As a plant-based food blogger (and self-proclaimed tofu expert), I’m on a mission to prove tofu can be more than just tasty — it can be downright crave-worthy. These Buffalo Tofu Wings get their irresistible crunch from the air fryer, then take a fiery turn with a generous coating of tangy buffalo sauce. The result? A high-protein, flavor-packed game day appetizer that’s so good, even tofu skeptics will come back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Tofu: Use extra firm tofu for optimal texture. Be sure to set aside time to press the tofu, removing as much moisture as possible.
- Milk: I use plant-based milk, like soy milk.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs or something similar. Be sure to read the label for any dietary restrictions.
- Oregano: Or substitute Italian seasoning. (Or you may find breadcrumbs that already have the Italian seasoning mixed in.)
- Potato starch: Or use corn starch. This is essential for giving the tofu a crispy coating.
- Garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper: To season the crispy exterior!
- Buffalo sauce: Made with hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), butter (use vegan butter if needed), and coconut sugar.
How to Make Buffalo Tofu Wings
- Prep the tofu. Drain, press, and slice the tofu.
- Get ready to dredge. Gather three bowls. Add milk to one, the breadcrumbs and oregano to another, and the potato starch, garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the third.
- Coat the tofu. Dip each tofu slice in milk, then potato starch, then milk again, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Spray the tofu lightly with cooking spray.
- Fry. In an air fryer at 350°F, fry the tofu for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make the buffalo sauce. Warm the hot sauce, butter, and sugar in a saucepan until melted and combined.
- Serve. Gently toss the fried tofu in a bowl with the buffalo sauce and enjoy immediately.
How to Press Tofu
While you can use a tofu press, I find it easiest to layer paper towels on a cutting board, set the tofu down, and then top with more layers of paper towels. Place a sturdy cookbook or two on top, being careful not to crush the tofu. Let rest for 30 minutes or up to one hour. Remove the paper towels and gently pat dry.
Storage & Reheating
- To store: Place leftover Buffalo Tofu Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- To reheat: Reheat the tofu in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes or in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 350°F.
FAQs
What are tofu wings?
Tofu wings are a plant-based twist on regular wings, made with a breadcrumb coating and tossed in a buffalo sauce. Using the air fryer gives the tofu a crunchy exterior, and pressing the tofu prevents the interior from being too soft. This recipe can be made with any kind of wing sauce.
Is Frank’s buffalo wing sauce vegan?
Yes, Frank’s RedHot hot sauce is suitable for vegans. Use Frank’s or your favorite hot sauce. I’ve also made these wings with Cholula and Primal Kitchen’s Buffalo Sauce.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake the wings in the oven at 350°F for 40 minutes, flipping halfway.
More Tofu Recipes You Might Like:
- Asian Noodle Bowl with Baked Tofu
- Zucchini Basil Tart with Tofu Ricotta
- Taco Bowl with Tofu Taco “Meat”
Buffalo Tofu Wings
Equipment
- air fryer optional
Ingredients
- 16 oz extra firm tofu
- 1 cup milk I used soy milk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup potato starch
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- Cooking spray
Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup hot sauce like Frank's RedHot
- 3 tbsp butter or vegan butter
- 1 tsp coconut sugar or cane sugar
Instructions
- Remove tofu from its package. Place it on a cutting board on top of a few layers of paper towels. Top with more paper towels and place a heavy cookbook on top. Let rest for 30 minutes to press the tofu.
- Gather three medium bowls. In the first, add the milk. In the second, combine breadcrumbs and oregano. In the third, mix together potato starch, garlic, paprika, and black pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. See notes for baking instructions.
- Slice the tofu into 1/2-inch thick pieces. One at a time, dip the tofu into the bowl of milk, then coat it in the potato starch mix, dip it back into the bowl of milk, and then coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside and repeat with the rest of the tofu pieces.
- Spray the tofu and the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the tofu pieces in the air fryer basket, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- While the tofu fries, prepare the buffalo sauce. Add hot sauce, butter, and sugar to a saucepan and whisk together, cooking over medium heat until the butter melts. Turn off the heat.
- When all of the tofu has been fried, toss them in a large bowl with the buffalo sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To bake the tofu wings, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 40 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway.
Nutrition
Enjoy these easy Buffalo Tofu Wings!
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