Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Buffalo Tofu is a flavorful and crunchy alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Perfectly coated and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, it’s a delicious addition to salads, wraps, or just for snacking. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a tasty plant-based option, this recipe delivers bold taste and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• 16 ounce package of tofu (firm or extra firm)
• 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 (like Frank’s red hot)
• Salad with Caesar, ranch, or bleu cheese dressing (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain any water. Wrap it in a clean dish towel or paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture, about 30 seconds to a minute.
2. Step 2: Cut or pull the tofu into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, toss the tofu pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, avocado oil, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tofu in the basket and air fry for 8 minutes. Shake or toss the tofu, then air fry for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Step 4: While the tofu cooks, melt the butter in a small pan or microwave. Whisk the melted butter together with the hot sauce to create the buffalo sauce.
5. Step 5: Once the tofu is crispy, toss it in the buffalo sauce until well coated. Serve on top of your favorite salad, in a wrap, or enjoy with dipping sauces of your choice.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or additional oil.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the seasoning for extra smoky heat.
• This tofu pairs wonderfully with an avocado kale Caesar salad for a fresh and creamy contrast.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness; microwaving can make it soggy. Buffalo tofu also freezes well—freeze in a single layer, then reheat directly from frozen in an air fryer or oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft tofu instead of firm tofu?

Soft tofu is not recommended as it will not hold its shape or crisp up properly. Firm or extra firm tofu works best for this recipe.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

You can make it vegan by replacing the butter with a plant-based butter or extra oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.

Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

Crispy Buffalo Tofu is a flavorful and spicy plant-based dish that features perfectly air-fried tofu chunks coated in a buttery hot sauce. This recipe is ideal for those craving a crispy texture with a kick of buffalo flavor, complementing salads, wraps, or bowls beautifully.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tofu 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 (like Frank’s RedHot)

Serving Suggestion

• Salad with Caesar, ranch, or bleu cheese dressing (e.g., avocado kale Caesar salad)

Instructions

1. Drain and Press Tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain the water. Wrap the block with a clean dish towel or a few paper towels, and gently press to remove excess moisture. This step should take less than a minute to ensure tofu crisps well.
2. Cut and Season: Pull or cut the tofu into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, toss the tofu pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, avocado oil, paprika, and garlic powder until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Air Fry the Tofu: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the tofu chunks in a single layer inside the basket. Air fry for 8 minutes, then shake or toss the tofu to promote even cooking. Continue air frying for another 5-6 minutes until the tofu turns golden brown and crispy on the outside.
4. Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the tofu is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Whisk in the hot sauce until fully combined to create a smooth buffalo sauce.
5. Toss Tofu in Sauce: Once the tofu is crispy, transfer it to a bowl and toss thoroughly with the buffalo sauce so each piece is coated evenly.
6. Serve: Serve the crispy buffalo tofu as a protein topping over your favorite salad, such as an avocado kale Caesar salad, or enjoy it as a flavorful snack with ranch, Caesar, or blue cheese dressing. It’s also great in wraps and bowls.

Notes

• If you prefer to bake instead of air frying, bake tofu chunks on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.
• Pressing tofu effectively is crucial for crispiness; the more moisture removed, the better the texture.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity according to desired spice level.
• This recipe pairs well with creamy dressings that balance heat.

Keywords: buffalo tofu, crispy tofu, air fryer tofu, vegan buffalo bites, spicy tofu, tofu salad topping