Super Bowl Party Food Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Name: Super Bowl Party Food Crispy Tofu Nuggets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Oil spray for cooking; 1/4 cup vegan mayo; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 1 teaspoon lime juice

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love whipping up these crispy tofu nuggets for Super Bowl parties! They're not just a great plant-based alternative, but they also pack in tons of flavor and crunch that even non-vegans will enjoy. Each bite is perfectly seasoned and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Pair them with a zesty dipping sauce for an ultimate game day treat that everyone will love. Trust me, these nuggets will disappear quickly and leave your guests asking for the recipe!

Created by

Lucy Price

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:13:07.887Z

When I first attempted making crispy tofu nuggets, I was blown away by how well they turned out! The key is to press the tofu adequately to remove excess moisture, allowing the breading to stick perfectly. I experimented with various seasonings, landing on a blend of garlic powder and smoked paprika that adds just the right amount of kick and flavor.

Another tip I discovered is to double-coat the tofu in breadcrumbs. This creates an extra layer of crunch that is irresistible. Baking them instead of frying cuts down on oil but still maintains that satisfying crispiness. Try serving them with a homemade sriracha mayo for an amazing flavor combo!

        Why You'll Love These Nuggets
        Crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful inside
Easy and quick to prepare for any gathering
A delightful and healthier alternative to traditional chicken nuggets

      

Mastering Tofu Preparation

To achieve the best texture for your crispy tofu nuggets, pressing the tofu is crucial. Make sure you use firm or extra-firm tofu, as it holds its shape better during cooking. After draining, wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a plate on top. This will help to extract more moisture; 15 minutes is a good baseline, but feel free to press it longer if you want an even firmer nugget.

Cut the pressed tofu into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Aim for about 1-inch pieces; this size creates the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. If the pieces are too small, they might dry out, while larger pieces might not cook through completely in the allotted baking time.

Breading Technique Tips

The three-step breading process—flour, plant milk, breadcrumbs—is not only fun but essential for achieving that coveted crispy texture. When dredging in the flour mixture, be generous and make sure each piece is entirely coated. Flouring the tofu helps to create a sticky surface that the plant milk can cling to, ultimately allowing the breadcrumbs to adhere better, resulting in a crunchier finish.

Use panko breadcrumbs for extra texture; they provide a wider surface area and will yield a superior crunch compared to traditional breadcrumbs. If you're looking for gluten-free options, switch to gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, which perform well in this recipe without compromising flavor.

Serving and Storing Your Nuggets

Serve these crispy tofu nuggets immediately after baking for the best flavor and texture. They pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces; besides the zesty mayo-based sauce provided, consider serving with barbecue sauce or a spicy mustard for an extra kick. Presentation is key, so consider garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds to elevate the visual appeal (and flavor!).

If you have leftovers, store the nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until they are heated through and regain their crispiness. You can also freeze the uncooked nuggets for later use—just bread them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat directly from frozen, adjusting baking time as needed.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a perfect batch of crispy tofu nuggets.

For the Tofu Nuggets

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil spray for cooking

For the Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup vegan mayo
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon lime juice

Ensure everything is ready before starting the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your crispy tofu nuggets.

Prepare the Tofu

Start by pressing the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Then, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

Set Up the Breading Station

In one bowl, combine the flour with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, pour in the plant milk. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs mixed with nutritional yeast.

Coat the Tofu

Dredge each tofu cube first in the flour mixture, then dip into the plant milk, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Ensure they are well covered for maximum crispiness.

Bake the Nuggets

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tofu nuggets on a lined baking sheet and spray them lightly with oil. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce

While the nuggets are baking, whisk together the vegan mayo, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl.

Serve and Enjoy

Once browned, remove the nuggets from the oven and serve them hot with the dipping sauce. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful nuggets!

These nuggets are perfect for sharing or as a snack during the game!

Pro Tips

Make sure to press the tofu well to achieve the best texture. Experiment with your favorite spices to customize the flavor further!

Ingredient Insights

Nutritional yeast plays a significant role in this recipe, providing a cheesy flavor without dairy. It's also loaded with B vitamins, adding nutritional value to these nuggets. If you don't have any on hand, you can replace it with grated vegan cheese or simply omit it, but this may slightly reduce the flavor depth.

The choice of plant milk can subtly influence the overall taste. For a creamier texture, opt for unsweetened almond or oat milk. Soy milk can also work well, but be sure to select a brand without added flavors. If you prefer to avoid soy entirely, coconut milk adds richness, though it may impart a slightly sweet flavor that contrasts nicely with the spices.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to mix up the spices in the flour mixture for a different flavor profile. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for an herbaceous twist. Another idea is to incorporate some grated lemon zest into the breadcrumb coating for a refreshing citrusy hint. These variations allow you to tailor the recipe to match your taste preferences or the vibe of the party.

If you want to make these nuggets even heartier, consider adding minced vegetables into the breadcrumb coating, such as finely chopped spinach or bell peppers. These additions not only enhance the nutritional content but also provide a burst of color and flavor. Just be sure to chop them very finely so they adhere well without affecting the baking process.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your nuggets are not getting crispy enough, ensure that you're not overcrowding the baking sheet. Space them out so that air can circulate freely around each nugget, and consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through to promote even cooking. If you notice they are browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C).

Should the nuggets stick to the baking sheet, it may be a sign that they need a bit more oil on the surface. Lightly spraying the sheet as well as the nuggets before baking can help create a non-stick surface and enhance crispiness. Additionally, allowing the cooked tofu nuggets to cool for a few minutes on the pan can help them release more easily without sticking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use silken tofu for this recipe?

For this recipe, it's best to use firm or extra-firm tofu to ensure the nuggets hold their shape.

→ How can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes! You can reheat the nuggets in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

→ What can I serve these nuggets with?

These nuggets pair well with a variety of dips, including BBQ sauce, ranch, or even sweet and sour sauce!