Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites

5-ingredient crispy buffalo tofu bites are perfect for Meatless Mondays, game-day snacking, and everything in between! The crispy texture and spicy flavor will have even non-vegetarians reaching for seconds.

Why I Love This Recipe

Let me start off by telling you I wasn’t even sure if I liked tofu before I started making this recipe. Then I discovered the secret to perfecting that crispy texture, and EVERYTHING changed. Now I can’t get enough!

These 5-ingredient buffalo tofu bites have a super-satisfying crust with just the right kick of heat. They’re also super easy to prep and cook up right in the oven. They’re so hearty and delicious, it’s easy to forget they’re completely vegan. Seriously, you could serve these as buffalo faux-wing bites for any game day spread and they would be gone in a flash.

My wife actually makes this recipe for us EVERY WEEK! And even though she pulls up this exact post and follows my recipe to a T, she’s made the dish so often that she’s started calling it HER buffalo tofu recipe. But I let it slide because, hey, it turns out amazing every time!

What is Tofu and How Do You Cook It?

Believe it or not, tofu is made almost exactly like cheese.The only difference is that the process uses soy milk instead of dairy, and then we’re left with a block of white soy-based protein. 

On its own, tofu doesn’t taste like much. This makes it a great canvas for whatever sauce or spice you love! When prepared the right way, tofu is AMAZING at picking up flavor.

The secret? It’s all in the press! By pressing the tofu, which means wrapping it in towels and setting something heavy on top for an hour or so, we eliminate any extra water. With the water pressed out, we create space for flavor to be absorbed. Water out, flavor in!

For the pressing, I like to use a cast iron skillet because it’s big and flat. A good-sized Dutch oven also works really well. Heck, you could even use a phone book!

Variations for Buffalo Tofu Bites

Buffalo sauce is the star of this recipe, but keep in mind that the cooking method is super versatile. For example, if you’re making a stir fry, swap out the buffalo for soy sauce or coconut aminos. You’ll still get the crispy tofu texture you want with just the right flavor profile for the dish you’re making. 

I use my favorite brand of seasoning salt for this recipe, but I’ve also used the Trader Joe’s Vegan Chicken-less Spice. Even just a mixture of garlic powder, salt, and pepper would be delicious. Use whatever strikes your fancy!

Finally, feel free to play around with the cooking time for these little bites. A shorter bake will give you a softer bite, or you could go for a little longer for an even crispier texture! The time is really up to you. 

I’ve never made these in the air fryer, BUT I have a sneaking suspicion these would be so easy and turn out super crispy. If you have one, be sure to try it and let me know, will ya?

What to Serve with Crispy Buffalo Tofu Nuggets

• Blood Orange Mocktail — Bright, spicy, and perfect for when you want to sip something special!
• Chopped Asian Cabbage Slaw — Craving something crunchy and cool to go with that buffalo heat? This simple yet super flavorful blend always does the trick.
• Green Onion Ranch — From dripping to drizzling and beyond, you’ll find endless uses for this creamy condiment!
• Steamed Broccoli and Rice — This is how my wife and I most often enjoy this dish whenever we make it (which, as I mentioned, is at least once a week!)
• Spaghetti Squash Fritters — Is there ever a bad time for fritters? I certainly don’t think so!

How to Store and Reheat Tofu Bites

Once you’ve cooked tofu, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend eating it within 4 days or so. When you’re ready to reheat, pop it back in the oven until the tofu is hot and crispy!

Other delicious meat-free recipes

• Panzanella Salad
• Roasted Pepper & Tomato Pasta
• Smokey Roasted Carrots with Tahini Ranch
• Vegetarian “Meatballs”

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