Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu
There is nothing more satisfying than taking that first bite into this Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu and hearing that audible crunch followed by a burst of mouth watering meaty flavor. Pure bliss in your mouth and no animals were even harmed for the making of this level of taste bud pleasure.
This recipe is so versatile. Just have these quick and easy to make air fryer popcorn tofu made and prepped in your fridge to have on hand for a snack, protein for a salad, tossed in sauce and thrown into a po’ boy… the possibilities are endless! Whatever dish you’re making, I guarantee this air fryer popcorn tofu can surely be invited in on it.
It’s allergen and dietary needs friendly, 10 out of 10 meat like texture and it could be thrown into almost any flavor profile while also holding a great flavor just on it’s own.
What ingredients are in this air fryer popcorn tofu?
This recipe only contains a few ingredients:
- extra firm organic tofu
- gluten-free flour
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- nutritional yeast
- salt + pepper
- gluten-free bread crumbs (contains egg – you can used this if you’d like it to be completely vegan)
- unsweetened + unflavored plant-based milk
- avocado oil spray
I use this air fryer and I absolutely love it. It fits a lot in the basket, it’s sleek AF, has a ton of features and ridiculously user friendly. I encourage you to invest in an air fryer like this if you haven’t already.
Get your air fryer HERE
Also recommend this tofu press as well. Another game changer!
Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu Making Method
Press out the water from your extra firm tofu, then pat dry with paper towel or clean cloth.
With your hands, break the tofu into a bite sized nuggets.
In one shallow dish or plate, whisk together gluten-free flour, salt + pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, nutritional yeast.
In another shallow dish or plate, add in gluten-free bread crumbs.
In a separate bowl, add the plant-based milk.
Take a couple of the tofu nuggets, first dip it into the milk, then completely coat in the gluten-free flour mix, back into the milk and then fully coated in a gluten-free bread crumbs. Keep repeating until all tofu nuggets are breaded.
Place and space out the breaded tofu nuggets into the air fryer, spray with avocado oil spray and then air fry at 350°F for 12 minutes.
Halfway through (6 minute mark) take the nuggets out, flip them around and spray with more avocado oil spray. Place back in and air fry them for another 6 minutes.
It should be air fried for a total of 12 minutes. You will know when they are done when it has become a golden in color.
Take the nuggets out to cool and then enjoy this crispy popcorn tofu!
Now that you know the recipe (which you can also hop down the bottom for an easy to read recipe card), let’s jump into some fun facts about tofu.
Why is tofu good for you?
According to heart.org, “Tofu contains all the essential amino acids your body needs and is rich in minerals and vitamins, including calcium, manganese, iron and vitamin A.
Tofu and other soy foods also are primary source of isoflavones. Those are flavonoids – plant-created chemicals that are associated with a variety of health benefits”
Tofu is high in protein and a good complete protein resource especially those like me who prefer a plant-based diet. Some studies suggest soy foods like tofu may prevent memory loss and trouble thinking.
Now that you know a bit about how tofu can be good for your health and for your plant-based dishes, go ahead and make this recipe.
Other plant-based recipes you may enjoy
Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz extra firm organic tofu
- 1 cup gluten-free flour
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 cup gluten-free bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened + unflavored plant-based milk
- avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Press out the water from your extra firm tofu, then pat dry with paper towel or clean cloth.
- With your hands, break the tofu into a bite sized nuggets.
- In one shallow dish or plate, whisk together gluten-free flour, salt + pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, nutritional yeast.
- In another shallow dish or plate, add in gluten-free bread crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, add the plant-based milk.
- Take a couple of the tofu nuggets, first dip it into the milk, then completely coat in the gluten-free flour mix, back into the milk and then fully coated in a gluten-free bread crumbs. Keep repeating until all tofu nuggets are breaded.
- Place and space out the breaded tofu nuggets into the air fryer, spray with avocado oil spray and then air fry at 350°F for 12 minutes.
- Halfway through (6 minute mark) take the nuggets out, flip them around and spray with more avocado oil spray. Place back in and air fry them for another 6 minutes.
- It should be air fried for a total of 12 minutes. You will know when they are done when it has become a golden in color.
- Take the popcorn tofu out to cool and then enjoy!