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    Home / Recipes / Vegan Entrees

    Tofu Nuggets

    Published: Feb 18, 2023 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Watch out chicken nuggets; there's a better game in town! Tofu nuggets are a party in your mouth. Air-fried or baked, these bite-sized nuggets are a perfect entree or snack. They are so easy to make and even easier to eat! The kids LOVE this tofu nuggets recipe! And wait until is taste the sauce!

    Tofu nuggets on a plate served with maple dijon dressing in a small bowl in the center of the container.

    When I tried to get my kids to love vegan food, tofu nuggets became a staple at my house. Did I tell them they were eating tofu? Nope! Had they known the ingredients in a chicken nugget, I don't think they would have been thrilled, either. Yet, this tofu nuggets recipe was a hit, so I perfected my recipe to share! 

    Jump to:
    • How to Press and Marinate Tofu
    • Tofu Nuggets Ingredients
    • Tofu Nuggets Ingredient Substitutions
    • Cooking Options
    • Dipping Sauce Options
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips
    • Other Fabulous Tofu Recipes to Try
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    As many of you know, getting our families to eat plant-based is sometimes a struggle. But, since parents teach their children to eat poorly in the first place, it's our job to undo the damage. So, when I transitioned to a vegan diet, I brought my family along....kicking and screaming. I learned to veganize the foods they liked before going plant-based. 

    I'm fortunate they continue to eat a healthy plant-based diet as adults and have even brought a few people along on the vegan train. It makes holidays much more fun cooking one meal instead of several. 

    Not only are tofu nuggets yummy, but they are also oil-free, gluten-free, and effortless to make. If you have little ones, it's a messy, fun time. 

    How to Press and Marinate Tofu

    EZ tofu press on the table pressing tofu.

    It all begins with marinating the tofu in a simple marinade. The tofu needs to be pressed first unless you use sprouted tofu, which doesn't require any pressing. Otherwise, I suggest using extra-firm tofu; the more firm, the better.

    If pressing the Tofu to make tofu nuggets, I suggest using an inexpensive tofu press; I like the EZ-Tofu Press.

    Once the tofu is pressed, cut the tofu lengthwise, making two large slabs of tofu. Then, put the tofu into bite-sized, equal cubes. 

    Tofu is cut into equal-sized cubes on a cutting board.

    Next, marinate the tofu in a simple marinade with soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup, and some liquid smoke. I prefer marinating overnight, so the tofu absorbs as much of the marinade as possible, but a few hours will suffice. 

    Marinated tofu in a glass dish on the counter.

    The next step is the fun, messy part! 

    Tofu Nuggets Ingredients

    A bowl of flour, a bowl of the plant milk mixture, a bowl of bread crumbs, and marinated tofu are on the counter.

    After marinating the tofu, it's time to get down and dirty. Although some people prefer to avoid getting messy in the kitchen, this is the fun part. 

    If you have small children or grandchildren, they LOVE helping in the kitchen, and this is the perfect place to introduce them to healthy eating. 

    Prepare Three Different Bowls

    Since the tofu is already wet with marinade, prepare three bowls for dredging and dipping. 

    • Chickpea Flour Bowl: Any flour works, but I like chickpea or garbanzo bean flour because it's naturally dense, with a stickier texture than all-purpose flour when added to liquids. Because of these traits, it makes an excellent binder for baking.
    • Oat Milk and Dijon Mustard Bowl: Oat milk consists of steel-cut oats or whole groats soaked in water. It's thicker than other plant-based milk. Whisked with dijon mustard, oat milk is perfect for dredging. But any plant milk works well. 
    • Bread Crumb, Nutritional Yeast, Seasoning Bowl: A combination of bread crumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika makes the ideal tofu nugget coating. 

    Tofu Nuggets Ingredient Substitutions

    • Choose any flour available in the pantry.
    • If following a gluten-free diet, choose gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and use tamari or liquid aminos in the tofu marinade.

    First, take each tofu cube or nugget and cover all sides with flour, submerge in the oat milk mixture, finish in the bread crumb mixture, and press the tofu nuggets lightly into the crumb mixture on all sides. 

    I am dredging tofu in the milk mixture and then in the breadcrumb mixture.

    Since air-frying needs to be done in batches, half the tofu nuggets are coated and the nuggets begin cooking while the remaining nuggets are coated. 

    Even though I air-fried the tofu nuggets, you can also bake them. 

