Vegan & Gluten Free Crispy Tofu Sticks

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These crispy tofu sticks are a family favorite. Before going plant based the kids use to enjoy fish sticks regularly. I have found this recipe is an excellent and tasty alternative. The gluten free panko bread crumbs help to give these a crispy texture while the soy sauce and nutritional yeast combination give them a delicious, savory flavor. Comment below and let me know if your family loves them as much as we do.

Ingredients

• 2 blocks of extra firm tofu: pressed and drained.
• Gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Nutritional yeast
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Gluten free bread crumbs : I use gluten free panko breadcrumbs

How to make crispy tofu sticks

To make this particular recipe I use my air fryer to give the tofu that extra crispness. They could also be baked in the oven, or fried in oil on the stovetop if desired, but I am pretty much in love with my air fryer and use it all the time. If you don’t already have an air fryer I HIGHLY suggest you look into purchasing one. It is fantastic for so many things. Especially because the one I have doubles as an oven, toaster, and air fryer in one.

Start by draining and pressing your tofu to remove any extra liquid. I use my tofu press but you could also use paper or cloth towels and a heavy object to press your tofu. I like to prep my tofu before hand so it has ample time to drain more liquid. The more liquid it has the more “squishy” it is, so to give it more of a “meaty” texture I would suggest pressing it for at least 10-20 minutes.

After pressing your tofu, use a knife to slice it into long strips.

Put all sliced tofu into a bowl and pour gluten free soy sauce, nutritional yeast, onion powder, salt, pepper, and gluten free bread crumbs (I use gf panko) and toss to cover all strips.

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and lay tofu strips out evenly.

Air fry on 350° for 7-8 minutes. Flip tofu sticks over and continue to cook an additional 5-7 minutes or until they reached a golden brown.

Carefully remove from air fryer basket and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce and enjoy!

Storage

This keep well in the fridge for 5-6 days. I personally have never froze them as we don’t normally have any leftovers. If you do let me know how they turn out. These are also fantastic to pack for school lunches.

Looking for another delicious tofu recipe? Check out this recipe for crispy air fryer tofu!

Gluten Free & Vegan Crispy Tofu Sticks

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Course Main Course

Equipment

• Air fryer these can also be baked in the oven or fried in oil on the stovetop

Ingredients

  

• 2 (14-16 oz) blocks extra firm tofu pressed and drained
• 1 1/2 Tbsp gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 1/2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 Tbsp gluten free panko bread crumbs

Instructions

 

• Start by draining and pressing your tofu to remove any extra liquid.

   The more liquid it has the more "squishy" it is, so to give it more of a "meaty" texture I would suggest pressing it for at least 10-20 minutes. 
• After pressing your tofu, use a knife to slice it into long strips. 
• Put all sliced tofu into a bowl and pour gluten free soy sauce, nutritional yeast, onion powder, salt, pepper, and gluten free bread crumbs (I use gf panko) and toss to cover all strips. 
• Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and lay tofu strips out evenly. 
• Air fry on 350° for 7-8 minutes.
• Flip tofu sticks over and continue to cook an additional 5-7 minutes or until they reached a golden brown.
• Carefully remove from air fryer basket and allow to cool for 5 minutes. 
• Serve with your choice of dipping sauce and enjoy!