Crispy Tofu Chicken Fingers (Easy Vegan!)

Ingredients

• 1 block Extra-firm tofu (14 to 16 oz; drained. No pressing required; pat off excess water.)
• 1 cup Plant-based milk (Soy milk works best.)
• 1 tbsp Pickle juice (Or lemon juice.)
• 1 tsp Poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp Garlic powder (For the marinade.)
• 1 tsp Onion powder (For the marinade.)
• 1 tsp Vegetable broth powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt (For the marinade.)
• 0.75 cup All-purpose flour
• 1.5 tbsp Nutritional yeast (Optional but recommended.)
• 0.75 tsp Paprika (For the flour coating.)
• 0.25 tsp Garlic powder (For the flour coating.)
• 0.25 tsp Onion powder (For the flour coating.)
• 0.25 tsp Salt (For the flour coating.)
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (Or cornflake crumbs.)
• Oil spray (Use as needed; spray generously before cooking.)

Steps

1. 1

   Drain the tofu and cut it into chicken-finger-sized strips or nuggets.

2. 2

   In a shallow bowl or sealable container, whisk together the plant-based milk, pickle juice, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, vegetable broth powder, and salt.

3. 3

   Add the tofu to the marinade and gently toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight.

4. 4

   In one shallow bowl, mix together the flour, nutritional yeast if using, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

5. 5

   Place the panko breadcrumbs in a second shallow bowl.

6. 6

   Remove one piece of tofu from the marinade and coat it in the flour mixture.

7. 7

   Dip the flour-coated tofu back into the marinade, then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating adheres.

8. 8

   Place the breaded tofu on a parchment-lined tray or plate. Repeat the breading process with the remaining tofu.

9. 9

   For the air-fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

10. 10

    Spray the breaded tofu generously with oil.

11. 11

    Air-fry for 16 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

12. 12

    Alternatively, for the oven method, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray generously with oil.

13. 13

    Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

14. 14

    Serve hot with ketchup, vegan ranch, plum sauce, BBQ sauce, or vegan honey mustard.

Notes

Air frying is the recommended method. Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven until hot and crisp; microwaving softens the coating. The source does not recommend freezing because freezing and thawing changes tofu's texture.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• vegan
• vegetarian
• crispy
• air-fried
• baked
• dairy-free
• family-friendly