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
"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.
Ingredients
The ingredients list is very short and naturally oil and gluten-free:
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:
- 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:
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
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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Lana C. says
I have made this a couple of times and it is so yummy 😋 I pop the leftovers back in the air fryer and they’re just like fresh
INKEN GADDASS says
Wow! This is so delicious!
Well written recipe, easy to cook. Love it hot and cold.
A little tweak - when I put the left over pieces into the food container I sprinkle a little extra salt onto the tofu, give it a little shake then put it into the fridge ready to be eaten next day as snack! Yummy!
Sandra Ruth Wallin says
Have you tried his recipe with tofu that has been frozen and then thawed? I know it changes the texture...... but I think it would be worth trying.
Melanie McDonald says
I recommend following the recipe as written for the best results. We test recipes every which way to make sure they are at their very best when published. This one is best when the tofu has not been previously frozen or pressed. Because of the nature of the dry coating, the size of the pieces, and cooking method, it can get too dry if frozen or pressed first. The texture is perfect when made as written. Hope that helps!
Daphne says
This was delicious and the prep time was less than 5 minutes
LeAnn Moser says
My husband and I are eating this for the first time right now. It’s so easy and I had all the ingredients on hand. It is delicious! I’ll be making this often.
Diana says
Wow this was so good, so easy and so crunchy! I used defrosted frozen tofu bc I was out of fresh tofu and it came out great! Definitely something I’ll make all the time. Thanks!
Connie Dahlke says
Is their a brand of "extra firm" tofu that you recommend for this? I've never seen tofu that you can "tear with your hands."
Melanie McDonald says
All extra firm tofu will tear. If you can cube it you can tear it. If you can't cube or tear it then it's probably not extra firm tofu. I don't use any particular brand. The only thing I watch out for is that it's organic. I buy whatever is sold where-ever I'm shopping that's the best deal. I guess most commonly Sunrise, Soyganic, Superior, or Green Cuisine. Hope that helps.
Boston Vegan says
Super easy and delicious. I made mine in the oven.
Jacque says
Just made this tonight. It was so easy and SO yummy! I am making it again! :)
Jackie says
What a fantastic recipe, thank you so much.
ali says
Have you tried freezing the tofu first? It makes for a wonderful texture and tears in a way where it holds together really well. Ill let you know how it turns out.
Melanie McDonald says
Yes I tried that when testing this recipe. I think it's better when it isn't frozen first. It gets too dry when cooked like this.
Renee says
I really LOVE Yeasty Tofu. It's quick and delicious! Thank you!!
Carol says
Fantastic way for tofu ::::::: my husband really loves this, always said he hated tofu but now loves it cooked this way 👍
Jackie says
Same here! We'll definitely be having it again.
Clare says
Oh my goodness!! My first attempt at air fryer tofu!! 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!
C Hamilton ~ Georgia
Shelly Smith says
Another winning recipe! I love that you can just change up the spice part to make the flavor profile anything you want.
Maggie says
Great easy recipe!
Julie says
Oh wow! These are so delicious!
Will definitely be making these little golden nuggets again...and again.
Great, easy recipe.