This Buffalo Tofu is INCREDIBLY SIMPLE! A two-ingredient sauce mixed with air-fried crunchy tofu, placed atop a kale Caesar salad.
I’ve Prepared This Tofu Three Times This Week.
Occasionally devoured rapidly as finger food around 5 pm, but more often added to a decadent kale Caesar salad like what you see here – it’s a fusion of bar food and nourishing fare.
This buffalo tofu is just too easy. Almost unfair.
No batters or breading, no cutting boards require washing. Just a simple two-ingredient mix of hot sauce and butter, followed by a quick air fry or bake for the crispy tofu foundation.
You can add this tofu to a wrap or bowl, but what’s been really enticing me lately is a generous heap of this saucy tofu on a Caesar salad. My favorites:
- The bagged Caesar from Trader Joe’s
- The store-bought vegan Caesar dressing from Trader Joe’s (found in the refrigerated section)
- This avocado kale Caesar
The buffalo sauce is too fiery for my girls, so I keep a few pieces aside for them without the sauce to dip in ranch or ketchup. And they adore it.
Last night, I made it for dinner and thought to myself, I ought to tell you to double this – we’re a family of 4, including two little kids who don’t eat much, and not a single piece remained among us. I honestly believe even just Bjork and I could polish off an entire block of tofu between us.
It’s simple and absolutely delicious. I hope you enjoy it!
If you’re a fan of buffalo, you’ll love these buffalo chicken burgers with whipped feta – and these buffalo cauliflower tacos with avocado crema are incredible too. WOW. So tasty.
Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad
Total Time:
17 minutesYield:
2–4 servings (I make this for me and my husband + 2 small kids) 1x
Description
This Buffalo Tofu is INCREDIBLY SIMPLE! A two-ingredient sauce mixed with air-fried crunchy tofu, placed atop a kale Caesar salad.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Crispy Tofu:
Buffalo Sauce:
For Serving:
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain the water. Wrap it in a clean dish towel or a few paper towels and gently squeeze out some excess moisture. I spend less than a minute on this.
- Tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Mix with the cornstarch, soy sauce, oil, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Once everything is evenly coated, air fry at 400 degrees for 8 minutes. Shake or toss, then air fry for an additional 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. (Refer to notes for baking instructions.)
- Melt the butter and whisk it together with the hot sauce. Toss the crispy tofu in the sauce to coat.
- Dip in your favorite sauce or add to a wrap, bowl, or salad! So delicious!
Equipment
Air Fryer
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Notes
To cook this in the oven: It should work at 400 degrees for 20 minutes! Make sure to line the pan with parchment and give it a toss halfway through.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: tofu recipe, buffalo tofu, buffalo caesar, air fryer tofu
Common Questions About Buffalo Tofu
How spicy is this? Can my kids eat it?
The buffalo sauce is too spicy for my girls, so I leave a few pieces for them without the sauce to dip in ranch or ketchup.
What air fryer do you use?
I love the Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL (affiliate link). It’s a fantastic size and I appreciate the basket style for a recipe like this!
Could I make this in the oven instead?
Absolutely! Roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, and remember to toss halfway through.
Could I use chicken instead of tofu?
Certainly! For the air fryer, I’d prepare this air fryer chicken and swap the spices with those in this recipe, then toss with the sauce. Or on the stovetop, you could follow the buffalo chicken recipe in this recipe.
Three Additional Tofu Recipes I Adore
**Crispy Buffalo-Style Tofu Accompanied by Classic Caesar Salad: A Tasty Plant-Based Treat**
If you’re aiming to elevate your plant-based meals with bold flavors and satisfying textures, crispy Buffalo-style tofu alongside a classic Caesar salad is the way to go. This engaging combination strikes the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and creamy tang—ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a filling appetizer. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or just venturing into meatless meals, this dish is sure to delight your palate.
—
### What is Buffalo-Style Tofu?
Buffalo-style tofu is a plant-based variation of traditional Buffalo chicken wings. Instead of chicken, firm or extra-firm tofu serves as the protein source. The tofu is pressed to eliminate excess moisture, cut into bite-sized portions, coated in a seasoned mixture, then baked or air-fried until crispy. Afterward, it’s coated in a spicy, tangy Buffalo sauce made from hot sauce (usually cayenne-based), vegan butter, and optional flavorings like garlic powder or smoked paprika.
The end result features a crispy, golden exterior and a tender, flavorful interior that absorbs the zesty Buffalo sauce remarkably well.
—
### Why Combine It with a Classic Caesar Salad?
Buffalo-style dishes are celebrated for their robust, spicy flavor, which contrasts wonderfully with the cool, creamy texture of a Caesar salad. A classic Caesar salad—typically composed of romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing—provides a refreshing balance to the heat of the Buffalo tofu.
In a plant-based adaptation, the Caesar salad can be easily modified using vegan Parmesan (crafted from nuts or nutritional yeast), crunchy homemade croutons, and a dairy-free Caesar dressing. The dressing often incorporates ingredients like tahini, cashews, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and capers to replicate the umami-rich flavor of the classic.
—
### How to Prepare Crispy Buffalo-Style Tofu
**Ingredients:**
– 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed
– 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tbsp vegan butter, melted
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Tofu:** Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to extract excess moisture. Cut into cubes or strips.
2. **Set Up a Breading Station:** In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, pour the plant milk. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. **Bread the Tofu:** Dip each tofu piece into the flour, then into the plant milk, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mix.
4. **Bake or Air-Fry:** Place tofu pieces on a lined baking sheet or in an air fryer basket. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy.
5. **Coat in Buffalo Sauce:** Mix Buffalo sauce with melted vegan butter and toss the cooked tofu until evenly coated.
—
### How to Create a Vegan Caesar Salad
**Ingredients:**
– 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/2 cup vegan Caesar dressing (see below)
– 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan
– 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
**Vegan Caesar Dressing:**
– 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tbsp capers
– 1 garlic clove
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup water (adjust for consistency)
**Instructions:**
1. **Blend the Dressing:** Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender and process until smooth and creamy.
2. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, toss together chopped romaine, dressing, croutons, and vegan Parmesan.
3. **Serve:** Dish up the salad and top it with warm Buffalo tofu bites for a complete meal.
—
### Nutritional Advantages
This dish is not only scrumptious but also brimming with nutrients:
– **Tofu** offers plant-based protein, iron, and calcium.
– **Romaine lettuce** is packed with vitamins A and K.
– **Cashews** in the dressing provide healthy fats and magnesium.
– **Buffalo sauce** adds flavor without excessive calories when used in moderation.
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### Serving Suggestions
– Pair with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or corn on the cob.