Crispy Chicken Fried Tofu

This chicken fried tofu is battered, coated in breadcrumbs then air fried or deep fried until golden brown and crispy! Inspired by the method used to make fried chicken, this is my favorite way to make tofu nuggets.

Meet one of my favorite comfort foods: Crispy Chicken Fried Tofu . Marinated in pickle juice and breaded in two types of breadcrumbs, this is THE fried tofu to make if you're looking for a fried chicken nugget or popcorn chicken alternative!

As a Southerner, I absolutely love fried food, but as I dietitian, I like to have options. That's why I include an option for air fryer chicken fried tofu, as well as a more classic deep-frying option.

This recipe is adapted from the Fried Tofu Sandwiches in my cookbook.

Ingredients

• Tofu: Extra firm or super firm tofu are the best options, but firm will work in a pinch. Super firm tofu does not need to be pressed.
• Oil: I use peanut oil for frying because it can handle high heat and it's a classic frying oil. Canola, vegetable, or any other neutral oil will work. If air-frying, add a spritz of oil to the breaded tofu to ensure it browns.
• Milk and pickle juice: I use unsweetened, unflavored soy milk because it creates a neutral base flavor and when mixed with an acid like pickle juice, it thickens up into vegan buttermilk. Pickle juice adds acidity, brininess, and saltiness to the marinade. Don't skip it!
• Breadcrumbs: I use plain breadcrumbs and Panko breadcrumbs. Standard breadcrumbs ensure that the breading gets in all of the nooks and crannies, while panko adds a super crisp texture.
• Seasonings: Add Old Bay seasoning (a must!), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (optional) and salt & pepper for the best coating. Cajun seasoning works if Old Bay isn't available.

Step-by-step instructions

Make sure to press the tofu before marinating it to remove extra water. You can use a tofu press (this is the one that I use) or just place the tofu between two plates and weigh down the top plate with a bag of dry beans. 

1. Tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces. This adds extra texture to the tofu bits and makes them more like chicken nuggets. Whisk together the marinade: soy milk, pickle juice, and half of the seasoning mixture. Drizzle over the torn pieces of tofu, turning with a spatula to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes and ideally overnight for the most intense flavor.
2. Make the breading by mixing together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, standard breadcrumbs, baking powder, and remaining seasonings.
3. Try to use one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients. Use one hand to dip each tofu slice in flour, then the other hand to place the tofu in the marinade. Dip the tofu in the marinade so that it is fully coated. Shake tofu to remove any big drops of liquid. Return it to the flour to coat once again. Set aside. Repeat until all pieces of tofu are double-battered.
4. To air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375F. Add the breaded tofu to the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. To fry: Add at least 3 inches of oil to a large skillet or Dutch oven. Heat oil over medium to medium-high heat to a temperature of 350°F. Try to keep the oil at 325°F-350°F during frying. If you don’t have a frying thermometer, this step will take some guess work. Carefully add two tofu blocks at a time, careful not to overcrowd the pot. The tofu should be fully submerged in oil. Fry until deep golden, about 8 to 10 minutes.