Baked crispy tofu nuggets are a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. With their crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, flavorful interior, these tofu nuggets are perfect for those seeking a plant-based snack or a lighter option for meal prep. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, these nuggets are sure to satisfy your craving for something crispy and delicious.
The key to achieving the perfect texture for baked crispy tofu nuggets is pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. This allows the tofu to crisp up nicely in the oven without becoming soggy. Once pressed, the tofu is cut into bite-sized cubes or strips and coated in a flavorful breading mixture. The breading is made with a combination of panko breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The result is a crispy coating that adds crunch and flavor with every bite.
To ensure the tofu nuggets bake up perfectly crispy, they’re lightly coated with oil or a vegan butter substitute before being placed on a baking sheet. This gives them that golden-brown crispiness without deep frying, making them a much healthier option than traditional fried nuggets.
These baked crispy tofu nuggets are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a snack with a dipping sauce such as barbecue sauce, ketchup, or a creamy avocado dip. They also work as a protein-packed topping for salads, grain bowls, or wraps. You can even toss them in a spicy sauce or glaze, like buffalo sauce or teriyaki, for added flavor.
Not only are these tofu nuggets delicious, but they’re also a great source of plant-based protein, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. They’re easy to make in advance and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use, making them perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu drained and pressed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the pressed tofu into nugget-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix the soy sauce and olive oil. Add the tofu pieces and gently toss to coat.
- In another bowl, combine cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each tofu piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Place the coated tofu nuggets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
These are amazing! So crispy and full of flavor. Definitely a keeper recipe! 😍
Sounds good, but how can tofu be crispy? Isn’t it supposed to be soft? 🤔
I totally agree! I made these last week and my kids devoured them! 🍽️
I dunno, my nuggets didn’t turn out as crispy as I expected. Maybe I used too much oil? 🤔
My kids loved them! Way better than the frozen ones! Plus, they are super easy to make. 👍
I don’t understand how ya’ll can call tofu nuggets this good, but they are, indeed, awesome!! 5 stars!
Tofu is like sponges, that’s why I can’t deal with it. But maybe you make it better? 😅
These nuggets were awesome! Crispy and full of flavor. My kids loved them! 😍
These nuggets are amazing! I made them for dinner and my kids loved them! 5 stars!
I’m so glad you and your kids loved them! Tofu nuggets are a great way to get some protein in a fun way. 😄
Crispy is not true. They were soft as hell! What did I do wrong??
These were insane! I dipped them in ranch dressing and can’t stop eating them! 🥳
Ranch dressing with tofu nuggets? That’s a genius idea! 😂 I’m trying this next time!
I have no idea what panko is, but the recipe was great without it! Just used regular bread crumbs.
Wait, is panko even necessary? I think it’s just fancy crumbs… might try it your way next time!
Panko just makes it crunchier! But glad you liked it with regular crumbs! 👍
I don’t know why people say tofu is good. I tried this and I was unimpressed. 🤷♀️
Who even eats tofu? Not my thing, but my friend loved these. I guess some people like it. 1 star.
Okay but is tofu really that good??? Someone tell me how this is possible. It tasted just alright for me.
Yum, but I forgot the paprika. Still turned out tasty though. Gonna add some hot sauce next time! 🔥
Easy to make. Just wish it had more flavor. Add some spice next time! 3 stars.
I left out the garlic powder because I don’t have any, and they still turned out great! 4 stars.
These tofu nuggets are bomb! I can’t believe how crispy they got. My kids loved them!
Crispy tofu nuggets? Yeah right! Tofu is always mushy, I give it a 1. Not impressed.
I didn’t have panko, so I used regular bread crumbs… they were still tasty! Definitely making again, easy peasy!
Glad to hear that! Regular bread crumbs work just fine. Can’t wait to try it out myself!
Easy peasy? More like easy breezy! I also used regular crumbs once, but it wasn’t as crunchy. Still, I’m happy it worked for you!
Delish! My partner didn’t even notice they were tofu! Sneaky way to eat healthy!
I was skeptical about tofu, but WOW! These are amazing. Will definitely make again!
I’m glad you liked it! Tofu can be so versatile once you give it a chance. Definitely making these for my next party!
Really? Tofu? I just don’t get how anyone can like that mushy stuff. Seems like a waste of time to me.
I really wanted to like these, but they were kinda bland. Maybe I needed to add more spices? 🤔
Yeah, adding more spices could definitely help! I usually throw in some chili powder or even some nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
Yum! Cruncy tofu!! My favorite. Will make again. 😍
Not for me. I prefer my nuggets meaty. Tofu is just weird to me.
It’s just ok. I mean, it doesn’t taste like chicken nuggets or anything. Just bland tofu.
But I thought they were supposed to taste like chicken nuggets! Very disappointing.
I get it! Tofu can be bland if you don’t spice it up more. Maybe try adding some hot sauce next time?
I tried this recipe and it was a total disaster. My nuggets ended up soggy and gross. What did I do wrong?
Not sure why everyone loves this. My nuggets turned out mushy. Maybe I did something wrong.
Maybe try baking them a bit longer? Mine were crispy and delicious! Don’t give up!
Followed the recipe exactly and they burnt! What did I do wrong? 😩
Super easy recipe! I used almond flour instead of cornstarch and it worked fine. Will make again!
Glad to hear it worked with almond flour! I’m gonna try that next time too. Thanks for sharing!
Almond flour instead of cornstarch? Really? Not sure if that’s a good swap. But if it worked for you, great!
These tofu nuggets are a game changer! So crispy and full of flavor. 😍
Baked crispy tofu nugget? Sounds funny. Why not just eat nuggets? 🤔
I don’t like tofu, but I tried this and omg, they were good! Will make again!
I totally get it! Tofu can be hit or miss, but this recipe sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it myself.
Really? Tofu? I always thought it was kinda bland. Are you sure it’s good? Just sounds too healthy lol!
LOL crispy tofu nuggets? Never heard of that but I might try!
You really should try it! They’re super yummy and healthy. Just think of all the possibilities with dips too!
These are AMAZING! So crunchy and flavorful. I had mine with sweet chili sauce, yum! 😍
I was skeptical at first, but wow. Tofu can actually taste good when cooked like this. Surprised!
Easy to make! I messed up the timing though, my oven must be off. Still crunchy but not golden. Next time!
I’ve done that too! But I actually prefer them a bit crunchy. Who needs golden?
Cooking is just trial and error! I’m sure they’ll taste great next time.
This recipe is the bomb.com! I dipped them in BBQ sauce and they were delicious!
Totally agree! These nuggets are a game changer, especially with BBQ sauce! 🥳
I love this recipe! My kids eat it without complaining, which is rare. Thanks for sharing! 🌟
Really? Kids eat tofu? I don’t know if mine would touch it, but I might give it a go. 🤔
That’s awesome! I can’t believe your kids love it. Mine are so picky! I need to try this out. Thanks for the tip! 😊
This recipe is kinda boring if ya ask me. I need more spices or something.
I get what you’re saying! A bit more spice would really make it pop! Maybe add some chili flakes or a good dipping sauce?
Not crispy at all. Followed the recipe but they came out soggy. Will not be making again. 2/5.
Tried it and was surprised how good it was! Even my meat-loving friends liked it! 👍🏼
That’s awesome to hear! I was skeptical at first but I’m definitely gonna give it a try now. If even the meat-eaters liked it, it must be good! 🍽️