Baked Panko-Breaded Tofu Nuggets

Get ready to fall in love with tofu! These panko-breaded tofu nuggets are lightly marinated and then baked in the oven until crispy and golden. They are perfect for weeknight meals or as a snack and can be made in the oven OR air fryer!

If you're looking for a staple tofu recipe, look no further than these panko-breaded nuggets. This recipe makes the perfect dinner centerpiece, crispy salad topping, or dunk-able appetizer.

Why this recipe works

• Versatile: Can be made in the oven or air fryer. These are great as a main dish, snack, or appetizer.
• Kid-friendly: Tofu nuggets are kid-approved, especially when served with a dipping sauce.
• Simple ingredients: Made using pantry staples like all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, and common spices.
• Vegan or vegetarian: You can make this recipe using eggs or flax-seed eggs. I have tested both methods so I can confirm that they both work.
• Healthy option: Since these are baked in the oven, they are oil-free and a healthier option than fried tofu. But they are still golden and crispy!

New to cooking with tofu? Check out my guide to tofu for more tips, cooking ideas, and tofu recipes.

Recipe ingredients

• Tofu: I recommend extra-firm or super firm tofu for the best texture. Firm tofu will work if that's what you have on hand, but the tofu nuggets will be softer.
• Egg or flax egg: This is what helps the breadcrumbs stick to the tofu.
• Panko breadcrumbs: I used panko because it is delightfully crispy and crunchy. You can actually use traditional breadcrumbs if you prefer.
• All-purpose flour: This binds the egg to the panko.

Step by step instructions

Pro tip: When breading tofu, I recommend using one hand for dry ingredients and one hand for wet ingredients. This keeps the panko breadcrumbs and flour from getting too wet and difficult to work with.

1. Marinate the tofu in vegetable broth and soy sauce for at least 10 minutes. You can skip this step, but it adds a lot of flavor to the final result!
2. Toss each piece of tofu with flour.
3. Dunk the tofu in flax eggs or eggs (the results are very similar). Shake to remove excess egg.
4. Coat each piece in seasoned panko breadcrumbs.

5. Bake the tofu nuggets for 30 minutes at 400 degrees F, turning halfway through. Remove from the oven when they're golden brown and crispy.

Expert tips and customization

• Spice: The spicy seasoned panko crumbs in this recipe are an ode to classic Southern fried chicken, but regular panko also works.
• Seasonings: Another option is to use regular panko and 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning (this is my favorite Cajun seasoning brand).
• Shape: You can cut the nuggets into a variety of squares or strips. I like to make thick nuggets that are dunkable and sturdy. Alternately, you can slice into tofu "fingers" or into smaller cubes. The cook time will be about the same unless you make them very thin nuggets.
• Air fryer option: To make this recipe in the air fryer, simply air fry at 375F for 8-10 minutes. I use a Cuisinart air fryer and an Instant Pot air fryer lid.

Recipe FAQ

Serving ideas

• Homemade maple-dijon dipping sauce pairs well with this recipe. To make, combine ¼ cup spicy brown mustard, 2 tablespoons mayo, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon soy sauce.
• These also go well with spicy vegan BBQ sauce or tahini goddess dressing.
• Pair with vegan macaroni and cheese, vegan biscuits and vegan collard greens for a Southern-style meal.

More tofu recipes

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