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!
Love nutritional yeast? Make my nutritional yeast tempeh next!
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FEATURED COMMENT:
"Wow! This recipe deserves a 10+++++++ star rating! This was so simple and easy to throw together. My only regret is not doubling the recipe, so I had more. I have tried many tofu recipes, but this was one that really stands out!" - David ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ More reviews →
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.
There's a reason this recipe has been going viral on social media for years, and you really need to try it!
Mel x
P.S. If you're looking for another easy and very versatile tofu recipe, then give my easy shredded tofu a try!
Ingredients
Here is what you need at a glance, along with some important ingredient notes & substitution ideas:
- Tofu - The tofu used must be extra firm, and there is no need to press it.
- Cornstarch - Essential for truly crispy tofu. Nothing else works quite the same.
- Nutritional yeast - This gives the tofu cheesy, umami, savoury flavour and makes it incredible!
- Garlic powder & onion powder - For flavour and really delicious with the nooch flavour. You can switch them for any other spices you like, though or add a pinch or two of something else extra. Chili powder or smoked paprika both work well!
Let's Make Nutritional Yeast Tofu!
Can't wait to make it? The full printable recipe is below, but first, let me walk you through the steps to set you up for success in your kitchen.
This recipe can be made either in an oven or your air fryer.
1 - Mix the seasonings together in a bowl.
2 - Tear the tofu into chunks. Don't cut it into cubes or you won't get the delicious nubbly, craggy texture!
3 - Toss the tofu pieces in the seasonings.
4 - 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 it 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:
It's also great on my vegan carbonara in place of the carrot rashers and with my vegan vodka sauce pasta and creamy vegan orzo risotto.
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.
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.
I get asked this all the time, and it makes me really sad because I can no longer buy my fave nooch in Canada!😩 If you're in the U.S, though, you're in luck because you can. It's Hoosier Hill Farm's, and it's so good. Cheap for nooch too, and it comes in a great big tub that lasts ages.
Until my love and I can be together again 🤭, I am making do with Everland Nutritional yeast, which is good but not as good as Hoosier Hill Farm's.
Recipe
Nutritional Yeast Tofu
Author:WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
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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Kirsten says
I just made this tonight. Total game changer for tofu! It will be my go to recipe!
Melanie McDonald says
So pleased you enjoyed it, Kirsten!
Barb Wright says
We love nutritional yeast on our popcorn and things - so not a shock that we loved the flavor. But this was a huge hit. My 11 year old and I ate the whole block. The tearing for nooks and crannies was a great tip.
Melanie McDonald says
So pleased you both enjoyed it, Barb!
Debbie says
Yum! I made this tofu last night and it was easy and delicious. Always love when I don't have to press the tofu! I added about 1/2 t. of smoked paprika to the other spices. Thanks Mel!!
Melanie McDonald says
So pleased you enjoyed it, Debbie!
Romibee says
For all the times I tried to get an easy, fast, crispy delicious recipe for air fryer tofu, this is the winner! 🥇So easy. So fast to prepare, so tasty AND the miracle of truly crispy! The nutritional yeast really seals the deal! Thanks for this! A definite keeper!
Melanie McDonald says
I'm so pleased you enjoyed it so much, and thank you for coming back to leave a review. It's much appreciated!
Romibee says
It is my pleasure! Also, what I loved about it was that it doesn’t call for honey or syrup or sugar! It’s savory and crunchy which is what I prefer! 😊 Thank you again! I will be trying other recipes on your luscious food site 👍