Baked Crispy Tofu Nuggets

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, or oat) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste For these baked crispy tofu nuggets, I use firm tofu. It holds together well and gives a nice bite. Panko breadcrumbs make them extra crunchy. The all-purpose flour helps the coating stick. I choose unsweetened plant milk, like almond, soy, or oat, to keep it creamy without extra sugar. A drizzle of olive oil adds a touch of richness. I love to season my nuggets with nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy taste without dairy. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth to the flavor. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky touch. Salt and pepper round out the taste, making these nuggets irresistible. For the full recipe, check out my detailed instructions on how to put this all together. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the nuggets not stick. 2. Press the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap it in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes. After that, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. 3. In a shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour. Season with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, pour in the plant milk. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. 1. Take a tofu cube and dip it into the flour. Shake off any excess flour. 2. Next, dip the floured tofu into the plant milk, allowing any extra to drip off. 3. Finally, roll the tofu cube in the panko mixture. Make sure it is fully coated for that crunchy texture. 4. Place the coated tofu nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart. This helps them bake evenly. 5. Drizzle olive oil over the nuggets to enhance crispiness. 1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through for even cooking. 2. Check for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. If they need more time, bake for a few more minutes. 3. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce. For the full recipe, see the beginning of the article. To get the best crunch, space the tofu nuggets well on the baking sheet. If they touch, they won’t crisp up. Make sure each nugget has its own space. Next, drizzle olive oil over them. This method is better than spraying. Drizzling gives more control and even coverage. Pressing the tofu is key for great texture. Wrap it in a clean towel and place a weight on top. Leave it for about 15 to 30 minutes. This removes excess water. For the best results, use firm tofu. It holds its shape and gets crispy. These nuggets shine with dipping sauces. Sweet chili, BBQ, or ranch are fantastic choices. You can also serve them with side dishes. A fresh salad or steamed veggies makes a complete meal. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. {{image_2}} You can easily boost flavor in your tofu nuggets. Try adding spices to your breadcrumb mix. Paprika or Italian herbs work well. You can also use flavored plant milk instead of plain. Almond milk with vanilla adds a nice twist. If you need gluten-free options, use almond flour or cornmeal. These alternatives work great for the coating. You can also try crushed nuts or seeds for a crunchy texture. Explore different types of plant-based coatings like chickpea flour. It adds a unique flavor. Tofu nuggets can shine as an appetizer or a main dish. Serve them with dipping sauces for appetizers. For a main dish, pair them with rice or veggies. You can also add them to salads or wraps. This adds protein and crunch to your meals. After you make the baked crispy tofu nuggets, store them in the fridge. Place the nuggets in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They last up to three days in the fridge. If you want them crisp again, reheat them in the oven. You can freeze tofu nuggets before or after baking. If you freeze them before, coat them as usual and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a bag. This saves space. If you freeze them after baking, let them cool first. Store them the same way in an airtight container. To reheat baked tofu nuggets, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen nuggets on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes. This gives you a crispy texture again. Enjoy your crunchy plant-based snack! For the full recipe, check the previous section. Making baked crispy tofu nuggets takes about 45 minutes in total. You will spend around 15 minutes preparing. This includes pressing the tofu and mixing the ingredients. After that, bake the nuggets for 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway for even cooking. Yes, you can use different types of tofu. Firm tofu works best for a crunchy outside and soft inside. Soft or silken tofu will not hold its shape well. It may fall apart when you coat it. Extra-firm tofu is a great option if you want a denser nugget. Each type gives a different texture. Baked tofu nuggets are indeed healthier than fried ones. Baking uses less oil, so they have fewer calories. This method keeps the dish light and allows the flavors to shine. You still get a great crunch without the extra fat. Enjoying baked tofu nuggets can be part of a balanced diet. For the full recipe, check out the details above. In this post, we explored how to make crispy baked tofu nuggets. I covered the main and seasoning ingredients, along with step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. We discussed tips for maximum crispiness and variations to suit your taste. Leftover storage and freezing methods ensure your nuggets stay fresh longer. Baking provides a healthier option, and enjoying tofu is easy! Feel free to experiment with flavors and presentations. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these tasty nuggets!$

Baked Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Craving a delicious and healthy snack? Try these Baked Crispy Tofu Nuggets! Made with firm tofu and coated in a flavorful panko crust, these nuggets are easy to whip up and perfect for dipping. Bake them for a crunchy treat that's satisfying and guilt-free. Ready to impress your friends and family? Click through to discover the full recipe and make your own tasty tofu nuggets today! Enjoy a nutritious twist on snacking!

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Ingredients

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cut into bite-sized cubes

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, or oat)

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: your favorite dipping sauce (sweet chili, BBQ, or ranch)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour and season with salt and pepper.

In a separate bowl, pour in the plant milk.

In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

Take a tofu cube and dip it into the flour, shaking off the excess.

Next, dip the floured tofu into the plant milk, allowing any excess to drip off.

Finally, roll the tofu cube in the panko mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.

Place the coated tofu nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart.

Drizzle olive oil over the nuggets to enhance crispiness.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4