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Buffalo tofu is a delicious vegetarian or vegan alternative to the classic buffalo wings, offering a flavorful twist on this popular dish. It typically consists of tofu cubes that are marinated, baked or fried until crispy, and then tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce made from hot sauce, melted vegan butter or oil, and seasonings like garlic powder and paprika.

The result is a dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with tangy, spicy flavor. Buffalo tofu can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a topping for salads or sandwiches, making it a versatile and satisfying option for anyone craving the bold flavors of buffalo sauce.

Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Recipe

Buffalo tofu Recipe

Buffalo tofu is a versatile and flavorful dish inspired by the popular buffalo wings. It combines the crispiness of baked tofu with a spicy buffalo sauce, creating a satisfying appetizer or main course for vegan and non-vegan eaters alike. This dish originated from the fusion of American and vegetarian cuisines, offering a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings while maintaining the signature spicy kick. It's perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a spicy treat without the meat.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone mat
Medium bowl
Whisk
Saucepan
Tongs

Ingredients

1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
2 tablespoons melted vegan butter or olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, and vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter or olive oil, soy sauce or tamari, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Gently toss the tofu cubes in the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is crispy and golden brown.
While the tofu bakes, prepare any optional sides like celery and carrot sticks, and vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Once baked, remove the tofu from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Serve the buffalo tofu hot with the optional sides and dipping sauce.

Notes

Tips:

Pressing the tofu before cooking helps to remove excess moisture, allowing it to crisp up nicely in the oven.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
Serve with fresh celery and carrot sticks to balance the heat, along with a cooling vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Buffalo tofu is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the chewiness of tofu with the tangy heat of buffalo sauce. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make it:

1. Ingredients:

Gather the necessary ingredients. You’ll need extra-firm tofu, buffalo sauce (either store-bought or homemade), olive oil or cooking spray, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional garnishes like chopped green onions or celery sticks.

2. Preparation of Tofu:

- Start by draining the tofu. Remove it from the packaging, drain the excess water, and wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place something heavy on top, like a cast-iron skillet, to press out more moisture. Let it press for about 15-30 minutes.
- After pressing, unwrap the tofu and cut it into cubes or slices, depending on your preference. Pat the tofu pieces dry with paper towels to remove any remaining moisture.

3. Marinating Tofu:

- In a shallow dish, mix together the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place the tofu pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

4. Cooking:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
- Bake the tofu in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

5. Finishing Touches:

- Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Optionally, you can toss the baked tofu in additional buffalo sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garnish the buffalo tofu with chopped green onions or serve it alongside celery sticks for a traditional buffalo wing experience.

6. Serving:

- Buffalo tofu can be enjoyed hot or cold. Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or as part of a main dish. It pairs well with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, along with carrot and celery sticks for a classic buffalo wing-inspired meal.

Buffalo Tofu Nutritions

Calories: Buffalo tofu typically contains around 100-150 calories per serving, depending on the serving size and preparation method.

Protein: Provides a good source of plant-based protein, with around 8-12 grams per serving.

Carbohydrates: Contains carbohydrates, primarily from the tofu and any coating or sauce used, typically ranging from 5-15 grams per serving.

Fat: Generally lower in fat compared to traditional buffalo chicken, with approximately 5-10 grams of fat per serving.

Fiber: Provides some dietary fiber, especially if using whole grain coatings or serving with vegetables, averaging around 2-4 grams per serving.

Vitamins and Minerals: Depending on the ingredients and preparation, buffalo tofu can contribute to various nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K.

Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on the buffalo sauce or seasoning used, with some preparations containing higher sodium levels, typically ranging from 300-700 milligrams per serving.

Other Nutrients: May contain additional nutrients depending on the ingredients used for coating or serving, such as omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed or hempseed coatings, or antioxidants from added spices or herbs.

Buffalo Tofu Salad:

Buffalo Tofu Preparation:
- Cut tofu into cubes or strips and press to remove excess moisture.
- Coat tofu in seasoned cornstarch or flour.
- Fry or bake tofu until crispy and golden brown.
- Toss cooked tofu in buffalo sauce until well coated.
Salad Assembly:
- Wash and dry mixed greens, arrange in a salad bowl.
- Add sliced carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Arrange sliced or diced avocado on top.
- Place crispy buffalo tofu on the salad.
- Drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing, or serve on the side.
- Garnish with crumbled blue cheese (or vegan alternative), chopped green onions, and celery slices.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm tofu and cool greens.
- Offer extra buffalo sauce or dressing on the side for added flavor.
- Pair with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal.
Enjoyment:
- Buffalo tofu salad offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors.
- Crispy tofu adds crunch, while buffalo sauce provides a spicy kick.
- Fresh vegetables and creamy avocado balance the dish.
- Dressing ties everything together with its rich and tangy goodness.
- Perfect for a light lunch or flavorful dinner option.

Crispy Buffalo Tofu

Preparation: Tofu is pressed to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes or strips.
Coating: Tofu pieces are coated in a seasoned mixture, often including cornstarch or flour for crispiness.
Frying/Baking: Coated tofu is either shallow-fried or baked until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Buffalo Sauce: Prepared buffalo sauce, typically made with hot sauce, butter or oil, vinegar, and spices, is heated and tossed with the crispy tofu until evenly coated.
Serving: Crispy buffalo tofu is served hot, often with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Variations: Can be customized with different levels of spiciness by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or adding additional seasonings like garlic powder or cayenne pepper.
Healthier Options: For a healthier version, tofu can be baked instead of fried, and a lower-fat buffalo sauce or a homemade alternative can be used. Additionally, using whole wheat flour or almond flour for coating adds fiber and nutrients.

Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.

Buffalo Tofu Recipe Nutrition & Instruction

Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Recipe