Description
These crispy gluten-free vegan chicken nuggets are made from marinated tofu and coated in a flavorful almond crust, then baked or air fried to perfection. They are crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and perfect for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 blocks extra-firm tofu (about 800 g)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup almond meal
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Drain and press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cut or tear the tofu into nugget-sized chunks or thin strips for a finger-style shape.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add tofu and toss gently to coat. Marinate for 10–20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In one bowl, whisk together cornstarch, plant-based milk, lemon juice (or vinegar), and salt until smooth. In another bowl, mix almond meal, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
- Dip each tofu piece into the batter, let excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the almond mixture. Arrange in a single layer on a lined baking sheet or air fryer basket.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, and broil 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness. For air fryer, cook 12–15 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to ensure the recipe stays gluten-free.
- Do not overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket to maintain crispiness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Serve with sauces like ketchup, vegan ranch, or barbecue sauce.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
