Easy Vegan Lentil Nuggets (Cheap, High-Protein & Crispy)

Vegan Lentil Nuggets are quick and easy to make, requiring only a handful of simple ingredients. These plant-based nuggets are high in protein and full of flavor, and they are also very budget-friendly. You can fry them, or simply bake in the oven or air-fryer, and then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

What makes these nuggets especially cool is the texture. The blended lentils create a soft and tender center, while the breadcrumb coating turns golden and crisp on the outside. They’re also super versatile, since the lentils are pretty plain in taste. So you can add all your favorite seasonings and extras to them.

They’re also incredibly practical. Red lentils are affordable and easy to find, and once soaked, they blend quickly into a smooth mixture that’s easy to shape. Whether you pan-fry them for extra crispiness or bake them for a lighter option, they turn out flavorful and comforting every time.

Vegan Lentil Nuggets are…

• fully plant-based
• high in protein
• quick and easy to make
• budget-friendly
• optionally gluten-free (simply use GF breadcrumbs)
• great for snacking
• kid-friendly
• perfect for meal-prep

How to make Vegan Lentil Nuggets

Start by draining and rinsing the soaked red lentils. Add them to a food processor or blender along with nutritional yeast, tomato paste, garlic, onion powder, paprika, a couple of tablespoons of breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper. Blend until you get a smooth, thick paste that holds together when pressed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Scoop out small portions and shape them into nuggets using your hands. If the mixture feels too sticky, lightly wet your hands or mix in a little more breadcrumb. Roll each nugget in seasoned breadcrumbs so they’re evenly coated.

Heat oil in a pan and fry the nuggets until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. For a lighter option, brush or spray them with oil and bake or air-fry until crisp. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

How to serve Vegan Lentil Nuggets

These nuggets are perfect as a simple snack with your favorite dipping sauce. Ketchup, BBQ sauce, vegan mayo, mustard, or a quick yogurt-garlic dip all work really well here. Serve them fresh and hot for the crispiest texture.

They also make a great main dish with roasted potatoes, fries, a fresh salad, or steamed veggies.

You can also use them in wraps, sandwiches, or burgers. Tuck them into pita bread with lettuce and sauce, layer them into a sandwich with pickles, or slice them over a salad bowl.

Customize it the way you like it!

Lentils are pretty neutral in taste, so you can play around with the spicing in this recipe a lot. Keep it simple with garlic powder, salt and pepper, or go bold with smoked paprika, chili powder, lemon-thyme, or celery seeds.

Beside tomato paste, you can also add paprika paste, Marmite, miso or soy sauce for extra flavor.

For something more exciting for the breading, try crushed cornflakes, panko bread crumbs, or chopped nuts. And use gluten-free breadcrumbs (or ground oats), if needed.

You can also shape these into patties for burgers, small balls for salads, or simply into a large schnitzel.

More lentil recipes to try:

• Red Lentil Falafel with Cashew Tzatziki
• Vegan Lentil Stew
• Beluga Lentil and Pumpkin Salad with Sweet Mustard Dressing
• Roasted Carrot Soup with Lentils and Coconut
• Simple Spiced Red Lentil Spread
• Spiralized Zucchini, Cherry and Lentil Salad with Fennel
• Red Lentil and Spinach Pasta
• Vegan Balsamic Lentil Stew

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