Spicy Air-Fried Buffalo Tofu

In the world of comfort food, few dishes hold a candle to the iconic buffalo wings. Their spicy, tangy flavor paired with a satisfying crunch has made them a staple at gatherings, parties, and game days. However, as more people embrace plant-based diets for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, the demand for delicious, meat-free alternatives has soared. Enter Spicy Air-Fried Buffalo Tofu Bites—a dish that brings all the bold flavors of traditional buffalo wings while being entirely plant-based.

Looking for a tasty yet healthy snack? Discover Spicy Air-Fried Buffalo Tofu Bites, a delicious plant-based alternative to buffalo wings! These crispy tofu bites are packed with flavor and perfect for game day or any gathering. Using an air fryer reduces oil while delivering a satisfying crunch. With easy-to-follow steps and adaptable spice levels, this recipe is ideal for both vegan and non-vegan fans alike. Enjoy guilt-free snacking with this delectable dish!

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Ingredients

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond or soy)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup buffalo hot sauce (plus extra for tossing)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Celery sticks and ranch dressing (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or slices, whatever you prefer. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Make the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, whisk the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper together. In another bowl, pour in the plant-based milk. Finally, in a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Coat the Tofu: Dip each piece of tofu into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip into the plant-based milk, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for maximum crunch.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Air-Fry the Tofu: Place the breaded tofu bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to do this in batches. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the tofu bites to a large mixing bowl. Pour buffalo hot sauce over them and gently toss until evenly coated. (Add more or less sauce based on your spice preference.)

Serve: Plate the crispy buffalo tofu bites, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with celery sticks and your favorite ranch dressing on the side. Enjoy the spicy, tangy goodness!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings