Video
Vegan Baked Tofu Nuggets
Vegan Baked Tofu Nuggets! If you like Chick-fil-A nuggets, then you've gotta try this vegan version. Baked crispy tofu nuggets that are perfect for kid and adults! With Air Fryer instructions.
Equipment
Ingredients
For the tofu nuggets:
- 1 15 ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, divided
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup potato starch or arrowroot starch*
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
Copycat Chick-Fil-A Nugget Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayo, I love Just Mayo, Hellman's Vegan & Vegenaise
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey, I like honey for this, but vegan version use agave/maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a rimmed cooling rack, then lightly spray the rack with oil and set aside.
- Tear the tofu into bite-sized nugget pieces and place in a bowl; toss with oil, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- In a separate bowl, toss together the flour, potato starch, remaining onion powder and garlic powder, baking soda, paprika and remaining salt.
- Dredge the tofu in the flour mixture and shake off as much excess flour as possible. Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining nuggets. Spray with more oil or drizzle with more olive oil-- again, this will give you the color and texture in the photos.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through so they cook evenly. Remove and serve with the sauce!
- To make the sauce, whisk together all ingredients. Season to taste, as needed and eat. So good!
Notes
Potato starch is best for this, but I know it can be harder to find. Arrowroot or tapioca starch will also work. Cornstarch will work as a last option, but it does make for a starchy taste that's harder to bake out. If you use cornstarch make sure to shake the nuggets very well before baking!
Tearing the nuggets into equal size pieces makes it easier to cook and more "nugget" like. See commentary above.
To make these in an air-fryer, I recommend cooking them at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving with sauceCalories: 341kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.003gSodium: 831mgPotassium: 237mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 99IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 2mg