The most delicious, crispy and golden Nutritional Yeast Tofu. Super quick and easy to make in an oven or air fryer, this crunchy, golden, seasoned tofu is ready to grace a multitude of dishes, or be enjoyed as a tasty snack!
![a bowl of crispy nutritional yeast tofu garnished with parsley](https://avirtualvegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nutritional-Yeast-Tofu-A-Virtual-Vegan-6.jpg)
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FEATURED COMMENT
"Oh my goodness!! My first attempt at tofu anything! This is AMAZING!! Even my skeptical “won’t try anything healthy” husband admitted it was really good! Thank you so much for this recipe!"
- Clare ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ More reviews →
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You have no idea how much you need this Nutritional Yeast Tofu recipe! Get ready to find yourself throwing a handful of these magnificently golden, crispy nuggets on every single meal from here on out. Straight up snacking is also very much recommended!
Need a little texture on top of some pasta? These are perfect. Some protein and crunch in your soup or salad? Oh yes...(Sorry croutons you've been replaced). Thinking about making a big batch and dipping them in creamy vegan ranch as an appetizer? Hello, winning at life.
Have I been known to eat these perfectly seasoned tofu bites straight from the air fryer basket? YES. SEVERAL TIMES.
![a bowl of nutritional yeast tofu with one piece cut in half to show the soft, tender, inside](https://avirtualvegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nutritional-Yeast-Tofu-A-Virtual-Vegan-8.jpg)
Ingredients
The ingredients list is very short and naturally oil and gluten-free:
![ingredients needed for this recipe: tofu, nutritional yeast, onion & garlic powder, salt & pepper, cornstarch.](https://avirtualvegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nutritonal-Yeast-Tofu-Ingredients.jpg)
Success Tip - The tofu used must be extra firm and there is no need to press it.
How To Make Nutritional Yeast Tofu
This recipe can be made either in an oven or your air fryer. Here's how:
![how to make the recipe step by step as per the written directions in the recipe card](https://avirtualvegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/nutritional-yeast-tofu-steps.jpg)
- Mix the seasonings together in a bowl.
- Tear the tofu into chunks.
- Toss the tofu pieces in the seasonings.
- Add to a baking sheet or air fryer basket in a single layer and bake until golden and crispy.
Success Tip - Tear the tofu block rather than cutting into cubes. That way you get way more nooks and crannies for the seasoning to stick and the finished tofu will be crispier than cubed tofu.
Serving Suggestions
Ok, this nutritional yeast tofu is so versatile so be sure to make plenty. Use it as part of your main dish, as a filling or as a topper.
I highly recommend a few tofu nuggets scattered on any and all creamy rice and pasta dishes for added taste and texture. Here it is on my vegan pumpkin pasta:
![a bowl of pumpkin pasta topped with crunchy nuggets of nutritional yeast tofu](https://avirtualvegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nutritional-Yeast-Tofu-A-Virtual-Vegan-9.jpg)
It's also great on my vegan carbonara in place of the carrot rashers and with my vegan vodka sauce pasta.
Need something filling and tasty to add to your salads? Nutritional yeast tofu is your friend. It adds a ton of flavour, protein and texture. It's also fab on bowl meals, in burritos, wraps, tacos or as a fun finger food with or without dip.
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep really well in a container in the fridge and are incredibly good cold. Perfect for the kiddos packed lunch box! Prefer them warm? Reheat in an air fryer or the oven for a few minutes. 350°F for 10 mins in an oven or 350°F in an air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
Nutritional yeast (a.k.a nooch) is a really unique ingredient and cannot be replaced in this recipe. It is definitely one that I recommend you keep in your vegan pantry at all times. Don't whatever you do use regular bread-making yeast in place of nutritional yeast in this or any recipe.
Recipe
![a bowl of nutritional yeast tofu garnished with parsley](https://avirtualvegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nutritional-Yeast-Tofu-A-Virtual-Vegan-7-150x150.jpg)
Nutritional Yeast Tofu
Author:Ingredients
- 1 block (about 14 oz /400 grams) extra firm tofu , pack sizes vary. It doesn't have to be exact.
