Crispy, saucy, and packed with bold buffalo flavor—these Buffalo Tofu Wings are the ultimate plant-based comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a meat-free game-day snack or just craving something spicy and satisfying, this recipe delivers. With a crunchy coating and a tangy, buttery buffalo sauce, these tofu wings will have you licking your fingers and reaching for more. Trust me, even the biggest wing lovers won’t miss the chicken!
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Why You’ll Love Buffalo Tofu Wings
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a fun snack, or a meatless main dish, these wings will be a hit. Here’s why you’ll love them:
Crispy and Satisfying: The perfect balance of crunch on the outside and tender tofu on the inside.
Bold Buffalo Flavor: Tangy, spicy, and buttery—just like classic wings, but completely plant-based.
Easy to Make: Simple steps with no complicated techniques.
Baked or Air-Fried: A healthier alternative to deep-fried wings, but just as delicious.
Great for Everyone: Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to try a tasty meatless option.
Ingredients in Buffalo Tofu Wings
Here’s what makes these wings so irresistible:
Extra-Firm Tofu: The star of the dish, providing a meaty, chewy texture. Pressed tofu absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating that holds up to the buffalo sauce.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Plant-Based Milk: Used to help the coating stick. Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk works best.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy texture. Regular or gluten-free options work.
Buffalo Sauce: A fiery blend of hot sauce and plant-based butter, delivering that signature buffalo flavor.
Vegan Butter: Adds a rich, buttery taste to the sauce, balancing out the heat.
How to Make Buffalo Tofu Wings
Let’s dive into the steps to create these spicy, crispy wings:
Press the Tofu: Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top to remove excess moisture. Let it press for about 15 minutes.
Cut and Coat: Slice the tofu into wing-sized pieces. In one bowl, mix cornstarch with seasonings. In another, pour plant-based milk. In a third, add the breadcrumbs. Dip each tofu piece into the cornstarch mixture, then the milk, then the breadcrumbs.
Bake or Air-Fry: Arrange the coated tofu on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. For air-frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the vegan butter and stir in the buffalo sauce. Heat until smooth.
Toss and Serve: Once the tofu wings are crispy, toss them in the warm buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Buffalo Tofu Wings
These wings are amazing on their own, but here are some perfect pairings:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with vegan ranch or dairy-free blue cheese dressing.
- Crunchy Veggies: Celery and carrot sticks add freshness and balance.
- Side Dishes: Pair with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple side salad.
- Wrap It Up: Toss them in a tortilla with lettuce and dressing for a spicy buffalo tofu wrap.
Additional Tips
Extra Crispy: For even crispier wings, lightly spray them with oil before baking or air-frying.
Less Spicy? Mix the buffalo sauce with a bit of maple syrup or extra butter to tone down the heat.
Make Ahead: Prep the coated tofu pieces in advance and store them in the fridge. Bake when ready.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as they can get soggy.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make these gluten-free?
A1: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your buffalo sauce is gluten-free.
Q2: What’s the best tofu for this recipe?
A2: Extra-firm tofu works best. Avoid soft or silken tofu, as it won’t hold up to the coating.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes! Prepare and coat the tofu, then bake just before serving for the best texture.
Q4: What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?
A4: Try BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a sweet chili glaze for a different flavor.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Q6: Can I deep-fry them?
A6: Yes! Fry in hot oil (375°F/190°C) for about 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
Q7: What’s the best way to press tofu?
A7: Use a tofu press or place it between two plates with a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes.
Q8: Can I make these oil-free?
A8: Yes! Just omit the butter from the buffalo sauce and bake or air-fry without oil.
Q9: How do I make them less spicy?
A9: Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with a little vegan mayo or yogurt to mellow out the heat.
Q10: Can I use frozen tofu?
A10: Yes! Freezing and then thawing tofu changes its texture, making it even chewier—great for wings!
Final Thoughts
These Buffalo Tofu Wings are proof that plant-based eating can be just as bold, crispy, and satisfying as the original. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a party, or just a spicy snack, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try—you won’t miss the chicken!
Print
Buffalo Tofu Wings
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 wings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These spicy, crispy Buffalo tofu wings are the ultimate vegan appetizer for parties, game day, or a satisfying comfort food craving. Made with battered and baked tofu, then coated in hot buffalo sauce, they’re full of bold flavor and a perfect plant-based alternative to traditional wings. Serve them with celery sticks and vegan ranch dip or enjoy them in salads and sandwiches!
Ingredients
- 1 block extra-firm tofu
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce)
- 1 tbsp vegan butter
Instructions
- Press Tofu: Drain the tofu and press out excess moisture using a tofu press or by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then unwrap.
- Slice Tofu: Cut the tofu into 9-12 rectangular strips.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Wet Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and salt until smooth.
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
- Coat Tofu: Dip each tofu strip into the wet batter, ensuring an even coat, then into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: Melt vegan butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then mix with buffalo sauce.
- Coat in Sauce: Dip each baked tofu wing into the buffalo sauce, coating both sides.
- Final Bake (Optional): For extra crispiness, bake again for 15 more minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with celery sticks and vegan ranch dip!
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, double-bake as recommended.
- Use gluten-free panko for a gluten-free version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 wings
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg