Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Buffalo Tofu is a flavorful, plant-based twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines crunchy, spicy tofu with a refreshing Caesar salad, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. It’s easy to make using an air fryer and packed with bold buffalo flavor.

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 RedHot)
• Salad with Caesar, ranch, or bleu cheese dressing (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean dish towel or paper towels. Gently squeeze out excess moisture for about a minute.
2. Step 2: Cut the tofu into bite-sized chunks and toss with cornstarch, soy sauce, avocado oil, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Place the tofu in an air fryer and cook at 400°F for 8 minutes. Shake or toss the tofu, then air fry for another 5–6 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Step 4: Melt the butter and whisk it together with the hot sauce. Toss the crispy tofu in the buffalo sauce to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Serve the buffalo tofu on its own, with your favorite dipping sauce, or over a salad like avocado kale Caesar.

Tips & Variations

• To bake instead of air fry, roast the tofu at 400°F for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through for even crisping.
• Use firm or extra firm tofu; extra firm tends to yield crispier results with less moisture.
• For milder heat, serve some tofu plain with ranch or bleu cheese dressing for kids or sensitive eaters.
• Add a squeeze of lime or sprinkle of chopped green onions over the finished dish for brightness.

Storage

Store leftover crispy buffalo tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the tofu from getting soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How spicy is this? Can my kids eat it?

The buffalo sauce is moderately spicy. For kids or those sensitive to heat, you can set aside some plain crispy tofu pieces before tossing in the sauce for dipping with ranch or ketchup.

Can I make this in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes! Roast the tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 20 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through to ensure crispiness.

Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 86 reviews

This Crispy Buffalo Tofu recipe offers a spicy, crunchy twist on tofu that’s perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner. The tofu is tossed in cornstarch and spices, then air fried until golden and crispy before being coated in a rich buffalo sauce made with butter and hot sauce. Served over a Caesar or avocado kale salad, it’s a flavorful, protein-packed dish that combines the crunch of buffalo wings with the plant-based goodness of tofu.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crispy Tofu:

• 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

Buffalo Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

For Serving:

• Salad with Caesar, ranch, or bleu cheese dressing (especially good over avocado kale Caesar salad)

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Remove tofu from its packaging and drain the water. Wrap it in a clean dish towel or a few paper towels and gently squeeze out excess moisture for about a minute to improve crispiness.
2. Cut and season the tofu: Pull the tofu into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, toss the tofu with cornstarch, soy sauce, avocado oil, paprika, and garlic powder until well coated.
3. Air fry the tofu: Place the coated tofu in an air fryer preheated to 400°F (204°C). Cook for 8 minutes, then toss or shake the tofu to promote even cooking. Air fry for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until tofu pieces are golden brown and crispy.
4. Make the buffalo sauce: While tofu cooks, melt the butter and whisk together with the hot sauce to create a smooth buffalo sauce.
5. Coat tofu with buffalo sauce: Once the tofu is crispy, transfer it to a bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
6. Serve: Serve the buffalo tofu on its own with dipping sauces like ranch or bleu cheese, or atop a salad such as avocado kale Caesar salad. Enjoy as a main or a flavorful topping.

Notes

• To bake instead of air fry, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place tofu pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through for even crispiness.
• If using a wetter tofu brand, you may need to add 2-4 extra minutes to the air frying time to achieve desired crispness.
• The buffalo sauce can be toned down by serving some tofu pieces plain for children or those sensitive to spice.
• The recipe works well with firm or extra firm tofu; extra firm tends to give the best texture.

Keywords: tofu recipe, buffalo tofu, buffalo caesar, air fryer tofu