Description
This Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad recipe offers a flavorful, crunchy tofu dish coated in spicy buffalo sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy meal. The tofu is air fried to a golden crisp and served atop a fresh salad dressed with Caesar or your favorite dressing for a satisfying and protein-packed dish.
Ingredients
Tofu Marinade 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
Buffalo Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
Salad
- Caesar, ranch, or bleu cheese dressing (recommended: avocado kale Caesar salad)
Instructions
- Prepare and drain the tofu: Remove tofu from packaging and drain excess water. Wrap tofu in a clean dish towel or several paper towels and gently press to squeeze out additional moisture, spending less than a minute to avoid crumbling.
- Cut and season the tofu: Tear the tofu into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, toss the tofu pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, avocado oil, paprika, and garlic powder until each piece is evenly coated.
- Air fry the tofu: Arrange the coated tofu in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8 minutes. Shake or toss the tofu pieces, then continue air frying for another 5 to 6 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare buffalo sauce: Melt the butter in a small pan or microwave, then whisk it together with the hot sauce until fully combined and smooth.
- Toss tofu in buffalo sauce: Place the crispy tofu in a bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce to coat every piece evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy the buffalo tofu by dipping it in your favorite dressing or adding it atop a salad such as an avocado kale Caesar salad, or incorporating it into wraps and bowls for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For a baked alternative, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and bake tofu pieces for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
- Pressing tofu properly is key to achieving a crispy texture; ensure excess moisture is removed without breaking apart the tofu chunks.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on your spice preference.
- Avocado oil is used for its high smoke point and mild flavor; you can substitute with other neutral oils if needed.
- This recipe is great for meal prep as tofu can be refrigerated and reheated while maintaining its crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American