### Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad
This Buffalo Tofu dish offers a wonderful blend of tastes and textures, merging the zesty heat of buffalo sauce with the rich creaminess of a Caesar salad. It’s remarkably simple to prepare, needing only two key ingredients for the sauce and a quick air-fry for the tofu. This meal is ideal for a speedy dinner or a delightful finger food choice.
#### Why I Adore This Recipe
Buffalo tofu has established itself as a go-to in my kitchen, and I frequently end up making it several times each week. Its adaptability allows it to be savored alone as a snack or placed atop a robust salad. The mix of crispy tofu and a creamy kale Caesar salad results in a fulfilling dish that feels both luxurious and nutritious.
The charm of this recipe is found in its straightforwardness. There’s no necessity for intricate batters or breading, and cleaning up is effortless. The tofu is air-fried to reach a crunchy consistency, then combined with a quick sauce made from just hot sauce and butter. It’s a meal that’s not just easy to whip up, but also exceptionally tasty.
#### Ingredients
**For the Crispy Tofu:**
– Firm or extra-firm tofu
**For the Buffalo Sauce:**
– Hot sauce (your preference)
– Butter (or a plant-based alternative)
**For Serving:**
– Kale Caesar salad (store-bought or homemade)
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Tofu:** Take the tofu out of its packaging and drain the water. Wrap it in a clean dish towel or paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture.
2. **Cut the Tofu:** Tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
3. **Season the Tofu:** Coat the tofu chunks with cornstarch, soy sauce, oil, paprika, and garlic powder until well-covered.
4. **Air Fry the Tofu:** Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Air fry the tofu for 8 minutes, shake or toss, then continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until golden and crunchy.
5. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, melt the butter and whisk it with the hot sauce. Toss the crispy tofu in the sauce to coat thoroughly.
6. **Serve:** Place the buffalo tofu over a bed of kale Caesar salad. Enjoy as is, or include your favorite dipping sauces on the side.
#### Tips and Variations
– **For Kids:** If the buffalo sauce is too hot for younger tastes, reserve some plain tofu pieces for dipping in ranch or ketchup.
– **Oven Baking:** If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tofu for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
– **Tofu Brands:** I suggest using extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Brands like Fountain of Health from Costco perform well, but any firm tofu will suffice.
#### Frequently Asked Questions
– **How spicy is this?** The buffalo sauce can have a kick, so think about leaving some tofu pieces plain for those who like subdued flavors.
– **Can I use chicken instead of tofu?** Yes, chicken can be used as a substitute. Modify the cooking time accordingly, and utilize the same seasoning mix.
– **What air fryer do you suggest?** I use the Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL, which is excellent for recipes like this because of its size and basket style.
This Buffalo Tofu is not only simple to create but also a favorite among crowds. Whether you’re indulging in it as a snack or part of a meal, it’s guaranteed to fulfill your cravings for something spicy and tasty.