Air-Fry Popcorn Tofu

Transform tofu into bite-sized delights with a crunchy, golden exterior that rivals the most delightful popcorn. Coated in a savory blend of seasoned breadcrumbs, these air-fried tofu nuggets offer a satisfying, plant-based twist on a classic snack. With a spicy, homemade dipping sauce to complement the crispy perfection, this delightful creation is sure to please your palate with every crispy, flavorful bite.

Ingredients:

For the Popcorn Tofu:

• 1 block of extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for desired spiciness)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

• Prepare the Tofu:
• Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. You can do this by wrapping the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and placing something heavy on top for about 30 minutes.
• Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
• Set Up Your Breading Station:
• In three separate shallow bowls, prepare your breading station. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, pour the plant-based milk. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Coat the Tofu:
• Dip each tofu cube into the flour, making sure it's lightly coated.
• Next, dip the flour-coated tofu into the plant-based milk, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Finally, coat the tofu in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the tofu.
• Air Fry the Popcorn Tofu:
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
• Place the breaded tofu cubes in a single layer in the EaZy MealZ Round Air Fry Crisper Basket. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Air fry the tofu cubes for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the tofu halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
• While the tofu is cooking, mix together the vegan mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, maple syrup or agave nectar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha to taste.
• Serve:
• Once the popcorn tofu is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer.
• Serve the crispy tofu cubes with the spicy dipping sauce.

Enjoy your homemade popcorn tofu as a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer!