Easy Baked Tofu Nuggets: Crispy, Flavorful, and Vegan

These Easy Baked Tofu Nuggets are a healthy, crunchy, and satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, these nuggets are simple to make, full of flavor, and can be paired with your favorite dipping sauce!

Easy Baked Tofu Nuggets Recipe

Serves: 2-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (or other cooking oil)
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tofu:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu crisp up when baking. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or small nugget-shaped pieces.

2. Prepare the Breading:

In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

3. Coat the Tofu:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), olive oil, and lemon juice (if using). Dip each tofu piece into the liquid mixture, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.

4. Bake the Nuggets:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. Arrange the coated tofu pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy on all sides.

5. Serve:

Serve your tofu nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces like BBQ sauce, ketchup, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo. Enjoy them with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or in wraps!

Tips:

Press the Tofu: Pressing the tofu is key to getting a crispy texture. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for 10-15 minutes.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or try Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
Make Them Extra Crispy: For an extra crispy texture, you can lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray before baking.
Storage: Leftover tofu nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the crispiest results.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Baked Tofu Nuggets:

Healthy and Light: Baked rather than fried, these tofu nuggets are a healthier option while still offering that crispy crunch.
Full of Flavor: With garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast, these nuggets are packed with savory flavors that everyone will love.
Quick and Simple: With just a few ingredients and 30 minutes, you can have a tasty snack or meal ready to go!
Kid-Friendly: These tofu nuggets are a fun and easy way to introduce plant-based food to kids, and they’ll love dipping them in their favorite sauces!

These Easy Baked Tofu Nuggets are the perfect snack or meal for anyone craving something crispy, savory, and satisfying. Plus, they’re fully vegan, making them great for everyone to enjoy!