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Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu with Sriracha Dipping Sauce {GF}

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This Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu is the perfect snack for game day or movie night. It’s a fun option for a healthy dinner because no oil is used when air frying the tofu.

Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu

I know there are some people that are not fans of tofu. Maybe you’re even one of them. If you’ve only tried tofu without the water pressed out and unseasoned, there’s no way you’d ever like it – I know I sure wouldn’t partake in anything like that either.

Tasty tofu is all about how you prepare and cook it because tofu itself has no real distinct flavor. It takes on the flavors of the marinades and sauces which is why it’s so versatile. For instance, my Baked Tofu is one of the most popular recipes on my blog because it’s prepared well and is topped with a delicious sauce and my Simple Tofu Scramble is so easy to make for a quick and yummy breakfast.

I have another fun and tasty tofu for you to try today – my Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu. Matt and I love hanging out with our pups and watching sports together.

I’m always looking for snacks that would be good finger foods for gameday to go along with our other favorites like my Chipotle Queso and Buffalo Quinoa Balls. Popcorn tofu with sriracha mayo sounded like a perfect addition to our repertoire.

While they’d be great for sports or movie night I think the popcorn tofu bites would be a fun idea as dinner for the kiddos too. You could serve the popcorn tofu with favorite dipping sauces (bbq, ranch, ketchup) if the sriracha is not their thing.

 

Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu

Tofu in the Air Fryer?

I got an air fryer for Christmas and I have been really enjoying it. The food comes out crispy like it would in a regular fryer but without all the oil. Now don’t get me wrong, sometimes I love a fried treat but it’s nice to have the option to use the air fryer to get a similar crispy effect.

Besides the crispiness, another thing I like about the air fryer is that I don’t have to use the oven on hot days. When it’s too hot I don’t like being in the kitchen, never mind having the oven on so the air fryer is a great alternative because only the back of the fryer gets a little hot but the room itself won’t.

Don’t have an Air Fryer?

No problem! See instructions in my recipe directions on how to bake the popcorn tofu if you don’t have an air fryer.

They won’t come out as “fried” but they’re still crispy and tasty!

Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu

 

[clickToTweet tweet=”Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu is a perfect snack for game day & movie night or a fun option for dinner.” quote=”Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu is a perfect snack for game day & movie night or a fun option for dinner.”]

Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu

This was my first-time “coating” something in one of my recipes so it took me a while to get the batter the way I wanted it.

I used some cornmeal and panko breadcrumbs to make them crispy yet gluten-free and Better Than Bouillon Vegetarian No Chicken Base to give the batter a little extra flavor.

 

If you make these Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.

Share your pictures of any of my recipes on Instagram and use #vnutrition or tag @v.nutrition so I won’t miss it!

4.63 from 8 votes
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Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu

This Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu is the perfect snack for game day or movie night. It's a fun option for a healthy dinner because no oil is used when air frying the tofu.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword airfryer popcorn tofu, popcorn tofu
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 261 kcal
Author Mary Ellen

Ingredients

Popcorn Tofu

  • 14 oz extra firm tofu in water, water pressed out and drained
  • 1/2 cup chickpea or quinoa flour
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • 2 TB nutritional yeast
  • 1 TB Better Than Bouillon Vegetarian No Chicken Base
  • 1 TB Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened dairy free milk
  • 1.5 cup panko bread crumbs gluten free if needed

Sriracha Mayo

  • 1/2 cup vegan mayo
  • 2 TB sriracha

Instructions

Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu

Rip the pressed tofu into bite size pieces.

  1. Add flour, cornmeal, nutritional yeast, better than bouillon, mustard, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and milk into a large bowl and mix until combined. The consistency should be like a  pancake batter. Add more milk if needed to thin it out. 

  2. Add panko breadcrumbs to separate bowl. 

  3. Dip tofu pieces into the batter, then into breadcrumbs, and then place in the basket of air fryer. * (see recipe notes for baking tofu)

  4. Set air fryer at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Shake the basket 1/2 way through. 

Sriracha Mayo

  1. Mix vegan mayo and sriracha together and serve with popcorn tofu.

Recipe Notes

If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the popcorn tofu for 18-20 minutes at 400 degrees. 

Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Popcorn Tofu
Amount Per Serving
Calories 261 Calories from Fat 50
% Daily Value*
Fat 5.5g8%
Carbohydrates 37.5g13%
Fiber 4.8g20%
Protein 16g32%
Vitamin A 350IU7%
Calcium 212.5mg21%
Iron 2.7mg15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

You may also enjoy…

Tofu in Chili Garlic Sauce

Asian Baked Tofu with Shaved Brussels Sprouts

Simple Tofu Stir Fry

Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who helps clients regain their energy, confidence and health by adapting and enjoying a plant-based diet. By uniting her functional nutrition education with her passion for plants and mindfulness, Mary Ellen offers a completely holistic and science-based approach to designing a healthy, plant-based life. When she’s not reading up on the latest nutrition research, you can find Mary Ellen doting on her two rescue shih tzus, creating the perfect vegan mac & cheese, or exploring the world with her husband.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Becky Striepe says

    May 30, 2017 at 10:33 am

    Oh my gosh, you did it! I can’t wait to try this. Hoping to get this going on for supper tonight!

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      May 31, 2017 at 10:30 am

      Thanks Becky! I hope you like it. Finally it’s finished!

      Reply
  2. Sarah McMinn says

    May 30, 2017 at 10:49 am

    This looks so good! I haven’t gotten an air fryer yet, but with recipes like this it’s only a matter of time until I do.

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      May 31, 2017 at 10:30 am

      Sarah, thanks so much! Air Fryers are so fun!

      Reply
  3. Cadry says

    May 30, 2017 at 11:00 am

    Aaaah! This sounds so good. You nailed it! I need to add this to my weekly menu ASAP.

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      May 31, 2017 at 10:32 am

      Thanks so much Cadry! I hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Jenn says

    May 30, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    This looks delicious! I LOVE tofu! Especially crispy tofu bites like this. I don’t have an air fryer, but I’ll be trying this in the oven!

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      May 31, 2017 at 10:32 am

      Thanks Jenn! Crispy tofu is one of my favorite things in the world!

      Reply
  5. Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says

    May 30, 2017 at 5:00 pm

    I love this recipe! Making this tofu in the air fryer is the best. I think everyone should invest in one!

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      May 31, 2017 at 10:34 am

      Yes, air fryer tofu is amazing! Thanks so much Amy!

      Reply
  6. Dianne says

    May 30, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    I love how tofu cooks up in the air fryer. I’m going to need to try this, because it looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      May 31, 2017 at 10:35 am

      Dianne, yes tofu in the air fryer is soooo good! Thanks so much!

      Reply
  7. Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says

    May 31, 2017 at 10:00 am

    What a fun recipe! I would have to bake it as I don’t have a fryer but I bet it would be delicious that way too. And you’re right – tofu is all about the cooking and flavoring. I love it but even I ruin it sometimes if I don’t get those things right!

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      May 31, 2017 at 10:37 am

      Thanks Kari! It’s still really good baked. 🙂

      Yes tofu can be so finicky so I usually spice it up really well and when I don’t it’s a bit of a disappointment.

      Reply
  8. Christine @ Run Plant Based says

    May 31, 2017 at 10:17 pm

    This looks wonderful! We have not gotten an air fryer yet either, but may need to for this recipe. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      June 1, 2017 at 6:07 pm

      Thanks so much Christine! The air fryers are so fun. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Kimmythevegan says

    May 31, 2017 at 11:50 pm

    YAS! These look so tasty! I want to eat a big plate of them. I’m totally with you in like that deep-fried taste, without the yucky after-effects. I think these would make a great snack (or dinner haha).

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      June 1, 2017 at 6:09 pm

      I’ve eaten my fair share of these puppies lately and it’s fun not to have that heavy feeling with the oil. Thanks Kimmy!

      Reply
  10. Fay says

    June 2, 2017 at 6:17 pm

    I made this today. i don’t have a air drier so used oven. I
    Really enjoy it. I tried it with various sauces such as
    Ketchup, BBQ and seafood cocktail sauce as well as
    Your sauce. They all were good. For sure I will make this
    Again. It was crunchy and tasty. Thank you so much for
    Sharing.

