Air-fryer tofu popcorn nuggets
Explore the option of preparing tofu in an air fryer. Coat the tofu with breadcrumbs infused with garlic and paprika, creating a delightful snack that pairs well with your preferred dip or serves as a delicious accompaniment to a main meal.
Air-fryer tofu popcorn nuggets
Explore the option of preparing tofu in an air fryer. Coat the tofu with breadcrumbs infused with garlic and paprika, creating a delightful snack that pairs well with your preferred dip or serves as a delicious accompaniment to a main meal.
Makes 24
Prep time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 15 - 30 mins
Level: easy
Nutrition: Per serving
kcal 44
fat 1g
saturates 0.3g
carbs 5g
sugars 1g
fibre 1g
protein 3g
salt 0.32g
Nutrition: Per serving
kcal 44
fat 1g
saturates 0.3g
carbs 5g
sugars 1g
fibre 1g
protein 3g
salt 0.32g
Ingredients
- 1 block extra-firm tofu
- 4 tbsp plain flour
- 1½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 125ml milk
- 75g panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic granules
- 1 tbsp bouillon powder
Directions
- STEP 1
Wrap the tofu tightly with a clean tea towel and place it on a large plate with raised edges. Add weight on top, like a heavy frying pan, and supplement it with cans or jars for added pressure. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes, during which the tofu will shrink and release its liquid. Alternatively, you can press the tofu in advance for up to 24 hours.
- STEP 2
Slice the tofu into 3cm squares or tear it into chunks. Place it in a bowl and coat it with 1 tbsp of flour and 1 tsp of paprika. Set it aside. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining flour, Dijon mustard, and milk. Whisk the mixture if any lumps form and set it aside. In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic granules, bouillon, and ½ tsp of paprika. Transfer the breadcrumb mixture onto a tray.
- STEP 3
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C. Take each piece of tofu and dip it into the milk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll the tofu in the seasoned breadcrumbs, making sure it is evenly coated, and place it on a plate or tray. Repeat this process for all the tofu pieces. Arrange a single layer of coated tofu in the air fryer basket, keeping in mind that you may need to cook in multiple batches. Cook for 12-15 minutes until the tofu is cooked through and golden. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the air fryer and set it aside. Repeat the process for the remaining batches.
- STEP 4
Reduce the temperature to 160°C. Place all the cooked tofu popcorn back into the air fryer and heat it for 2-3 minutes, ensuring not to burn the pieces. Serve the tofu popcorn as a delightful snack alongside your preferred dipping sauce or as a delectable side dish to complement your main course.