Make crispy, delicious Tofu Nuggets in your air fryer! These easy nuggets are a completely plant-based version of chicken nuggets. They turn extra crunchy in. the air fryer (oven instructions included!)
These lil nuggets are so easy to make and fun to devour!
They are basically a vegan version of chicken nuggets - the process to make the nuggets is really similar.
Instead of cutting chicken into small pieces, we'll cut tofu into cubes.
Then, the breading process is really similar. Usually, you'd whisk an egg and to adhere the breadcrumbs. These tofu nuggets have the same process, using a flax egg. And this recipe works great with gluten-free breadcrumbs or regular.
Once your tofu pieces are coated, just air fry or oven bake until the nuggets are nice and crispy.
These nuggets are: crispy, crunchy, flavorful, & full of protein!
Step 1. Preheat the air fryer or oven to 375°F. If using the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2. Place the block of tofu in a tofu press, or wrap in paper towels and place under a heavy object to release extra liquid.
Step 3. In a medium bowl, prepare the flax egg by mixing the ground flaxseed and water. Let sit 5 minutes.
Step 4. Then, add the dijon mustard and maple syrup. Mix well. Set aside.
Step 5. In another medium bowl mix the breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 6. Turn the block of pressed tofu on its side and slice in half lengthwise. Slice the block into four strips, then rotate and cut four strips again, creating 16 cubes per sheet (32 cubes total).
Step 7. Use one hand to coat a piece of tofu in the flax egg mixture. Then place in the bowl of breadcrumbs and use your other hand to coat evenly on all sides. Place on the tray/basket of your air fryer or on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all the tofu cubes.
Step 8. Air fry for 15-18 minutes or bake for 20-25 minutes.
Step 9. Let cool slightly, then serve with vegan honey mustard dressing. Enjoy!
I recommend pairing these air fryer tofu nuggets with my vegan honey mustard dressing and enjoying by themselves. But you can pair these nuggets with so many other recipes:
You can use any gluten-free breadcrumbs you like. Or even gf panko. I like these gluten-free panko flakes.
Frozen tofu does have a more chicken-like texture than fresh & pressed tofu. But it does require some prep (or regularly keeping tofu in your freezer).
To freeze tofu, place the entire package of tofu in the freezer. To thaw, remove it from the freezer and let thaw in the refrigerator for 12 hours or on the counter for 3 hours. Then drain completely.
Store these nuggets in an air-tight container in the fridge. I don't recommend freezing.
The nuggets will last up to a week in the refrigerator.
To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer or oven at 350 for 5ish minutes, until they are warmed through.
Thank you God for these nuggets. Thank you for the healthy yet delicious mealwe have to eat. Amen.
Find more vegan protein recipes here:
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Make crispy, delicious Tofu Nuggets in your air fryer! These easy nuggets are a completely plant-based version of chicken nuggets. They turn extra crunchy in the air fryer (oven instructions included!)
**This recipe is enough for a generous coating of egg mixture and breadcrumbs. If you are conservative with the ingredients, you can make another 1/2 block of tofu nuggets with these quantities.
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