Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad Recipe
Deliciously crispy Buffalo tofu bites tossed in a spicy hot sauce, perfect for topping salads, bowls, or wraps. This vegan-friendly recipe offers a flavorful alternative to traditional Buffalo wings, featuring a crispy air-fried exterior with bold flavors of paprika and garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Coating
- 16 ounce package of firm or extra firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Buffalo Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
Serving
- Salad with Caesar, ranch, or bleu cheese dressing (avocado kale Caesar salad recommended)
Instructions
- Drain and Prep Tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain off the water. Wrap the block in a clean dish towel or paper towels and gently press or squeeze to remove excess moisture. This step should take less than a minute to ensure the tofu crisps well when cooked.
- Cut and Coat Tofu: Pull the tofu apart into bite-sized chunks. Place them in a mixing bowl and toss with cornstarch, soy sauce, avocado oil, paprika, and garlic powder until every piece is well coated, creating a flavorful crust.
- Air Fry Tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tofu chunks in a single layer and air fry for 8 minutes. Shake or toss the tofu to ensure even cooking, then air fry for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: While the tofu cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Whisk the melted butter with the hot sauce thoroughly to create a smooth, spicy Buffalo sauce.
- Toss Tofu in Sauce: Transfer the crispy tofu to a bowl and toss immediately with the prepared Buffalo sauce, coating each piece evenly with the spicy, buttery glaze.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crispy Buffalo tofu hot as a protein-packed topping for salads, such as an avocado kale Caesar, inside wraps, or alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or bleu cheese for an irresistible snack or meal.
Notes
- For baking instead of air frying, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated tofu pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
- Press the tofu for at least 15-30 minutes if you have time for firmer texture before coating.
- To keep the tofu crispy, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or baking sheet.
Keywords: Buffalo tofu, crispy tofu, vegan appetizer, plant-based buffalo wings, air fryer recipe, spicy tofu