    Tofu nuggets in the base of the air fryer basket.

    Cooking Options

    Air-Frying

    • To air-fry, the tofu nuggets set the air-fryer at 370 degrees for 6 minutes.
    • Be sure, however, to make a single layer, so the nuggets don't stick together. 
    • While the first batch of nuggets cooks, prepare the remaining tofu nuggets by dipping them in the flour, oat milk, and breadcrumb mixture. 
    Tofu nuggets recipe on a plate with maple dijon and dip in the center of the plate.
    • Because it only takes 6 minutes to cook each batch (two batches), the tofu nuggets stay warm, but they can also be kept warm in a 325-degree oven if you prefer them extra hot. 
    • Additionally, the nuggets can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave and keep their crunchy exterior. 

    Baking

    If you don't have an air-fryer, baking is also an option. 

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
    • Prepare all the tofu nuggets and place them a few centimeters apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
    • Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the nuggets over halfway through cooking.
    I am dipping a tofu nugget recipe in maple dijon dressing.

    Dipping Sauce Options

    I made a maple dijon dipping sauce with dijon mustard and maple syrup for this batch of nuggets. But my kids love a variety of healthy vegan dipping sauces for tofu nuggets.

    • Vegan Ranch Dressing
    • Mustard Dipping Sauce
    • Blackberry Vinaigrette Recipe
    • Thousand Island Dressing
    • Southwest Dressing
    • Vegan French Dressing
    Vegan ranch in a ball jar with a spoon in it on the counter.

    Regardless of your dipping choice, when you bite into the nugget, the outside's crunch, followed by the yummy delicate inside, makes tofu nuggets disappear from the plate in minutes. 

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I cook tofu like chicken?

    Yes, you can cook tofu like chicken. Extra-firm tofu has a shallow moisture content, making it "taste like chicken." It is mainly used as a meat substitute in several vegetarian dishes, especially in Asian countries.

    How do I make tofu not taste like tofu

    To make tofu not taste like tofu, press the tofu firmly and marinate overnight before cooking. It absorbs the flavors of any marinade like a sponge. Then, air-fry, bake, grill, or stir fry. 

    How do I make my tofu crispy?

    s all about cooking it correctly. Shortchanging your cook time will ensure a soft, unexciting tofu. And don't be afraid to turn up the heat—preheat the pan to crisp the outer layer while leaving the center tender and creamy.

    I am eating a tofu nugget and revealing the center of the nugget.

    Tips

    • Marinating the tofu overnight gives it more depth of flavor.
    • Cut the tofu pieces the same size so the tofu nuggets cook evenly.
    • Use different herbs and seasonings to make unique flavor combinations.
    • For a gluten-free tofu nuggets recipe, choose gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
    • If the batch is cooking in the air fryer, keep the cooked nuggets crispy and hot by preparing a baking sheet and preheat an oven to 325 degrees while cooking the other batches.
    • For kids, use cookie cutters and cut-out shapes of dinosaurs, hearts, or any shapes for a fun treat. However, choose similar sized cookie cutters.
    • Instead of nuggets, cut sticks of tofu or place a wooden skewer through a tofu stick for tofu on a stick.
    • Cut into larger pieces for a fried tofu sandwich.
    • The easiest way to reheat leftover fried tofu is in the oven. To do this, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry the tofu by pressing a towel onto the surface to remove moisture and place the tofu on a foil-lined baking sheet.

    Try these crispy tofu nuggets for lunch or dinner this week. Or, add them to the top of a salad or your favorite vegan bowl recipe.

    Other Fabulous Tofu Recipes to Try

    • vegan pineapple fried rice recipe
      Pineapple Fried Rice
    • vegans tir fry recipe
      Vegan Stir Fry
    • Tofu Bahn Mi Sandwich
      Tofu Banh Mi
    • Tofu marinades
      Tofu Marinade Recipes

    If you love this tofu nuggets recipe, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We would love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    Tofu Nuggets

    Tofu Nuggets

    Kathy Carmichael
    Tofu nuggets are a party in your mouth. Air-fried or baked, these bite-sized nuggets are a perfect entree or snack. They are so easy to make and even easier to eat! The kids LOVE them! And wait until is taste the sauce!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 6 mins
    Total Time 26 mins
    Course Entrees
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 256 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Tofu/Marinade

