Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Drain the tofu and press out excess moisture using a tofu press or by placing it between paper towels with a weight on top. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes until firm.
Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size, and place them in a mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and garlic powder. Pour this marinade over the tofu cubes and toss gently to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and smoked paprika, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
Using tongs or a spatula, remove each tofu cube from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
Arrange the coated tofu pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to promote even crisping. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, then flip each nugget carefully with tongs or a spatula to ensure even cooking. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Keep an eye on the nuggets in the last few minutes; broil for 1-2 minutes if you want extra crispiness, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Remove the tofu nuggets from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the coating set and enhances crunch.
Serve the crispy tofu nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy that satisfying crunch with every bite!