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1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu

2 tablespoons dill pickle brine or caper brine

2 tablespoons tamari

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

½ teaspoon organic cane sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ to 1 teaspoon sea salt, to taste

Cooking oil spray

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1. Step 1

   Press the tofu: Take the tofu out of the package. Line a container big enough to hold the block of tofu with several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place the tofu on top and add several more layers of paper towels. Balance a heavy weight (like a pan with some canned goods in it) on top. Press for 20 minutes.

2. Step 2

   Heat the air fryer to 375 degrees. 

3. Step 3

   Use your hands to break the pressed tofu into nugget-size pieces, dropping them into a large bowl. These can be as large or small as you’d like, but keep in mind that they will reduce in size as they cook.

4. Step 4

   In a separate bowl, mix the dill pickle brine, tamari, oil and sugar. Pour the mixture over the tofu and toss well. Sprinkle the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper and salt over the tofu and stir to coat.

5. Step 5

   Spray a piece of parchment with some oil and place it on the bottom of the preheated air-fryer basket. Transfer the tofu into the basket and spread evenly. Spray more oil onto the tops of the tofu nuggets.

6. Step 6

Cook in the air fryer for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. If the tofu is still not crispy after 20 minutes, cook for another 5 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.

TIPS

To bake the tofu in the oven, heat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the nuggets out on the baking sheet evenly and spray with oil. Bake until golden brown and crispy on the edges, about 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Reheat leftover nuggets in an air fryer or toaster oven. In the air fryer, 5 minutes at 350 degrees should do the trick. In the oven, warm the nuggets at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. The tofu nuggets can be frozen for up to 3 months. Don’t thaw before reheating — just reheat from frozen, either in the air fryer or the oven, following the original cooking instructions.