Yields: 4

Recipe, Photo, and Food styling: Hannah Kaminsky

“I’ve never met a plant-based nugget I didn’t like. While the war over fast food nuggets wages on, I’m perfectly content to stay home and indulge my love for these savory snacks quietly, without controversy. No matter the “meat” of the matter, homemade will always win this fight. From nutrition to flavor, there’s just no comparison.” - Bittersweet Blog

Make sure to check out the Bittersweet Blog for more pictures and additional details on how to prepare this RECIPE.

Ingredients

Nuggets and Assembly

• 1 (8-Ounce) Package Hodo 5 Spice Nuggets or Thai Curry Nuggets Locate Product

• 1/2 Cup Aquafaba

• 1/2 Cup Potato Starch

Seasoned Breadcrumbs

• 1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs*

• 1 Tablespoon Nutritional Yeast

• 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika

• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

• 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder

• 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning

• 3/4 Teaspoon Salt

To Cook

• Olive Oil Spray

*For a gluten-free alternative, you can use 1 1/4 cups of crispy rice cereal (be sure to double check it is gluten free), pulsed in a food processor until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Instructions

1. Begin by separating all the nuggets, placing them in a small bowl. Set out three additional bowls, filling one with aquafaba, one with potato starch, and mixing together all the seasoned breadcrumb ingredients into the last. Make sure the seasoned breadcrumb mixture is thoroughly combined before proceeding.

2. Take two or three nuggets at a time and toss them in the potato starch. Make sure they're fully coated and dry to the touch. Shake off the excess before dipping them in the aquafaba. Let it drip for a moment before tossing them into the seasoned breadcrumbs. Firmly press the coating into the nuggets so that it adheres in a thick, even outer crust.

3. Place the fully coated nuggets on an air fryer rack that's lined with aluminum foil. Repeat until all the nuggets are coated. Generously spray with oil to cover the entire batch. If you don't have spray oil, you can also drizzle them lightly with regular olive oil.

4. Cook on the center rack of your air fryer at 370 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes, flipping after about 7 minutes. Alternately, you can bake the nuggets in a traditional oven preheated to 400 degrees. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, flipping once after 10 minutes.

5. When golden brown and crisp all over, they're ready to eat! Enjoy hot, or cool slightly to use on top of leafy green salads.