Press the tofu. Wrap your tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and press it under a heavy pan for at least 10 minutes. The drier it is, the crispier your nuggets will be — this step is non-negotiable!

Cut and marinate. Slice the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss the tofu in the marinade and let it sit for at least 5–10 minutes.

Coat with cornstarch. Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. This is your ticket to that satisfying crunch.

Air fry. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tofu in a single layer — don't overcrowd! Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.