My superior pal (and regular Lifehacker contributor) A.A. Newton adjusted my total marriage to tofu when she launched me to pre-fried tofu puffs. If you’ve by no means experienced them, they are really worth a dedicated trip to your regional Asian industry. (Get some miso when you are at it.)
The puffy tofu morsels are primarily lightly greasy sauce sponges that crisp up with extremely minimal get the job done on your aspect. This unique mix of features is what tends to make them the perfect applicant for a very good Buffalo-ing. Slice them in half to reveal their honeycomb-like insides, give ‘em a rapid air fry to get their grease transferring and grooving, toss with sauce, then return the puffs to the air fryer for one particular final crisping. This overall approach will take all around 7 minutes from commence to end, and which is if you dawdle.
The consequence is a Buffalo chunk that is chewy and crispy and totally infused with buttery sizzling sauce. (If you substitute the butter with margarine, they are also totally vegan.) Their vegetarian mother nature is, on the other hand, almost fully beside the point. Buffalo tofu puffs are entertaining to take in, and absolutely everyone likes enjoyable.
Buffalo Tofu Puffs
Elements:
- 1 pound tofu puffs
- 1/3 cup butter (or margarine)
- 1/2 cup Frank’s very hot sauce (or other warm sauce of your deciding on)
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping
- Carrot sticks, I guess? (No celery!)
Halve your puffs to expose their spongey insides.
Melt the butter in a compact sauce pan above medium heat. The moment melted, go it off the burner and whisk in the scorching sauce.
Warmth the air fryer to 350℉. Add the halved tofu puffs to the basket to variety a single layer (you may have to work in batches), and air fry for 3 minutes, until their outsides are crisp. Dump the puffs into a significant mixing bowl and drizzle in sauce until finally the puffs are fully coated, tossing and permitting the sauce absorb into the puffs following each addition.
Warmth the air fryer to 400℉ and return the sauced puffs to the basket. Air fry for 2 minutes, then toss them in the mixing bowl with one more pair of drizzles of sauce. Provide quickly with ranch, blue cheese, or each.