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crispy tofu nuggets

Prep 20 min
Cook 30 min
Age 12 months+
Lunchbox Formula fit What's this?
Protein
Complex carbs
Healthy fats

These nuggets are the antidote to the ultra-processed versions kids are so crazy about. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, high in protein, and made from ingredients that are actually good for them.

vegetarianfreezer friendlynut free
crispy tofu nuggets
01 Ingredients
  • 1 block firm tofu (250g), pressed
  • 4 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp quark or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 cups crushed organic cornflakes (ideally with 1–2 ingredients and no added sugar)
  • 4 tbsp chapelure or breadcrumbs
  • 4 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • Pinch salt + pepper

Texture check

  • Too soft → press the tofu longer before coating
  • Coating falling off → press the crumb mixture on more firmly
  • Not crispy enough → drizzle a bit more olive oil before baking or air frying
02 Method
1.

Press the tofu for 10–15 minutes to remove excess water. Don’t skip this step. It makes a big difference for crispiness.

2.

Tear the tofu into similar-sized nugget pieces. For the best flavour and texture, avoid making them too big or chunky.

3.

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce or tamari with the olive oil. Add the tofu pieces and toss until evenly coated. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.

4.

Prepare 3 separate bowls. **Bowl 1** — Crushed cornflakes — Chapelure or breadcrumbs — Nutritional yeast — Garlic powder — Paprika — Salt + pepper **Bowl 2** — Cornstarch **Bowl 3** — Quark or Greek yogurt

5.

Coat each tofu nugget: — First in cornstarch — Then in quark or yogurt — Then in the crumb mixture — Press the coating on well so it sticks.

6.

Place the coated nuggets on a lined baking tray and drizzle or spray lightly with olive oil.

7.

Bake at 200°C for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

8.

Alternatively, air fry at 190°C for 12–15 minutes.

9.

They’re ready when the edges are golden and crispy.

03 Why parents love this
  • High in protein from tofu + yogurt
  • Crispy texture without ultra-processed ingredients
  • Nutritional yeast adds extra flavour and B vitamins
  • Great for lunchboxes, dinners, or freezer batches
04 Storage & safety
Fridge up to 3 days

Store in an airtight container.

Freezer up to 1 month

For best texture and flavor. Can be kept longer if well-sealed.

The Lunchbox Formula™

there's a reason these recipes work so hard for kids

They're all built around The Lunchbox Formula™: the simple framework for packing food that helps kids get through the school day in one piece.

Free downloadDietitian approved11,000+ parents

The Lunchbox Formula shown on a tablet
Back to recipes
crispy tofu nuggets

crispy tofu nuggets

Prep 20 min Cook 30 min Age 12 months+
Lunchbox Formula fit What's this?
Protein
Complex carbs
Healthy fats

These nuggets are the antidote to the ultra-processed versions kids are so crazy about. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, high in protein, and made from ingredients that are actually good for them.

vegetarianfreezer friendlynut free
01 INGREDIENTS
  • 1 block firm tofu (250g), pressed
  • 4 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp quark or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 cups crushed organic cornflakes (ideally with 1–2 ingredients and no added sugar)
  • 4 tbsp chapelure or breadcrumbs
  • 4 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • Pinch salt + pepper
02 METHOD
1.

Press the tofu for 10–15 minutes to remove excess water. Don’t skip this step. It makes a big difference for crispiness.

2.

Tear the tofu into similar-sized nugget pieces. For the best flavour and texture, avoid making them too big or chunky.

3.

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce or tamari with the olive oil. Add the tofu pieces and toss until evenly coated. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.

4.

Prepare 3 separate bowls. **Bowl 1** — Crushed cornflakes — Chapelure or breadcrumbs — Nutritional yeast — Garlic powder — Paprika — Salt + pepper **Bowl 2** — Cornstarch **Bowl 3** — Quark or Greek yogurt

5.

Coat each tofu nugget: — First in cornstarch — Then in quark or yogurt — Then in the crumb mixture — Press the coating on well so it sticks.

6.

Place the coated nuggets on a lined baking tray and drizzle or spray lightly with olive oil.

7.

Bake at 200°C for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

8.

Alternatively, air fry at 190°C for 12–15 minutes.

9.

They’re ready when the edges are golden and crispy.

Texture check

  • Too soft → press the tofu longer before coating
  • Coating falling off → press the crumb mixture on more firmly
  • Not crispy enough → drizzle a bit more olive oil before baking or air frying
03 WHY PARENTS LOVE THIS
  • High in protein from tofu + yogurt
  • Crispy texture without ultra-processed ingredients
  • Nutritional yeast adds extra flavour and B vitamins
  • Great for lunchboxes, dinners, or freezer batches
04 STORAGE & SAFETY
Fridge up to 3 days

Store in an airtight container.

Freezer up to 1 month

For best texture and flavor. Can be kept longer if well-sealed.

THE LUNCHBOX FORMULA™
The Lunchbox Formula on a tablet

there's a reason these recipes work so hard for kids

They're all built around The Lunchbox Formula™ — the simple framework for packing food that helps kids get through the school day in one piece.

Free downloadDietitian approved11,000+ parents

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