- 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
INSTRUCTIONS
- Open the package of tofu. Drain off any excess water. Do not press or dry it.
- With your hands, tear the tofu into irregular bite sized chunks and place in a bowl.
- Add the seasonings and toss well to coat. Cook immediately. Don't let it sit.
- To air fry - Grease the bottom of your air fryer basket with a little brush of oil. Add the tofu to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until super crunchy and golden, tossing halfway.
- To bake - Spread out on a lined baking tray and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden and crispy.
NOTES
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Elissa Butler says
This is so easy and delicious. I tried it right after cooking and after refrigeration- wonderful both ways. Even my carnivore husband was tempted after smelling it cooking, and he liked it, too! This is a winner.
Melanie McDonald says
Yay! So pleased you're enjoying the recipe. Thanks for leaving a review. It's much appreciated!
Sheila C says
I made this tofu couple of nights ago. I enjoyed it when it was still warm but it really came into its own over salad bowl the next day. Oh yes this is a keeper thanks for the recipe
Jane says
This is a great recipe and I make it often. I jazz mine up a bit with added chilli flakes, ground coriander, smoked or sweet paprika and dill. Plus, I recommend doubling the recipe because it goes too fast!
Diane says
Best, tofu, ever !!! Unpinned all my air fryer tofu recipes, yours will be the only one I'll make from now on !!
Melanie McDonald says
Love that Diane! Thank you!
Debs says
Absolutely love this recipe. Now my favourite way to cook tofu. Since I discovered this I make it at least three times a week - absolutely delicious and so easy to make !
Melanie McDonald says
So pleased you're enjoying the recipe, Debs!
Larry says
These are amazing!!! Best nuggets we've ever had!!!
Anna Brewer says
I found it hard to get the coating to stick to the tofu; it might have benefited from tossing the tofu in soy sauce or something beforehand to add flavour and provide something to help the coating to stick!
Gina s says
Wow I’ve tried as many tofu recipes as one can count and I can’t believe how incredible and easy these are!! Thank you so much for this recipe!
Melanie McDonald says
So pleased you enjoyed it, Gina!
Mary says
I made this the other night with super-firm tofu, as that's all I had. Although it was a little chewy it was pretty good. At the time I thought it definitely had possibilities, but then I noticed how it keeps getting better and better each day, and I will miss it when its gone! I now have extra-firm tofu, so the next batch will be better yet!
Mary says
I forgot to rate these with my first comment, and they deserve 5 stars. Tasty and versatile, with so many possibilities!
Mary says
Needed to add my rating to my comment. Mel, your recipes are great! Thank you!
Tim Huesken says
This recipe is so good and easy. I found the smaller the pieces of Tofu, the quicker the cooking time. We use Nasoya's Organic super firm (available at Walmart). Everyone in our house loves this.
Monica says
I forgot to mention I ate them right out of the air fryer and they were delicious. We were traveling the next day so I took the leftovers with us on the flight and they were also delicious! Win -win!
Melanie McDonald says
I once took it to the movies like popcorn!😆 So pleased you're enjoying the recipe Monica!
Monica says
These are life changing. Even my husband who eats meat was impressed. I am obsessed!! Thank you!
Denise says
This is by far the best recipe I've tried for tofu! My "nuggets" came out perfectly crispy-crunchy on the outside and still moist and tender inside. I'm hooked!
Melanie McDonald says
Love that! So pleased you're enjoying the recipe!
Karen says
Delicious. Just as well I only cooked one serving or I would have eaten the whole lot because it was so morish
Sally says
Just want you to know how life changing this recipe is!! So delicious, so easy, and crave-able! i’m lucky if at least half the recipe makes it to the fridge before it cools off. Thank you so much for this one!
Melanie McDonald says
Love that, Sally! So pleased you're enjoying it! I'm currently testing a spin off of this one. If you like spicy watch this space!
Melissa Geib says
Delicious and easy!!!