Gluten-Free Vegan Dino Nuggets

Transform mealtime into a playful, guilt-free experience with these Gluten-Free Vegan Dino Nuggets! Packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas and boosted with the nutty flavor of nutritional yeast, these whimsical dino-shaped bites bring nostalgia and nutrition to the table. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion, and a hint of paprika, they’re coated in crunchy gluten-free breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 35 minutes, these nuggets are baked or air-fried for a healthier twist, making them ideal for kids and adults alike. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for a fun, allergen-friendly meal or snack that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Chickpeas (cooked, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup Gluten-free oat flour
• 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons Ground flaxseed
• 6 tablespoons Water
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Paprika (optional, for added flavor)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 cup Gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil (or neutral oil for brushing or spraying)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare an air fryer with a parchment-lined basket if using.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water to create a flax egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine the cooked chickpeas, gluten-free oat flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the prepared flax egg. Blend until the mixture comes together and forms a dough-like consistency.

Step 4

Transfer the dough to a clean surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use dino-shaped cookie cutters to cut out fun nugget shapes. Re-roll scraps as needed to utilize all of the dough.

Step 5

Place the gluten-free breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Gently press each nugget into the breadcrumbs to coat all sides.

Step 6

Arrange the nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Lightly brush or spray with olive oil for an extra crispy texture.

Step 7

For baking: Cook the nuggets in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air frying: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through.

Step 8

Remove from the oven or air fryer and let cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, like ketchup or vegan ranch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(842.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2278.3

Total Fat 61.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3455.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 360.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 53.6g	0%
Total Sugars 25.4g
Protein 77.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 442.8mg	0%
Iron 21.5mg	0%
Potassium 2116.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.1%

Protein: 13.5%

Carbs: 62.4%