Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets with Panko Breadcrumbs Recipe
These crispy tofu nuggets are a delicious, plant-based alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. Marinated in a flavorful blend of nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, then coated in a crunchy panko breading seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder, they bake up golden and satisfyingly crisp. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish for vegan and vegetarian diets.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Marinated Tofu
- 1 lb block extra firm tofu (453 g)
- 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (30 mL)
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (30 mL)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (30 mL)
Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 g)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch (15 g)
- ½ cup almond milk (120 mL)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (5 mL)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (100 g), can sub gluten-free
- 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Press: Press 1 lb block extra firm tofu for at least 15 minutes, either with a tofu press or by placing a heavy pan on top to drain excess moisture. Once pressed, tear tofu into roughly 1 inch blocks.
- Marinate: In a shallow dish, combine 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 Tbsp olive oil. Add the tofu pieces and toss gently to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prepare Breading Station: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). In one bowl, mix ½ cup all-purpose flour and 2 Tbsp cornstarch. In another bowl, whisk ½ cup almond milk with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar to create a vegan buttermilk. In a third bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast, 2 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and ½ tsp each salt and pepper.
- Bread: Working one piece at a time, use a fork to first coat each tofu nugget in the flour mixture, then dip into the almond milk mixture, and finally coat with the spiced panko breadcrumb mixture. Place coated tofu pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush each nugget with cooking oil to promote browning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully flip each nugget to ensure even crisping and browning on all sides.
Notes
- Air Fryer Option: Arrange tofu nuggets in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Make Ahead: Marinate tofu up to 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor.
