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Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 12 reviews

This Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad recipe offers a deliciously spicy and crunchy plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly air-fried tofu pieces are coated in a buttery hot sauce and served atop a fresh Caesar salad, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in under 20 minutes.

  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Tofu and Coating

  • 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

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot)

Salad

  • Caesar, ranch, or bleu cheese dressing (suggested: avocado kale Caesar salad)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tofu: Remove the tofu from the package and drain excess water. Wrap it in a clean dish towel or several paper towels and gently squeeze to remove additional moisture, which helps achieve crispiness. This should take less than a minute.
  2. Cut and Season: Pull the tofu into bite-sized chunks. Toss them thoroughly with cornstarch, soy sauce, avocado oil, paprika, and garlic powder to coat evenly; this will add flavor and aid in crisping.
  3. Air Fry the Tofu: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the tofu pieces in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes. Shake or toss the tofu then air fry for another 5 to 6 minutes until golden and crispy. (Alternatively, the tofu can be baked to achieve a similar texture—see notes.)
  4. Make Buffalo Sauce: Melt the butter and whisk it together with the hot sauce in a bowl, creating a rich and spicy coating for the tofu.
  5. Toss Tofu in Sauce and Serve: Immediately toss the hot, crispy tofu in the buffalo sauce to fully coat each piece. Serve by dipping in your favorite sauce or adding the tofu to wraps, bowls, or atop salad such as an avocado kale Caesar for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • For a baked alternative, preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the coated tofu pieces on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and browned.
  • Pressing the tofu longer enhances crispiness by removing more moisture.
  • Use extra firm tofu to maintain shape during cooking.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preferred spice level.
  • The recipe pairs wonderfully with avocado kale Caesar salad but can be served with any salad or as a protein addition to wraps and bowls.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian