Bring a fun and nutritious twist to mealtime with these Gluten-Free Vegan Dino Nuggets! Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these kid-friendly nuggets are made from wholesome ingredients like protein-packed chickpeas, gluten-free oat flour, and a delicious blend of seasonings. Crafted into playful dinosaur shapes, they’re coated in crunchy gluten-free breadcrumbs and baked or air-fried to golden perfection—making them a healthier alternative to store-bought options. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, these nuggets are free from gluten, dairy, and eggs, catering to a variety of dietary needs without compromising on flavor. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible snack or meal that both kids and adults will adore!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare an air fryer with a parchment-lined basket if using.
In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water to create a flax egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
In a food processor, combine the cooked chickpeas, gluten-free oat flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the prepared flax egg. Blend until the mixture comes together and forms a dough-like consistency.
Transfer the dough to a clean surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use dino-shaped cookie cutters to cut out fun nugget shapes. Re-roll scraps as needed to utilize all of the dough.
Place the gluten-free breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Gently press each nugget into the breadcrumbs to coat all sides.
Arrange the nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Lightly brush or spray with olive oil for an extra crispy texture.
For baking: Cook the nuggets in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air frying: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through.
Remove from the oven or air fryer and let cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, like ketchup or vegan ranch.
Calories |
2278 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 61.9 g | 79% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.7 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3456 mg | 150% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 360.3 g | 131% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 53.6 g | 191% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.4 g | ||
| Protein | 77.8 g | 156% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 443 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 21.5 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 2116 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.