Pecan Crusted Tofu Nuggets

Name: Pecan Crusted Tofu Nuggets
Prep time: PT15 minutesM
Cook time: PT15 minutesM
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 28 Nuggets; Serves 4-6
Ingredients: 1 cup pecan pieces; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ⅓ cup unsweetened plant-based milk; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari; Avocado oil for frying

Yield: 28 Nuggets; Serves 4-6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes

Looking for a healthy, delicious plant-based snack or weeknight dinner? These crispy pecan-crusted tofu nuggets blend nutrient-dense pecans with super firm tofu for maximum crunch and savory flavor. Easy to bake, air fry, or pan-fry, this family-friendly recipe turns a block of tofu into a flavorful, high-protein treat in under 45 minutes.

By Chris Petrellese

Ingredients

1 cup pecan pieces
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
⅓ cup unsweetened plant-based milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
Avocado oil for frying

Preparation

Prep the tofu: if baking or air frying, preheat the oven to 425°F (or the air fryer to 400°F). Cut or tear the tofu into bite-sized nugget pieces, roughly 1-inch chunks.
Make the pecan crust: Pulse 1 cup pecan pieces in a food processor until finely chopped but still slightly chunky; you want texture, not pecan flour. Transfer to a shallow bowl and mix in ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
Make the wet batter: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup unsweetened plant-based milk, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari until smooth.
Coat the nuggets: Dip each tofu piece into the wet mixture, letting any excess drip off, then press firmly into the pecan crust mixture on all sides. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake or air fry: Spray the nuggets lightly with 4 sprays of olive oil spray.
Bake for 28 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
For the air fryer, cook at 400°F for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pan-fry: Place the breaded nuggets into the hot oil over medium heat and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
Rest and serve: Let nuggets rest for 3 minutes before serving — the crust firms up as they cool.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce!

Did you know?

With 3g of fiber per serving, pecans are a good source of fiber for any diet!

Pecan Crusted Tofu Nuggets

Ingredients

Preparation

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