Nutritional Yeast Tofu

Ingredients

• 1 block extra-firm tofu (About 400 g; pack sizes vary. Drain excess water, but do not press or dry. Tear into irregular bite-sized chunks.)
• 4 tbsp nutritional yeast (Also called nooch; do not substitute regular bread-making yeast.)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• neutral oil (Optional; use a tiny amount to brush an air-fryer basket if food tends to stick.)

Steps

1. 1

   For the air-fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), if preheating is recommended for your model. For the oven method, preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or another suitable liner.

2. 2

   Open the tofu package and drain away any excess water. Do not press or dry the tofu; retaining some moisture helps the seasoning adhere.

3. 3

   In a bowl, combine the nutritional yeast, cornstarch, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

4. 4

   Using your hands, tear the tofu into irregular bite-sized chunks and place the pieces in the bowl. Do not cut the tofu into neat cubes: the torn, craggy surfaces create more nooks and crannies for the coating to cling to.

5. 5

   Toss the tofu thoroughly with the seasoning mixture until every piece is coated. Cook the tofu immediately rather than letting it sit, since the coating is intended to be cooked right away.

6. 6

   For air frying, lightly brush the bottom of the basket with a tiny amount of oil if it tends to stick. Add the tofu in a single layer, leaving space around the pieces for air circulation.

7. 7

   Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing the basket halfway through, until the tofu is deeply golden and very crunchy.

8. 8

   For baking instead, spread the coated tofu pieces in a single layer on the lined baking tray. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

9. 9

   Serve hot as a snack or use the crispy tofu as a topper, filling, or component of a main dish.

Notes

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or in a 350°F air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes. Chili powder or smoked paprika can be added for variation. Nutritional yeast is not interchangeable with regular baking yeast.

Nutrition per serving

• vegan
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• high-protein
• snack
• main
• air-fried
• baked