If you’re looking for a delicious, crispy, and kid-approved plant-based alternative to fish sticks, these Vegan & Gluten-Free Crispy Tofu Sticks are a must-try! Before going plant-based, my kids loved fish sticks, and this recipe has become an excellent, flavorful alternative that they enjoy just as much—if not more!
The secret to their irresistible crunch? Gluten-free panko bread crumbs, which create the perfect crispy coating. Meanwhile, a combination of soy sauce and nutritional yeast gives these tofu sticks a savory, umami-packed flavor that makes them completely addictive.
Serve them as a fun appetizer, snack, or kid-friendly meal, paired with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, or dairy-free ranch. These crispy tofu sticks are easy to make, packed with protein, and sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Give them a try and let me know in the comments—does your family love them as much as we do?
Ingredients for Vegan & Gluten-Free Crispy Tofu Sticks
2 Blocks of Extra Firm Tofu – Pressed and drained to remove excess moisture for the crispiest texture.
Gluten-Free Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos – Adds a delicious savory, umami-packed flavor.
Nutritional Yeast – Gives a slightly cheesy, rich depth of flavor as well as a host of B vitamins
Onion Powder – Enhances the seasoning with a subtle sweetness.
Salt & Pepper – To bring out all the flavors.
Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs – I love using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the perfect crispy coating.
How to Make Crispy Vegan & Gluten-Free Tofu Sticks
This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with crispy goodness, thanks to the air fryer! While you can bake them in the oven or pan-fry them, I absolutely love how the air fryer gives these tofu sticks that perfect golden crunch—without the extra oil. If you don’t have an air fryer yet, I highly recommend getting one—it’s a total game-changer for plant-based cooking!
Step 1: Press & Prep the Tofu
Start by draining and pressing your tofu to remove excess liquid. The less moisture, the crispier the texture!
If you have a tofu press, use it for 10-20 minutes. Otherwise, wrap the tofu in paper towels or a clean cloth, place it on a plate, and set a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet or books) on top to press out the liquid.
Step 2: Slice the Tofu
Once pressed, slice the tofu into long, even strips—this will give them that “fish stick” shape for easy dipping!
Step 3: Coat the Tofu
In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu strips with:
Gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos (for that umami-packed flavor)
Nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy, savory kick)
Onion powder, salt, and pepper
Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs (for that irresistible crunch)
Gently mix until each piece is evenly coated.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the tofu sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket (make sure they aren’t overcrowded for even crisping!).
Air fry at 350°F for 7-8 minutes, then flip the tofu sticks over and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Carefully remove the tofu sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like vegan ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic ketchup, and enjoy!
These crispy, high-protein tofu sticks are kid-friendly, snack-worthy, and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait for you to try them—let me know what you think!
How to Store & Reheat Crispy Vegan Tofu Sticks
These crispy tofu sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but they store well for easy leftovers! Here’s how to keep them crispy and delicious:
Refrigeration:
Allow the tofu sticks to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
To freeze, arrange the cooled tofu sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour (this prevents them from sticking together).
Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
Air Fryer (Best Method): Reheat at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until crispy again.
Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a dry pan over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed and crisp.
Microwave (Least Crispy Option): Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, but note that they won’t be as crispy.
For the crispiest texture, the air fryer or oven is your best bet! Enjoy your tofu sticks fresh or reheated—they make a great snack or meal anytime.
Looking for another delicious tofu recipe? Check out this recipe for crispy air fryer tofu!
Air fryer these can also be baked in the oven or fried in oil on the stovetop
Ingredients
2 (14-16 oz)blocksextra firm tofupressed and drained
1 1/2Tbspgluten free soy sauceor coconut aminos
1 1/2Tbspnutritional yeast
1tsponion powder
1/2tspsalt
1/2tsppepper
2Tbspgluten 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!
