Description

This Crispy Buffalo Tofu recipe offers a delicious, plant-based twist on classic buffalo wings. Firm tofu is seasoned, air-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a buttery hot sauce for a spicy, tangy flavor. Perfect as a snack or protein-packed addition to salads like an avocado kale Caesar.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crispy Buffalo Tofu

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
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s Red Hot)

For Serving

Salad with Caesar, ranch, or bleu cheese dressing (suggested: avocado kale Caesar salad)

Instructions

Press and Drain Tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain the water. Wrap it in a clean dish towel or several paper towels and gently squeeze to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu become crispier when cooked. Spend less than a minute on this step for optimal moisture removal.
Prepare Tofu Pieces: Pull the tofu into bite-sized chunks. In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, avocado oil, paprika, and garlic powder until each piece is well coated for flavor and crispiness.
Air Fry Tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the coated tofu in the basket and air fry for 8 minutes. Then shake or toss the tofu to ensure even cooking. Continue air frying for another 5-6 minutes until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
Make Buffalo Sauce: While the tofu cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Whisk in the hot sauce until fully combined to create a rich, spicy buffalo sauce.
Toss Tofu in Sauce: Place the crispy tofu in a large bowl and toss with the prepared buffalo sauce to coat each piece evenly.
Serve: Enjoy the buffalo tofu by itself with your favorite dipping sauce, or add it as a flavorful topping to a salad, wrap, or bowl. It pairs especially well with avocado kale Caesar salad for a fresh and spicy meal.

Notes

For a baking alternative, preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Place coated tofu pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Ensure tofu is firm or extra firm for best texture and to absorb the sauce well.
You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to customize the spice level.
Use vegan butter and a plant-based salad dressing to make this recipe fully vegan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Salad Topping
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 115g)
Calories: 210
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: buffalo tofu, crispy tofu, buffalo sauce, air fryer tofu, vegetarian appetizer, plant-based buffalo wings, tofu salad topping, spicy tofu