Crispy Vegan Tofu Nuggets
by: claire cary
These crispy vegan tofu nuggets are a plant-based take on your favorite chicken nuggets! They're so easy to make, gluten-free friendly, packed with delicious flavor and perfect with any of your favorite dipping sauces. Make in the air fryer or oven!
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Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 16 ounce block extra firm tofu
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Batter
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- ¾ cup gluten free all purpose flour regular works too
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Breading
- 2 cups plain gluten free panko breadcrumbs can sub regular
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from the package and drain off excess liquid.
- Wrap in a towel and place a heavy object such as a cast iron pan, tea kettle or books.
- Press for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the ingredients for the marinade.
- Once the tofu has pressed, use your hands to rip into about 1 inch pieces. You can cut it if you prefer, but I think it looks more realistic if you rip it.
- Add to the marinade and toss to coat. Set aside for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425 if baking, or the air fryer to 400 if air frying.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the ingredients for the batter in a medium bowl.
- In another bowl, combine all ingredients for the breading.
- Once the tofu is done marinading, take one piece and dip in the batter, then dip in the breadcrumbs until well coated.
- Repeat with all pieces and add to your air fryer basket or to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring no pieces are touching. Spray the tops with an oil spray.
- Air fry for 15 minutes, or bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve with ketchup, honey mustard or your favorite sauce!
Notes
If you don't have vegetable broth, you can safely sub for water.
The cornstarch can be subbed with arrowroot or tapioca.
Serving: 6 nuggets / Calories: 448kcal / Carbohydrates: 58g / Protein: 25g / Fat: 5g / Fiber: 6g / Sugar: 5g
