Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Buffalo Tofu is a simple, flavorful dish that transforms firm tofu into a crunchy, spicy delight. Paired perfectly with a Caesar salad, it offers a satisfying plant-based meal that’s quick to prepare and bursting with 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 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 the water. Wrap it in a clean dish towel or several paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture. This should take less than a minute.
2. Step 2: Break 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). Place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8 minutes. Shake or toss the tofu, then air fry for another 5–6 minutes until golden and crispy. (If baking, see Tips & Variations.)
4. Step 4: While the tofu cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Whisk the melted butter together with the hot sauce until combined.
5. Step 5: Toss the crispy tofu in the buffalo sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately atop your favorite salad or enjoy as a snack with dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• To bake instead of air frying, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
• Using extra firm tofu helps achieve the best crispiness, but firm tofu works too; just add a few extra minutes to cooking time if needed.
• For a milder version, leave some tofu pieces plain for kids and serve with ranch or ketchup for dipping.
• Try swapping buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for a different flavor while keeping the butter and spices the same.
• This tofu is delicious tossed on an avocado kale Caesar salad or wrapped in a tortilla with your favorite greens.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, warm in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes rather than microwaving. Add sauce just before serving to keep tofu crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How spicy is the buffalo tofu? Can my kids eat it?

The buffalo sauce has a noticeable heat, but you can easily leave some tofu pieces plain for children to enjoy with mild dipping sauces like ranch or ketchup.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, tossing halfway through for even crispiness.

Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad Recipe

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This Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad recipe features crispy air-fried tofu coated in a spicy buffalo butter sauce, served atop a fresh kale Caesar salad. It’s a delicious and easy plant-based twist on classic buffalo wings, perfect as a dinner option for vegetarians wanting bold flavor and satisfying texture.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Crispy Tofu:

• 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 (such as Frank’s Red Hot)

For Serving:

• Salad with Caesar, ranch, or bleu cheese dressing (avocado kale Caesar salad recommended)

Instructions

1. Prep the Tofu: Remove tofu from packaging and drain excess water. Wrap tofu in a clean dish towel or paper towels and gently press to squeeze out moisture, spending less than a minute to avoid breaking it.
2. Cut and Season: 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 all pieces are well-coated.
3. Air Fry the Tofu: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place tofu chunks in the basket and air fry for 8 minutes. Shake or toss tofu, then air fry for an additional 5–6 minutes until the tofu is golden brown and crispy. (Alternatively, bake in an oven at 400°F for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.)
4. Make Buffalo Sauce: Melt the butter in a small bowl or pan. Whisk in the hot sauce until combined to create the buffalo sauce.
5. Coat the Tofu: Toss the crispy tofu in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated and saucy.
6. Serve: Serve the buffalo tofu on top of your favorite salad—such as an avocado kale Caesar salad—or enjoy as a snack with ranch or blue cheese for dipping. It also works great in wraps or bowls.

Notes

• Oven baking alternative: bake tofu at 400°F for 20 minutes on parchment-lined tray, tossing halfway to crisp evenly.
• Tofu brand note: extra firm tofu works best for crispiness; if using softer or wetter brands, add 2-4 extra minutes to air frying time.
• Buffalo sauce can be adjusted for spice tolerance by reducing hot sauce or serving some tofu without sauce for kids.
• Leftovers: keep some tofu plain (unsauced) for reheating later to retain crispiness before tossing with sauce again.
• Great served on avocado kale Caesar salad or with ranch / bleu cheese for milder flavor options.

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