If you’ve been craving the nostalgic joy of dunking into a basket of crispy, golden chicken nuggets—minus the chicken—you are absolutely going to fall for these Crispy & Crunchy Vegan Chicken Nuggets. They’re flavorful, satisfyingly crunchy on the outside, and positively tender inside thanks to perfectly marinated tofu and a spectacular gluten-free crumb.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Addictive Crunch: The double-coating and crunchy breadcrumb exterior lead to a bite that’s satisfyingly crisp every single time.
- Plant-Based Comfort Food: Enjoy familiar, nostalgic nuggets—completely vegan and packed with protein thanks to marinated tofu.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Easily adapt to gluten-free diets using your favorite flour and breadcrumb alternatives with zero compromise on texture or flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These nuggets are crowd-pleasers—ideal for weeknight dinners, game days, picnics, and even meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Crispy & Crunchy Vegan Chicken Nuggets is all in the layers: a well-marinated tofu base, a creamy buttermilk batter, and a seasoned, ultra-crispy crumb. Each ingredient is chosen to maximize flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden hue.
- Firm tofu (1 lb block): The star of our nuggets, tofu transforms into a juicy, “meaty” center when pressed, torn, and marinated.
- Soy sauce/liquid aminos/tamari: Brings depth, umami, and a hint of savoriness—pick whichever you prefer or have on hand.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Staples for boosting savory, “chickeny” flavors.
- Smoked paprika: Adds color and a touch of smoky warmth that makes these nuggets downright irresistible.
- Nutritional yeast: Optional, but it gives a subtle cheesy richness and enhances the overall umami.
- Plant-based milk: Use any variety you like; almond, oat, or soy all work beautifully for the batter.
- Apple cider vinegar: Combined with milk, it creates a vegan buttermilk for tenderizing and helping the crumb adhere.
- All-purpose gluten free flour (or regular flour): Makes the base for a light, crispy coating—Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free mix is especially good here.
- Gluten free breadcrumbs (or regular): Ultra-crunchy panko-style or pulsed brown rice cereal both work to amp up the texture dramatically.
- Italian seasoning, sea salt, more garlic & smoked paprika: Ensures every bite is bursting with flavor, not blandness!
- Oil (for pan-frying): Optional if baking, but a shallow fry gives a classic golden crunch you can hear when you bite in.
Variations
One of the best things about making your own Crispy & Crunchy Vegan Chicken Nuggets is how easy it is to riff on the recipe! You can tweak the flavors, the coatings, and even the protein to suit your preferences or what’s already in your kitchen.
- Spicy Buffalo Nuggets: Add cayenne pepper to the marinade and toss the baked or fried nuggets in vegan buffalo sauce before serving.
- Cheesy Herbed Nuggets: Use extra nutritional yeast and throw in fresh chopped parsley and chives to the crumb for a cheesy-garlic vibe.
- Chickpea Version: Substitute extra firm chickpea tofu or store-bought seitan for the tofu if you want a soy-free or firmer option.
- Sweeter Kids’ Nuggets: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the marinade for a subtle sweetness that kids (and let’s be real, adults too) absolutely love.
How to Make Crispy & Crunchy Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Step 1: Tear and Marinate the Tofu
Start by pressing your tofu to remove excess moisture—this is the secret to achieving that delightfully meaty bite. Tear the tofu into chunky, nugget-sized pieces for those satisfying, ragged edges (which crisp up beautifully!). Bathe the pieces in a super-flavorful marinade of soy sauce, spices, and a splash of water for at least 15 minutes, or even overnight for a bigger flavor punch.
Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Stations
While the tofu mingles with the marinade, prep three shallow bowls for the breading assembly line: one for flour, one for your quick homemade vegan buttermilk (plant milk plus vinegar), and one for the seasoned crumb mixture. This setup not only streamlines the process but lets you create that awesome crunchy shell you’ll crave.
Step 3: Coat and Crumb Each Nugget
Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge each marinated tofu chunk in the flour, dunk it in the buttermilk to help everything stick, then roll it through the crumb mixture for ultimate crunch. Don’t rush—give each nugget plenty of crumb, pressing gently so it adheres all over.
Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection
To pan-fry, heat oil in a nonstick skillet and cook the nuggets in batches until brilliantly golden on all sides. For a lighter option, you can spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spritz with a tiny bit of oil, and bake—either way, you’ll get an irresistible crust that lives up to the “Crispy & Crunchy Vegan Chicken Nuggets” promise!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy & Crunchy Vegan Chicken Nuggets
- Magic in the Marinade: The longer you marinate the tofu, the deeper (and “chickenier!”) the flavor—overnight marination turns these nuggets into bold, savory bites.
- Get Raggedy Edges: Tearing, instead of cutting, the tofu gives you craggy bits that pick up extra crumb and make for the crunchiest possible exterior.
- Breadcrumb Upgrade: If using rice cereal for your crumb, pulse only until chunky—don’t powder it—to preserve the “fried chicken” texture.
- Oven-Baking Success: For baked nuggets, a wire rack on your baking sheet lets heat circulate, ensuring every side crisps up beautifully (no soggy bottoms!).
How to Serve Crispy & Crunchy Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Garnishes
Why not make these already-eye-catching nuggets even more appealing? Sprinkle with a flourish of chopped parsley, chives, or even a pinch of smoked paprika before serving for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right out of the pan or oven is another small touch that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy & Crunchy Vegan Chicken Nuggets with classic sides like fries, sweet potato wedges, or a bright, tangy coleslaw. Or try serving with roasted veggies, a fresh green salad, or a creamy vegan mac and cheese for the full comfort food experience. Don’t forget a platter of dipping sauces—from classic ketchup and mustard, to creamy ranch or spicy vegan mayo!
Creative Ways to Present
Make nugget night memorable by threading nuggets onto skewers with pickles and cherry tomatoes for party platters, or pile them into lettuce cups with slaw for a fresh twist. These nuggets even shine tucked into soft slider buns with crisp lettuce and vegan mayo, or arranged tapas-style for game nights and gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any nuggets left (good luck!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep a paper towel in the container to help absorb moisture and preserve the crust’s texture.
Freezing
These Crispy & Crunchy Vegan Chicken Nuggets are seriously meal-prep gold! Arrange cooled nuggets on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months and are perfect for quick snacks or last-minute dinners.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Skip the microwave if you want to preserve that signature crunch!
FAQs
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Can I make Crispy & Crunchy Vegan Chicken Nuggets without oil?
Absolutely! Simply bake the nuggets on a parchment-lined sheet, spritz lightly with cooking spray, and bake until golden brown and crisp. While pan-frying achieves the ultimate crunch, the oven method is lighter and still gives a wonderful texture.
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What’s the best plant-based milk for the batter?
Any unsweetened, unflavored plant-based milk will do the trick—almond, soy, oat, or cashew are all great options. Just avoid any with strong flavors or added sweeteners for the most neutral base.
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My coating isn’t sticking—what am I doing wrong?
The double-dip assembly line is key! Make sure your tofu is still moist from the marinade, coat each piece thoroughly in flour and buttermilk, and press well into the crumb. Don’t be afraid to pat the coating on for maximum coverage!
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Can I use homemade breadcrumbs instead of store-bought?
Yes, and it’s a tasty way to use up stale bread! Blitz it in a food processor to achieve a coarse, panko-like texture for the best crunch. Gluten-free bread works just as well if you need to keep things celiac-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried these Crispy & Crunchy Vegan Chicken Nuggets, you may never go back to store-bought! They’re packed with flavor, shockingly easy to make, and guaranteed to please vegans and non-vegans alike. Grab your favorite dipping sauce, invite a few friends, and turn nugget night into the highlight of your week!
Print
Vegan Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 35 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-fry or Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Chicken Nuggets are incredibly crispy and crunchy, making them a delicious meat-free alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. Made with tofu and a blend of flavorful seasonings, these nuggets are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb block tofu, pressed and drained of liquid
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce + 1 tablespoon, or liquid aminos or tamari
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 3/4 cup any nut milk, or ANY vegan milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, or regular vinegar
- 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour mix, or regular flour
- 1 1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs, or regular breadcrumbs
- 3 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 3 teaspoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup of oil
Marinade:
Batter:
Crumb Mixture:
Instructions
- Prepare Tofu: Slice pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Prepare Coating: Set up bowls with flour, milk mixed with vinegar, and crumb mixture.
Marinate the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast for at least 15 minutes.
Notes
- You can adjust the seasonings in the marinade to suit your taste preferences.
- For a healthier option, bake the nuggets instead of pan-frying them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nugget
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