    • 14 ounces sprouted or extra-firm tofu If using sprouted, pressing isn't necessary. If using extra-firm tofu, press.
    • 3 Tablespoons Soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
    • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke

    Flour Bowl

    • 1 cup chickpea flour or flour of choice

    Oat Milk/Dijon Bowl

    • 1 cup oat milk
    • 2 Tablespoons dijon mustard

    Bread Crumb Mixture

    • 1 cup bread crumbs
    • ½ cup nutritional yeast
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons onion powder
    • 3 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic salt optional

    Maple Dijon Dipping Sauce

    • ¼ cup dijon mustard
    • 1 Tablespoon maple syrup

    Instructions
     

    Prepare the Tofu

    • Cut tofu in half, making two large slabs.
    • Then cut into identical bite-sized cubes (approximately 20 nuggets).
    • Place all the cut tofu pieces into a container.
    • Whisk the marinade ingredients together and pour over the tofu pieces.
    • Seal the container, and turn it gently, to coat all the tofu pieces with the marinade.
    • Place in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours minimally.

    Prepare the Dredging Bowls

    • In one bowl, add the flour; set aside.
    • Whisk the oat milk and the dijon mustard in the second bowl until combined.
    • Combine the bread crumbs, nutritional yeast, and spices in the third bowl. Stir the ingredients.

    Coating the Tofu Nuggets

    • One at a time, take a piece of marinated tofu and dredge it in the flour, coating all sides of each piece.
    • Then, dip the flour-coated pieces into the oat milk mixture.
    • Next, coat the flour and milk-drenched tofu pieces into the bread crumb mixture.
    • Place each tofu nugget on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat or in the base of the air-fryer (if using an air fryer)

    Maple Dijon Dipping Sauce

    • In a small bowl, combine maple syrup and dijon mustard.
    • Whisk or stir together.

    Air-Frying

    • Set the air-fryer to 370 degrees.
    • Based on the air-fryer base's size, place as many nuggets in the air-fryer, leaving a space between each nugget to avoid sticking.
    • Cook for 6 minutes.
    • Remove cooked nuggets and cook the second batch.
    • I was able to cook 10 nuggets at a time in my Go Wise Air-Fryer.

    Baking

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
    • Line a baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
    • Cook tofu nuggets for 10 minutes; flip each nugget over and cook for another 10 minutes.

    Notes

    • Marinating the tofu overnight gives it more depth of flavor.
    • Cut the tofu pieces the same size, so the tofu nuggets cook evenly.
    • Use different herbs and seasonings to make unique flavor combinations.
    • For a gluten-free tofu nuggets recipe, choose gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
    • If the batch is cooking in the air fryer, keep the cooked nuggets crispy and hot by preparing a baking sheet and preheat an oven to 325 degrees while cooking the other batches.
    • For kids, use cookie cutters and cut-out shapes of dinosaurs, hearts, or any shapes for a fun treat. However, choose similar-sized cookie cutters.
    • Instead of nuggets, cut tofu sticks or place a wooden skewer through a tofu stick for tofu on a stick.
    • Cut into larger pieces for a fried tofu sandwich.
    • The easiest way to reheat leftover fried tofu is in the oven. To do this, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, dry the tofu by pressing a towel onto the surface to remove moisture and place the tofu on a foil-lined baking sheet.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 256kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 16gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.002gSodium: 468mgPotassium: 478mgFiber: 5gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 178IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 141mgIron: 4mg
    Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Kathy Carmichael

    Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

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    Comments

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    1. Sabrina Jeanise

      March 18, 2021 at 9:10 am

      I tried your tofu nugget recipe last night and they are absolutely delicious!! And addictive!! I brought some for lunch and I keep watching the clock...waiting until I can eat them. I don't know if I'll ever want to cook tofu another way again...lol. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        March 18, 2021 at 4:17 pm

        Hi Sabrina, I'm so glad you liked the Tofu Nuggets! I sometimes cut it in slabs and make it into a chicken sandwich with lettuce, cashew mayo and tomatoes. Give it a try 🙂 Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it. Have a great day!

        Reply
        • Sabrina Jeanise

          March 22, 2021 at 12:29 pm

          That's a fabulous idea!! I'll try that too! Have a great day, as well!!

          Reply
          • Kathy Carmichael

            March 22, 2021 at 12:50 pm

            Sabrina, let me know if you enjoy it!

            Reply

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