These tofu nuggets strike the perfect balance of delicious and easy! Coated in a seasoned nutritional yeast "breading" and then baked in the oven or in the air fryer, you'll love that these nuggs are healthier than most. Plus they're vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and a hit with kids and adults alike!
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As much as I enjoy cooking, the main thing that turns me off with most tofu nugget recipes is that they're fairly complicated. I mean, I'm all for "the best this" and "the ultimate that" sometimes, but when you're busy and hungry, who has time?
So I wanted to put my own lazy spin on tofu nuggets, like I did with these seitan nuggets. We're talking streamlined and simple, but still delicious!
For this recipe you don't need to plan ahead or freeze and thaw the tofu. You don't even have to marinate it! What you DO get to do, is enjoy tasty, satisfying tofu nuggets packed with savory and familiar flavors.
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You'll also love that these tofu nuggets are:
- nut-free
- gluten-free
- sesame-free
- and can be baked in the oven OR cooked in the air fryer!
If you're looking for more ways to use super-firm or extra-firm tofu, be sure to try my baked tofu fries, pan-fried tofu, and tofu chorizo next!
Ingredient Notes
- Tofu - I recommend super-firm tofu if you can find it. This is the one that's shrink-wrapped. It's very dense and doesn't need to be pressed. The next best choice is extra-firm tofu, which you will need to press first to remove liquid. Here's a quick guide on how to press tofu.
- Batter ingredients - unflavored soy milk plus mustard, soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari), plus a few seasonings create a savory batter.
- Breading - instead of breadcrumbs, I went with nutritional yeast mixed with a bit of brown rice flour. I use this nooch by Sari.
Tip! For more texture and an extra crispy exterior, replace the brown rice flour and most of the nutritional yeast with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. More details below.
See the recipe card below for quantities and step-by-step instructions.
How to Make Tofu Nuggets
The great thing about super firm tofu is that it's ready to use right out of the package. Simply pat it dry, then tear into chunks. No need to press the tofu first.
Mix the wet batter in a large shallow dish. Break the tofu into nugget-sized pieces and coat with the batter. You can cut the tofu into cubes, but we found we prefer the uneven surface created when you tear it by hand.
Combine the breading ingredients in a bowl, adding the oil last, if using. Coat each piece of tofu with the dry mixture, and arrange on a baking sheet with a bit of space around each nugget. Or set aside on a cutting board if you plan to air fry them.
Now you're ready to bake or air fry the nuggets.
Oven Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Arrange the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for about 30 minutes, flipping at the halfway point. They're done when lightly browned and crispy on the outside.
Air Fryer Option
Preheat the air fryer to 355 degrees and cook the nuggets for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Substitutions
- Nutritional Yeast - if you're not a fan, use the gluten-free panko breading in this seitan nuggets recipe. Replace the ⅓ cup nutritional yeast in that recipe with additional panko.
- Oil-free option - feel free to omit the oil from the breading. The only difference is that the nuggets will look slightly more dry but they still taste great!
Serving Suggestions
Tofu nuggets are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces, like vegan honey mustard, ketchup, homemade barbecue sauce, and vegan ranch dressing.
Serve them with salad, inside a wrap, or alongside vegan mac and cheese or mashed potatoes!
They're also great as an appetizer with raw veggies, hummus, and other dips.
These are best served fresh from the oven or air fryer. Since the coating is made of nutritional yeast instead of panko or fried breadcrumbs, it doesn't stay crispy as long as fried nuggets.
Recipe FAQs
Most vegan nuggets are not gluten-free, but this recipe was created without the need for regular flour or breadcrumbs. Be sure to use a gluten-free option for the soy sauce, like liquid aminos or tamari. All of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Homemade tofu nuggets don't contain preservatives, refined flour or sugar. You can also reduce the sodium and omit the oil, if you like.
The best way to crisp up the outside of your nuggets is to reheat them in the oven or air fryer. You can reheat them in the microwave, but the nutritional yeast coating will be soft.
Helpful Tip
If you plan to cook tofu nuggets in the air fryer, keep in mind that air fryers vary quite a bit. It's always a good idea to keep a close eye on things the first time around.
Check the nuggets at the halfway point and during the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. You may find you need to slightly increase the temperature and/or cook time for your next batch.
I hope you enjoy these easy tofu nuggets. If you try the recipe let us know in the comments below!
Recipe
Easy Tofu Nuggets
Ingredients
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
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
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific products and ingredients used.
CF
Thank you so much for helping me break the expensive, salt and oil heavy habit of that Whole Foods hot bar fried tofu! Dee-lish! ❤️
Terry
So easy and so good. My husband and kids love this one. All your recipes are winners!
Shellie
Wow....these were fantastic. I added the optional liquid smoke, parsley, and black pepper, and I substituted the rice flour with panko. Looking forward to having these again soon.
Donna
Loved the nugs! Next time I think I'll decrease the salt to 1/4 tsp but they were really quite good. Thanks!