Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Popcorn with Ranch Dressing
By OcadoLife
Published on 14 December 2023
Vegan recipe developer and bestselling author Richard Makin has created a snacking sensation with his Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Popcorn with Ranch Dressing. He says, “Air fryers and firm tofu are made for each other – it only takes a small amount of oil to ensure a super-crispy exterior. This vegan version of a chicken dish, made with smoked tofu for extra flavour, will have everyone drooling. Silken tofu gives the ranch dressing its moreish creaminess.” If this has you hooked, don’t miss Richard’s vegan Tofu Gyros and Vegan Tiramisu. Looking for more vegan recipes? Look no further.Time and servings
35 minsTotal time
Serves 4433 kcal/serving
15 minsPrep time
20 minsCooking time
Ingredients
- 50ml vegan mayonnaise
- 80g silken tofu
- 2 tbsp dairy-free milk
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- ¼ tsp dried dill
- ¼ tsp dried chives
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus ¼ tsp
- 1 pinch dried parsley
- 1 pinch garlic powder, plus ½ tsp
- 1 pinch onion salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper, plus a pinch
- 4 tbsp plain white flour
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 (225g) packs firm smoked tofu, drained and broken into popcorn-sized pieces
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 80ml hot sauce
- 45g unsalted vegan butter, melted
- 1 iceberg lettuce, cut into 8 wedges
Method
Step 1
To make the ranch dressing, put the mayo, silken tofu, milk, vinegar, dill, chives, ¼ tsp sea salt and pinch of parsley, garlic powder, onion salt and ground black pepper in a blender; pulse until just smooth. Cover and chill until needed.Step 2
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (or oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7). In a medium bowl, mix the flour, cornflour, ½ tsp sea salt, cayenne and ¼ tsp black pepper until combined.Step 3
Add the firm tofu to the flour mixture; toss to coat. Drizzle over the oil and toss again. 4. Spread the tofu out in the tray of the air fryer (or on a baking tray if using the oven). Cook for 20 mins, shaking halfway.Step 4
Spread the tofu out in the tray of the air fryer (or on a baking tray if using the oven). Cook for 20 mins, shaking halfway.Step 5
About 5 mins before the tofu is ready, make the buffalo sauce. Mix the hot sauce and ½ tsp garlic powder in a large bowl, then gradually add the melted butter, mixing constantly, until smooth and glossy.Step 6
Quickly add the tofu to the buffalo sauce, straight from the air fryer or oven; toss to coat. Serve immediately with the iceberg wedges, drizzled with the ranch dressing. Best eaten straight away; chill leftovers in an airtight container for 1 week.