Crispy Vegan Popcorn Chick’n

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Courses: Appetizer, Main Dish
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 350  F
Servings: 4
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Each bite of this Crispy Popcorn Chick'n is coated in a savory, well-seasoned crust that fries up beautifully crunchy while the inside stays tender and satisfying.

Perfect for dipping, piling onto salads, or serving as a fun appetizer, these little bites deliver all the nostalgic joy of popcorn chicken—completely plant-based.

Make a batch for game day, movie night, or whenever you're craving something crispy, cozy, and downright delicious.

Ingredients
  • 16 ounces extra firm organic tofu
  • 2 cups cooking oil
  • The Batter
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
  • The Breading
  • 2/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tea freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoky paprika
Instructions
  1. 1
    Make the Batter

    In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together all of the dry ingredients and whisk in the milk, and set aside.

  2. 2
    Make the Breading

    Add all of the ingredients to a lunch-size paper bag (or a gallon-size plastic bag), fold or seal the bag, and shake gently until well combined.

  3. 3
    Prepare and Cook the Tofu

    Remove the water from the tofu using a Tofu Press or a clean kitchen towel and a little pressure to extract as much water as possible.

  4. 4

    Next, cut the tofu into thirds lengthwise. Turn to a 90-degree angle and cut into thirds again. You will have nine pieces of tofu. Now, break each piece in half to make eighteen pieces total.

  5. 5

    Dip the tofu pieces into the batter, then remove them and allow the excess batter to drip off. 

  6. 6

    Place the tofu in the flour mixture and gently toss to coat.

    Remove the tofu from the bag and set it aside.

  7. 7

    Add the oil to a heavy-bottomed deep pot or deep fryer and heat to 350°. 

  8. 8

    Add the pieces of tofu to the oil without crowding them (the oil should mostly cover the tofu).

  9. 9

    Use a slotted spoon or a Spider Strainer to move or turn the pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking, then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate when they reach a golden brown color — 3 to 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 4.5 pieces


Amount Per Serving
Calories 392kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g33%
Saturated Fat 2.9g15%
Sodium 720mg30%
Potassium 365mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 2g
Protein 20g40%

Vitamin A 220 IU
Vitamin C 2 mg
Calcium 3270 mg
Iron 3.8 mg
Vitamin E 1.4 IU
Vitamin K 11 mcg
Vitamin B6 0.25 mg
Folate 75 mcg
Magnesium 62 mg
Zinc 1.8 mg
Selenium 16 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Vegan Crispy Popcorn Chick'n
Read it online: https://sproutfulkitchen.com/recipe/crispy-vegan-popcorn-chickn/