Easy Vegan Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Craving crispy, bite-sized nuggets but looking for a plant-based alternative? This recipe is for you! We’ll show you how to make Vegan Chicken Nuggets that are bursting with flavor and texture, all without any chicken. They’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce, adding to salads, or enjoying on their own. With a few simple ingredients and a quick prep time, you can have these delicious nuggets ready in no time. So ditch the takeout menu and get ready to whip up a satisfying and healthier version of classic comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Vegan Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Experiment with flavors: The base recipe is easily customizable. Add your favorite spices or herbs to create unique flavor combinations in your nuggets.
- Budget-friendly: Skip the expensive store-bought options and whip up a batch of vegan nuggets for a fraction of the cost.
- Control your ingredients: Know exactly what goes into your food. This recipe is a great way to avoid unwanted additives or preservatives.
- Surprisingly simple: Don’t be fooled by the deliciousness – these nuggets are surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal prep and cook time.
- Perfect for meal prepping: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week for quick lunches, after-school snacks, or easy dinners.
- Vegan crowd-pleaser: Having a vegan potluck? These nuggets are sure to be a hit and leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Vegan Chicken Nuggets with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Crumble the Tofu
Using your hands, crumble the tofu into bite-sized nugget shapes. No need to be perfect here – uneven pieces add a fun, homemade touch!
Make the Batter and Breadcrumb Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour and almond milk to create a smooth batter.
In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coating the Nuggets
Dip each tofu piece into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it through the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure good adhesion.
Bake the Nuggets
Arrange the coated tofu nuggets on the prepared baking sheet. Give them a quick spritz of cooking spray for extra crispness.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
Serve your delicious vegan nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauce – marinara, vegan mayo, or even BBQ sauce all work wonders!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Pressing is Key: Don’t skip the pressing step! Excess moisture in the tofu will prevent your nuggets from getting crispy. Wrap the drained tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for 20-30 minutes.
- Freeze-Thaw Hack: Want extra crispy nuggets? Try freezing the pressed tofu for at least an hour before crumbling it. Freezing disrupts the tofu’s cell structure, creating a chewier texture that crisps up beautifully when baked. Just thaw completely before using.
- Customize Your Coating: This recipe is a great base, but feel free to experiment with different flavors! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or swap the paprika for a different spice like smoked paprika or curry powder. You can even add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the breadcrumb mix for a cheesy flavor.
- Achieving Maximum Crunch: For the crispiest nuggets, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a delightfully crunchy exterior.
- Double Dip for Extra Coating (Optional): If you want an extra thick and crispy coating, dip the tofu nugget in the batter again after coating it in breadcrumbs.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Leave space between the nuggets on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and optimal crispness.
- Oven Calibration Matters: Not all ovens are created equal! If your oven runs hot, keep an eye on the nuggets towards the end of baking to avoid over-browning.
- Beyond Baking: These nuggets can also be air-fried for a healthier alternative. Use the air-fry setting at 200°C (392°F) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Leftovers? No Problem! Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
How to Store Easy Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Conquered a craving and made a big batch of vegan nuggets? No worries, these delicious bites store beautifully! Here’s how to ensure your leftovers stay crispy and fresh.
- Cool Them Down: Let your leftover nuggets cool completely before storing. Trapped heat can lead to moisture build-up and soggy nuggets – nobody wants that!
- Airtight is the Way to Go: Transfer your cooled nuggets to an airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out or absorbing any unwanted fridge smells.
- Fridge or Freezer? You Decide: Enjoy your leftovers within 3 days if you’re storing them in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, these nuggets freeze like a dream! Pop them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Revival: When it’s time to enjoy your leftover nuggets again, reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a quick and crispy refresh. The oven will take about 5-7 minutes at 200°C (392°F), while the air fryer can revive them in 3-5 minutes at the same temperature.
What to Serve With Easy Vegan Chicken Nuggets
So you’ve whipped up a batch of delicious vegan chicken nuggets?
No nugget experience is complete without delicious dips! Whip up a batch of vegan ranch, vegan ketchup, or creamy BBQ sauce for a crowd-pleasing combo.
If you want to load up on your comfort foods, then pair these with Pumpkin Mac and Cheese, and you’ll be in heaven.
Turn your nuggets into a portable lunch or light dinner by tucking them into a whole-wheat wrap with your favorite vegan mayo, shredded lettuce, and chopped veggies.
For a cozy and comforting meal, serve your nuggets alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a hearty lentil stew.
More Easy Vegan Recipes for You to Try at Home
Want to try your hand at more delicious vegan bite sized recipes?
Easy Vegan Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ pound tofu block pressed
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup almond milk
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (355ºF). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the tofu block with your hands to make nugget shapes.½ pound tofu block
- Add the flour and almond milk to a small bowl.½ cup flour, ¼ cup almond milk
- Mix breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.½ cup breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and pepper
- Dip each piece into the flour and almond milk. Then dip them into the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Arrange them in a tray and coat them with cooking spray. Bring to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy with mayo or your chosen dip.
Notes
- Pressing is Key: Don’t skip the pressing step! Excess moisture in the tofu will prevent your nuggets from getting crispy. Wrap the drained tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for 20-30 minutes.
- Freeze-Thaw Hack: Want extra crispy nuggets? Try freezing the pressed tofu for at least an hour before crumbling it. Freezing disrupts the tofu’s cell structure, creating a chewier texture that crisps up beautifully when baked. Just thaw completely before using.
- Customize Your Coating: This recipe is a great base, but feel free to experiment with different flavors! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or swap the paprika for a different spice like smoked paprika or curry powder. You can even add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the breadcrumb mix for a cheesy flavor.
- Achieving Maximum Crunch: For the crispiest nuggets, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a delightfully crunchy exterior.
- Double Dip for Extra Coating (Optional): If you want an extra thick and crispy coating, dip the tofu nugget in the batter again after coating it in breadcrumbs.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Leave space between the nuggets on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and optimal crispness.
- Oven Calibration Matters: Not all ovens are created equal! If your oven runs hot, keep an eye on the nuggets towards the end of baking to avoid over-browning.
- Beyond Baking: These nuggets can also be air-fried for a healthier alternative. Use the air-fry setting at 200°C (392°F) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Leftovers? No Problem! Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
