Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make the buffalo sauce: While tofu cooks, melt the butter and whisk together with the hot sauce to create a smooth buffalo sauce.
- 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.
- 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
