Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, these homemade Tofu Nuggets are a plant-based twist on a classic comfort food! Made with extra-firm tofu marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, onion, and paprika, these nuggets are coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb and nutritional yeast mixture for irresistible texture. Perfectly baked or air-fried, they deliver all the crunch you love without deep frying. Quick and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, these vegan nuggets are a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, snacks, or even game-day gatherings. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a protein-rich, dairy-free, and kid-approved meal that everyone will crave. Whether you're new to tofu or a seasoned pro, these Tofu Nuggets are sure to become a household favorite!
Press the extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Do this by wrapping the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel, placing it on a plate, and setting a heavy object (like a skillet or a few cookbooks) on top. Let it press for 15 minutes.
Once pressed, cut the tofu into nugget-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
In a shallow mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the tofu pieces in this mixture to coat them evenly. Let them marinate for 5-10 minutes.
Prepare your dredging station by setting up three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with plant-based milk, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper.
Take a tofu piece and dredge it in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the plant-based milk, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the tofu gently to ensure a solid coating. Repeat for all tofu pieces.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or an air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the breaded tofu nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or in your air fryer basket. If baking, lightly spray the nuggets with cooking oil to help them crisp up.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the nuggets are golden and crispy.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, barbecue sauce, or vegan ranch. Enjoy!
Calories |
1113 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.6 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2827 mg | 123% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 114.6 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.4 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.6 g | ||
| Protein | 88.8 g | 178% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2918 mg | 224% | |
| Iron | 18.4 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 1676 mg | 36% | |
*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.