Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate crispy, flavorful plant-based snack or meal, you’re in for a real treat with this Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets Recipe. I absolutely love how these nuggets turn out—crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory goodness. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just tofu-curious, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for satisfying those nugget cravings without the guilt. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my best tips to make sure your nuggets come out perfectly every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets Recipe work hand-in-hand to create a texture and flavor that truly impress. From the protein-packed tofu to the nutty cashew coating that crisps up like magic, you’ll find each component carefully chosen for ease and taste. When shopping, opt for extra-firm tofu for the best nugget structure.

• Extra firm tofu: Make sure it’s well-pressed to avoid sogginess; this step is key for crisp nuggets.
• Raw cashews: They add a wonderful crunch and slightly buttery flavor in the coating.
• Cornstarch: Used twice—for coating and mixing with cashews—to help achieve that crispy perfection.
• Nutritional yeast: This gives a subtle cheesy, umami flavor without dairy.
• Seasonings (sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder): These take the nuggets from bland to bursting with flavor.
• Unsweetened dairy-free milk & lemon juice: The combo forms a quick vegan “buttermilk” to help the coating stick.
• Avocado oil spray: Helps nuggets crisp up in the oven without sogginess or excess grease.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets Recipe quite a bit, and I encourage you to get creative! It’s easy to swap out spices or try different nuts, depending on what you have on hand and your flavor preferences.

• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder gives the nuggets a subtle heat that my family loves.
• Nut-Free Option: Try using crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko instead of cashews for a similar crunch without nuts.
• Herb Twist: Mix fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the cashew coating to give the nuggets an aromatic boost.

How to Make Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets Recipe

Step 1: Press and Prep Your Tofu

First things first: pressing your tofu is non-negotiable if you want crispy nuggets. I usually wrap the tofu block in a clean, absorbent kitchen towel and pile a heavy skillet on top for about 20 minutes. This squeezes out excess moisture, so when you bake, your nuggets won’t turn out soggy. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized 1-inch cubes, and you’ll be ready to start coating.

Step 2: Make the Cashew Coating and Vegan “Buttermilk” Mixture

While the tofu presses, toss raw cashews, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder into a food processor. Give it a few pulses to break down the cashews, then blend until you have a fine crumbly meal—this is what creates that irresistible crunchy coating. Meanwhile, mix your dairy-free milk with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to craft the quick vegan buttermilk. Set both aside for dipping.

Step 3: Coat the Tofu Nuggets

This is where the magic happens: set up an assembly line with three shallow bowls — one with cornstarch, one with vegan buttermilk, and the cashew coating mixture. Using your hands, lightly dust each tofu cube in cornstarch first, shaking off any excess, then dip into the buttermilk to get nice and sticky. Finally, roll each nugget thoroughly in the cashew coating, pressing lightly so it adheres well. I like to lay them out on a baking sheet sprayed with avocado oil spray to prep for baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Bake your nuggets at 400°F (204°C) for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness all around. When they’re done, the nuggets will be golden and dry to the touch but still bouncy and tender inside. Don’t rush the cooling step—letting them rest for a few minutes helps the coating set perfectly.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I make these nuggets, I love a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top. It adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that balances the richness of the coating. A light dusting of smoked paprika is also a lovely finishing touch for that extra smoky kick.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to pair with these crispy baked tofu nuggets are roasted sweet potato fries, a crisp garden salad, or some crunchy steamed broccoli with lemon zest. They also go surprisingly well with a warming bowl of tomato soup on chilly days!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, I like to serve these nuggets on a communal board with an array of colorful dipping sauces lined up — think tangy vegan ranch, smoky BBQ sauce, and a sweet “honey” mustard. Kids love having choices, and adults do too! Another fun idea is to stick toothpicks in each nugget and present them as finger foods for easy grabbing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They hold their crispy texture surprisingly well when reheated properly, so I never hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

Freezing works great for these nuggets! After baking, I let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Once firm, I transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, just reheat straight from frozen—perfect for quick snacks or meals.

Reheating

To keep your nuggets crispy on reheating, pop them in a 400°F (204°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm and crunchy again. Microwave tends to make the coating soft, so I avoid it unless I’m in a pinch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to whip up when I want something tasty, crispy, and totally satisfying without complicated steps or ingredients. I’ve shared it with friends who were skeptical about tofu, and now they’re hooked too. Give it a go—you won’t regret having these golden bites ready for a quick snack or impromptu dinner. Trust me, once you try them, your tofu game will never be the same!

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