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!
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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 be sure to check out my easy shredded tofu!
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 cheese, 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: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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Elva Bevan says
Yum! I made this for lunch with roasted veg on the side, absolutely delicious! Thanks VV 😊
R says
First time doing tofu like this and I am sold! So good! I will definitely be cooking this regularly!
Melanie McDonald says
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, and thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a review. It’s much appreciated!
marla says
With such rave reviews, i will certainly try this.
if it only keeps for 3 days in the fridge, could i possibly freeze it?
thanks for your dedication to nutrition!
Melanie McDonald says
I wouldn't freeze this. It's only one block of tofu so should be pretty easy to eat in a few days. I eat it in one sitting! 🤭
MJ says
Amazing recipe - you nailed it again, Mel.
David Noel says
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 baked tofu recipes but this was one that really stands out! Thank you for sharing this recipe Melanie!
Melanie McDonald says
Thank you so much for your review, David! I'm really pleased you enjoyed it so much!
Sandra says
Easy and delicious. Will be making this a lot. I added 1/4 tsp smoked paprika. My pieces were smaller than in your photo, and I had some small bits. Crunchy. Used the 14-oz Simple Truth extra firm tofu from Kroger. Let the block sit on paper towel while I mixed the seasonings, then crumbled into bowl. Baked in Cuisinart convection toaster oven.
Ate half of it with stir-fried veggies for breakfast. Trying hard to resist going back for the other half. Spices just right for my taste buds with the smoked paprika. As some mentioned, can be made spicy for those who like some heat, or dipped in sriacha sauce or other hot sauce.
Amy says
I love tofu and eat it almost daily - I tried this recipe today, and it is by far the best I've made and I've tried many others!! Nothing like this one - The flavors and ease of putting things together. Making this utilizing the tearing tofu method versus cutting them was the first for me and what a difference between the two. Look forward to trying other recipes from this site. Thanks for sharing!
Melanie McDonald says
I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, Amy! Tearing the tofu really is a game changer!
Pam S says
Full disclosure, I'm not total vegan-yet, but I've tried several tofu recipes bc hubby does not care for it and I'm determined to find one that works for him too. This one is it!! I have made this at least 5 times since finding it and it's always a hit not just with my hubby but friends and family love it too. We mainly make it to snack on but I can see it being a great topper or a main dish with sauce. It's so addictive and easy. Thank you for this one!
Melanie McDonald says
That's great, Pam! I'm so pleased you're all enjoying it. My baked tofu recipe has won a lot of tofu-haters over too. If you haven't tried it it might be worth a shot too!
Pam S says
I will check it out!
Mark says
I forgot the salt and it was delicious without it.
Kathy says
This is my favorite go to easy recipe. My husband also loves it. It can be a meal with salad, vegetables and rice or just added to the top of a salad. Also it makes a great snack! Thanks
Deb Bickle says
Hi there, are there other options instead of cornstarch?
Thank you 🙏🏻
Melanie McDonald says
Cornstarch is the best option for crisping up tofu. You could probably use some regular all-purpose flour instead but it won't give the same texture as cornstarch. Hope that helps.
Deb Bickle says
Thank you
Great idea 🙏🏻
Kathy says
Arrowroot works in this recipe instead of cornstarch.
Elizabeth says
Easy and loved them!
Carolyn says
Love this recipe!
Susie says
Oh my geez that is super delicious. Taste naughty and decadent but it’s not …definitely making these again !!
Glenda Fagan says
I share this regularly in my WFPB vegan Facebook groups. Especially when people say they're trying to learn to like and/or cook tofu. I have it on my To Do list for this week. I like to add it to salads and top off stirfrys...and munch the leftovers as a snack. (You know, like those fast food nuggets) It's fun recipe because it's easy to change up the seasonings. Personally, I like it SPICY! I experiment with the many different chile powders we have available in New Mexico. Thanks so much for creating this recipe :)
Melanie McDonald says
Thank you so much, Glenda! I'm really pleased you're enjoying it.
Debra Murphy says
Utterly delicious! so simple yet so very tasty. I could so easily eat the whole lot, thankyou Mel
Melanie McDonald says
So pleased you enjoyed it, Debra!