenly and is easy to flip.
- 05
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the nuggets with oil if desired and place them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- 06
Air fry at 375°F for about 15 minutes, moving or flipping the nuggets halfway through, until they are lightly golden and firm on the outside.
- 07
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, chutney, or as a protein addition to a bowl or wrap.
