Easy Tofu Nuggets

Name: Easy Tofu Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 5 servings
Ingredients: 16 ounces super firm tofu, patted dry; ⅓ cup plain, unsweetened soy milk; 1 tablespoon gluten-free tamari; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon maple syrup; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon liquid smoke, optional; ½ cup nutritional yeast; 3 tablespoons brown rice flour, optional; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon dried parsley, optional; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; 2 ½ tablespoons avocado oil, optional

User Reviews

5.0

18 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
5 servings
Calories
250 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
American

Easy Tofu Nuggets

Finn Russell

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These tofu nuggets are so tasty, satisfying, and simple to make! With a quick batter and gluten-free "breading." You can air fry or bake in the oven! They're vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and can be made without oil, if you like.Yield: about 25 nuggets

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Ingredients

Servings

The tofu:

16 ounces super firm tofu, patted dry or extra-firm, pressed; see Note 1

For the wet mixture/batter:

⅓ cup plain, unsweetened soy milk or similar
1 tablespoon gluten-free tamari or soy sauce if you don't need GF
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon maple syrup or agave
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon liquid smoke, optional

For the breading:

½ cup nutritional yeast if omitting oil reduce to ⅓ cup
3 tablespoons brown rice flour, optional if omitting oil reduce to 2 Tbsp; see Note 2 for panko option
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt reduce to ½ teaspoon for oil-free version
½ teaspoon dried parsley, optional
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
2 ½ tablespoons avocado oil, optional or another neutral cooking oil

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Instructions

If using super firm tofu, there's no need to press it first. Remove from the vacuum-sealed package and pat dry.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and locate a baking sheet. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If air frying, preheat the air fryer to 355 degrees F.
Whisk together the wet ingredients in a large bowl or rectangular dish. Use your hands to break off nugget-size pieces of tofu, and place in the batter. You should get about 25 nuggets. It's fine if they are irregular in shape and size. Use a large spoon to carefully toss the tofu until fully coated. Set aside.
In a small bowl combine the dry breading ingredients first, then mix in the oil, if using. For oil-free, simply omit the oil and note the reduced ingredient amounts (they still turn out great!).
One piece at a time, pick up the tofu and place in the breading. Toss to coat, gently shake off excess, and place on the baking sheet. If air frying, set the breaded pieces on a plate. Once the air fryer is preheated, add all nuggets at the same time, or in two batches so as not to overcrowd the air fryer.
Bake for 30 to 32 minutes, flipping at the halfway mark. Or air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, checking at the halfway point (no need to flip). The nuggets are done when golden and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

Note 1 – Super firm tofu works well because you don't need to press it first. It's sturdy and easy to break into nuggets. If using extra firm, press it for 20–30 minutes before placing in the batter. See these easy instructions for pressing tofu (by Karissa's Vegan Kitchen).
Note 2 – If you don't have brown rice flour, sub panko or additional nutritional yeast.
Crispiness –I wanted to offer an easy, wheat-free alternative to all of the flour-breaded nuggets out there, but note that nutritional yeast doesn't get as crisp as flour that has been fried. If you prefer a crispier breading, use 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs + ¼ cup nutritional yeast.
Storing and Reheating – during storage the nuggets will absorb moisture and won't be crispy. They're best reheated in the oven or air fryer. Tofu nuggets keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing not recommended.