Easy Tofu Nuggets
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
5 servings
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Calories
250 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Tofu Nuggets
Description
The recipe begins with firm tofu, either super firm which requires no pressing, or extra firm pressed to remove moisture, broken into individual pieces. These are soaked in a wet batter containing soy milk, tamari or soy sauce, mustard, onion and garlic powder, maple syrup, and spices including optional liquid smoke for depth. The coating blends nutritional yeast, brown rice flour, poultry seasoning, smoked paprika, and optional parsley and black pepper, bound and enriched by oil unless omitted.
The tofu pieces are coated one by one and baked or air fried until done. Texturally, the nutritional yeast-based breading offers a different crispiness than traditional flour coatings, resulting in a nugget that is flavorful with a hint of smokiness but less crunchy than fried breadcrumbs. The seasoning layers build complexity suitable for a snack or plant-based protein addition.
The tofu nuggets are best reheated in oven or air fryer to restore texture and should be consumed within five days if refrigerated. Substitutions for flour with panko breadcrumbs create a crispier coating. The recipe is wheat-free and can be adjusted for oil-free diet preferences.
Ingredients
The tofu:
- 16 ounces tofu or extra-firm, pressed; see Note 1, super firm, patted dry
For the wet mixture/batter:
- ⅓ cup soy milk or similar, plain, unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce if you don't need GF, gluten-free
- 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 if omitting oil reduce to 2 Tbsp; see Note 2 for panko option, optional
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt reduce to ½ teaspoon for oil-free version, fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon parsley dried, optional
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ tablespoons avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil, optional
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
- Super firm tofu is ideal as it doesn't require pressing and holds shape well.
- If using extra-firm tofu, press it for 20–30 minutes before battering.
- For a crispier crust, substitute some nutritional yeast with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Tofu nuggets keep in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat best in the oven or air fryer; freezing is not recommended.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 250 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 250kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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