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      June 2, 2017 at 6:45 pm

      Hi Fay! Thanks so much for letting me know how you liked the recipe – that really made my day! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. All of the sauces you tried with it sound amazing! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Sarah says

    June 7, 2017 at 1:22 am

    This looks delicious! Tofu is our favorite food group 🙂 I’m putting an air fryer on my Christmas wish list because everyone is raving about them! And this will be our first recipe to try!

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      June 7, 2017 at 7:28 pm

      Thanks Sarah! Tofu is one of my favorite food groups too! I think you’ll love the air fryer!

      Reply
  12. Randi Tisdall says

    June 8, 2017 at 11:08 am

    Love how you added a video to this!! I’m really interested in getting an air popper now- what else have you made in it? Hope you are doing well!!

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      June 12, 2017 at 9:57 am

      Randi thanks! I’m trying to do more videos when I can. I’ve made a number of different tofu recipes. I actually just to a book to review – all air fryer recipes so I’ll be sharing another one soon!

      Reply
  13. Kate says

    June 11, 2017 at 9:37 am

    Andrew might blame you as I now want an air fryer! This version of popcorn tofu looks amazing! Another option: come over to my house with your air fryer. Montreal is beautiful during the summer months. haha

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      June 12, 2017 at 9:57 am

      The air fryer is so fun to use! I would love to drive on up to Montreal with my air fryer in tow (and meet Chester too!). 🙂

      Reply
  14. Laurel says

    June 14, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    I JUST got an air fryer last week! SO excited to try this recipe! Who knew that you could make popcorn tofu! Love LOVE!

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      June 14, 2017 at 12:34 pm

      Thanks so much Laurel! I’ve been really into the popcorn tofu lately. Airfryers are really fun. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Julie @ Running in a Skirt says

    June 30, 2017 at 9:07 am

    I don’t have an air fryer yet! Clearly that needs to change so I can make this.

    Reply
  16. Macy says

    January 6, 2018 at 8:34 pm

    I have an air fryer on the way, and while I’ve never had tofu in any capacity, I am so excited to try these!! I bought the tofu today and this will be among the first recipes I try in my air fryer!

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      January 7, 2018 at 10:23 am

      I hope you enjoy Macy! I’ve had a lot of great feedback on them so I hope you find them tasty too! 🙂

      Reply
      • Macy says

        January 9, 2018 at 11:57 am

        I just realized I don’t have anything like the bouillon base and don’t have access to it. Would it be terrible to leave it out or is there maybe something I could switch it with? I’m so excited about this recipe and just got my air fryer in today! This is what I planned on making for dinner tonight I would love to still make it!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          January 9, 2018 at 12:14 pm

          Hi Macy, it gives it a little more “chickn’y” flavor but I wouldn’t say it’s totally necessary especially if you’re making a dipping sauce. I think you could maybe just add a tiny bit more of the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and onion powder and it should be fine.
          Let me know what you think! I hope you enjoy!

          Reply
          • Macy says

            January 9, 2018 at 6:36 pm

            They were AMAZING!! This is definitely a new favorite for me! Takes me back to my chikdhood!

          • Mary Ellen says

            January 9, 2018 at 7:36 pm

            I’m so glad you enjoyed them Macy! Yes, I feel they bring me back when I eat them too! 🙂

  17. Vanessa Shay says

    January 6, 2018 at 9:11 pm

    I made this for dinner tonight and even my mostly carnivorous husband loved it. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Mary Ellen says

      January 7, 2018 at 10:22 am

      Awesome! So glad you and your hubby enjoyed it, Vanessa! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Jen says

    April 16, 2019 at 7:34 pm

    Great snack!

    Reply
  19. Margaret Carroll says

    April 17, 2019 at 3:12 pm

    My kids loved these – great idea for quick snack.

    Reply

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I'm Mary Ellen, a plant-based nutritionist with a passion for guiding people to feel their best. At VNutrition, I show you that vegan meals can be simple, easy, AND tasty!

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