Tofu Chicken Nuggets

Step 1

Press the tofu: If you are using super firm tofu, simply dry it off and proceed with the next step. For extra firm tofu, you'll need to press out some of the excess water for a firmer texture. You can use a tofu press or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel, or a few paper towels, and place a plate with a slightly heavy object on top.

Step 2

Tear the tofu: Over a large bowl, tear the tofu into bite-sized chunks with your hands dropping them into the bowl. Tearing them by hand will produce rigid edges for a chicken nugget look. The size really depends on how you are serving them. You’ll want bigger chunks for finger-food-sized dipping nuggets and smaller chunks for popcorn chicken-sized nuggets.

Step 3

Marinade: In a small bowl whisk together the marinade ingredients, soy sauce, water, and oil. Pour it over the tofu and toss to coat.

Step 4

Flour Breading: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour breading ingredients. Roll each tofu piece around in the flour mixture until coated. Tap off any excess flour then place it on a large plate. Repeat until all the nuggets are breaded.Now use the instructions below to bake, air-fry, or pan-fry the nuggets.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 425ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 6

Once all the tofu nuggets are coated in breading, spray a light coating of oil across the parchment-lined baking sheet. Alternatively, you can pour about 2-3 teaspoons of oil on the pan and use a silicone basting brush to spread it out.

Step 7

Transfer the nuggets to the baking sheet and generously spray each nugget with oil. If you don’t have spray oil, you can drizzle them with oil flipping them around on the pan to make sure all sides are coated. The oil is what helps the flour breading become crispy so you want a good coating.

Step 8

Bake at 425ºF for 12-18 minutes. If needed, use tongs to flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Step 9

Add the vegan nuggets to the bottom of the air fryer basket.

Step 10

Generously spray each nugget with oil.

Step 11

Cook at 400ºF for 12-15 minutes. If needed, flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Step 12

In a large pan, heat up 3-4 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Test the oil to see if it is hot enough by dropping a bit of flour into it. If the oil bubbles it's ready.

Step 13

Now, turn the heat down to medium and carefully add the tofu pieces to the pan. Fry on each side for 3-5 minutes or until brown and crispy. Cook in batches if needed and add more oil as needed.