Go Back
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste) - 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk for vegan version) - Olive oil spray - Dipping sauce suggestions When making crispy buffalo tofu bites, start with the right ingredients. Firm tofu is key. It holds its shape well when cooked and gives that satisfying bite. For coating the tofu, I use all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. Panko adds that extra crunch we all love. Next, the seasoning makes all the difference. I always include garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices give the tofu a great flavor base. Don't forget to use salt and pepper to enhance everything. For the sauce, buffalo sauce is a must. It brings heat and tang to the dish. If you're going vegan, you can swap buttermilk for plant-based milk. This small change keeps the recipe friendly for everyone. A light olive oil spray helps the tofu crisp up nicely. Lastly, think about dipping sauces. Ranch or blue cheese dressings pair really well with these bites. You can even serve them with veggies like celery and carrots for a classic touch! Pressing Tofu Start by pressing the tofu. Place the block on a plate. Cover it with another plate. Put something heavy on top, like a can or a book. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess moisture. Drier tofu gets crispier when cooked. Cutting into Cubes Once pressed, take the tofu out. Use a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized cubes. Aim for about 1-inch pieces. This size helps them cook evenly and stay crispy. Mixing the Dry Ingredients In a shallow bowl, mix the following: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Stir well to combine all the flavors. This mix will give your tofu a great taste. Preparing the Buttermilk Coating In another bowl, pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. If you prefer a vegan option, use plant-based milk. This will help the dry mix stick to the tofu. Preheating the Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is key for getting that crispy texture. Arranging and Cooking the Tofu Bites Now, it's time to coat the tofu. Take each cube and dredge it in the flour mix. Then, dip it into the buttermilk. Lastly, coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks. Arrange the coated tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them. Spray lightly with olive oil spray to enhance crispiness. Air fry the tofu at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Enjoy your delicious crispy buffalo tofu bites! To get your tofu bites super crispy, start by pressing the tofu. This step is key. Pressing helps remove water, so the tofu can crisp up nicely. I recommend pressing for at least 30 minutes. Use a clean towel or paper towels to absorb the moisture. Next, use olive oil spray wisely. A light spray on the coated tofu bites ensures they brown evenly. Too much oil can make them soggy, so keep it light. For dipping sauces, buffalo sauce is a classic choice. You can also serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing. These creamy dips balance the heat of the buffalo sauce. Pair your tofu bites with celery and carrot sticks. They add crunch and freshness to your plate. You can also serve them with a simple salad for a complete meal. If your tofu bites turn out soggy, don’t worry! You can fix this. Simply air fry them a bit longer. This extra time will help remove any remaining moisture and add crispiness. If the seasoning is off, just adjust it. Taste the tofu bites after cooking. If they need more flavor, sprinkle with salt or extra buffalo sauce. Adjusting the seasoning can turn a good dish into a great one! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your Buffalo Tofu Bites to suit your taste. - Spicy Buffalo Tofu Bites: Add more hot sauce to the buffalo sauce. You can mix in cayenne pepper for extra heat. This version is for those who love a fiery kick. - BBQ Tofu Version: Swap the buffalo sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce. This sweet and tangy version makes a great option for gatherings. The smoky flavor pairs well with tofu. You can easily adjust this recipe to meet your dietary needs. - Vegan Options: Use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk. This simple swap keeps your recipe vegan while ensuring creaminess. - Gluten-Free Alternatives: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. This keeps the bites crispy without any gluten. You have choices when it comes to cooking your tofu bites. - Air Fryer vs. Oven Baking: The air fryer gives you crispy tofu in less time. If you use an oven, preheat it to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. - Alternative Cooking Equipment: If you don’t have an air fryer or oven, try a skillet. Heat oil in a pan and fry the tofu bites until golden brown. This method adds flavor but may be less healthy. These variations and adjustments can make your Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites perfect for any occasion! Refrigeration Tips After you enjoy your crispy buffalo tofu bites, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They stay good for about three days. Freezing Tofu Bites For longer storage, you can freeze the tofu bites. Make sure they are fully cooled. Then, lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Best Methods for Reheating To reheat, air frying is the best way to keep them crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu bites in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. Avoiding Loss of Crispiness Avoid microwaving, as it makes the tofu soggy. If you must use a microwave, use a paper towel to absorb moisture. This trick helps a little, but air frying is best for crispiness. How Long Do They Last? When stored properly, crispy buffalo tofu bites last about three days in the fridge. In the freezer, they can stay good for up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy your tasty bites while they are fresh! Can I use extra-firm tofu? Yes, you can use extra-firm tofu. It holds its shape well. Press it like firm tofu to remove excess water. This helps make the bites crispier. How to make buffalo sauce from scratch? To make buffalo sauce, mix equal parts hot sauce and melted butter. You can add garlic powder or cayenne for extra flavor. Adjust to your taste preference. Can I use a different breading? Absolutely! You can use crushed cornflakes or almond flour for a gluten-free option. Both will give a nice crunch. How to make this recipe without buttermilk? You can replace buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This works great for a vegan option. What are the health benefits of tofu? Tofu is high in protein and low in calories. It contains all nine essential amino acids. It's also rich in iron and calcium, making it a smart choice for many diets. Are these tofu bites suitable for meal prep? Yes, these tofu bites are great for meal prep. They store well in the fridge. Just reheat them in the air fryer to keep them crispy. In this post, we explored how to make crispy air fryer tofu bites. You learned about the main ingredients like firm tofu, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic powder. We covered the step-by-step instructions, tips for getting them crispy, and tasty variations. Remember, pressing tofu and using the right oil makes a big difference. These bites are flexible and great for any meal. Enjoy making your own tasty snacks!

Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites

Get ready to spice up your snacking with Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites! This simple and delicious recipe transforms firm tofu into golden, crispy bites tossed in zesty buffalo sauce. Perfect for game day or a fun appetizer, these bites are sure to impress. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions and enjoy a flavorful, guilt-free treat. Click through now to explore the full recipe and get cooking!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk for vegan version)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Begin by pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

    In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

      Pour the buttermilk (or plant-based milk) into another bowl.

        In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

          Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

            Dredge each tofu cube in the seasoned flour, then dip into the buttermilk, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.

              Arrange the coated tofu bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray lightly with olive oil spray.

                Air fry the tofu at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

                  Once cooked, transfer the crispy tofu bites to a bowl and toss with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.

                    Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of celery and carrot sticks for an authentic touch!

                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4