These Buffalo Tofu Poppers are crispy and spicy. These poppable treats are perfect for game day, parties, or a fun dinner option! Baked or air fryer options!
These buffalo tofu poppers are my go-to party appetizer.
They are great little bites you can pop in your mouth! They have the taste and texture of chicken nuggets (always a crowd fav!) They are incredibly easy to make. And everyone loves them!
The poppers are incredibly crispy whether you bake in the oven or heat in the air fryer.
Pair with vegan ranch for a treat everyone will enjoy!
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Why this recipe works
Super firm tofu. Or pressed extra firm tofu. The firmest tofu option, usually found in a vacuum sealed bag, makes the best texture for these poppers. They don't fall apart, yet are quite tender. They have the texture of chicken nuggets.
Double bake method. I have been using this method for all my tofu baking. You bake the tofu with the breadcrumb coating first, to get a nice solid breading layer. Then you toss in sauce and bake again. The flavor from the sauce remains on the outside and the poppers get nice crispy on the outside, yet stay tender on the inside.
Why You'll Love These Buffalo Tofu Poppers
- Perfect Party Food - great for sharing and dipping; perfect for game-day, the holidays, or any gathering
- Dietary needs - this tofu is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar free
- High protein - tofu is packed with plant-based protein!
- Perfect for all ages - this recipe is definitely kid-friendly. But adults will enjoy too
- Crispy, crunchy, delicious - everything you want in a good popper
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Super Firm Tofu: super firm tofu is a vacuum-packed tofu that does not require any pre-pressing - if you like a solid, firm tofu, look for super firm. Extra firm also works - you can press it if you want, or just make the recipe as-is. I love the softer texture of the extra firm and the super firm is more nugget-like. Either is perfect!
- Cornstarch: cornstarch helps to give an extra crunch
- Non-Dairy Milk: any unsweetened non-dairy milk will work
- Breadcrumbs: gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs work here. Check to make sure the one you buy is vegan!
- Spices: salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper
- Vegan Buffalo Sauce: I used Noble Made buffalo sauce, which is a great vegan option. You can also use Frank's Red Hot or a homemade sauce.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preheat the oven or air fryer to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2. Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
Place the non-dairy milk a second shallow bowl. Set aside next to the cornstarch.
Mix the breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper in a third shallow bowl. Set aside next to the other two bowls.
Step 3. Break the tofu into bite sized pieces.
Step 4. Coat each piece of tofu in the cornstarch, then non-dairy milk, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently on each side to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Step 5. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or air fry for 10 minutes.
Step 6. Remove from the oven and transfer to a bowl. Pour on the buffalo sauce and toss to coat.
Step 7. Place the tofu back on the tray and bake 20-30 more minutes or air fry for 10-15 more minutes, until the tofu is crispy.
Step 8. Serve with vegan ranch and a garnish of chopped fresh parsley.
Pro Tip: Use super firm tofu, or press extra firm tofu well to remove excess moisture.
FAQ & Expert Tips
Vegan ranch, blue cheese-style dressing, or plain vegan yogurt all work well. I prefer vegan ranch!
Yes! I love baking these ahead of time. They reheat nicely in the oven or air fryer.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for these poppers. Bless all those we share them with. Amen.
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📖 Recipe
Buffalo Tofu Poppers (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 16 Ounce Block Super Firm or Extra Firm Tofu
- ½ Cup Cornstarch
- ½ Cup Non-Dairy Milk
- ¾ Cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¾ Cup Vegan Buffalo Sauce or Frank's Red Hot
- Vegan Ranch to serve
- Chopped Fresh Parsley to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or air fryer to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Set aside.Place the non-dairy milk a second shallow bowl. Set aside next to the cornstarch.Mix the breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper in a third shallow bowl. Set aside next to the other two bowls.
- Break the tofu into bite sized pieces.
- Coat each piece of tofu in the cornstarch, then non-dairy milk, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently on each side to help the breadcrumbs stick.
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or air fry for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a bowl. Pour on the buffalo sauce and toss to coat.
- Place the tofu back on the tray and bake 20-30 more minutes or air fry for 10-15 more minutes, until the tofu is crispy.
- Serve with vegan ranch and a garnish of chopped fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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