Easy Buffalo Tofu Wings: Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistibly Delicious!

Buffalo tofu wings are a tasty plant-based twist on the classic spicy chicken appetizer.

Vegetarians and vegans can now enjoy the fiery flavors usually found in traditional buffalo wings.

Crispy tofu pieces covered in a tangy, spicy sauce offer a mouthwatering option that satisfies cravings for bold and zesty dishes.

This version captures the essence of popular bar food with its signature heat and crispy texture.

Tofu’s flexible nature allows it to soak up marinades and sauces, making it perfect for strong flavor profiles.

These wings provide a healthier way to enjoy beloved comfort food that pleases both herbivores and meat-eaters.

Best Pairings For Buffalo Tofu Wings

• Pair with Crisp Beer Complement: Select a light, hoppy pale ale that cuts through the spicy buffalo sauce, refreshing the palate with its crisp carbonation and balancing the tofu's heat.
• Cooling Ranch Partner: Serve alongside homemade vegan ranch dressing, which neutralizes the buffalo sauce's fiery kick while providing a smooth, creamy contrast to the crunchy tofu wings.
• Crunchy Celery Sidekick: Add fresh celery sticks as a hydrating, low-calorie accompaniment that offers a clean, green crunch and helps reset taste buds between spicy bites.
• Wine Flavor Booster: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling that complements the tangy buffalo sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the overall flavor profile of the tofu wings.

Try Something New With Buffalo Tofu Wings

• Gluten-Free Buffalo Tofu Wings: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Sriracha Transformation: Swap buffalo sauce with sriracha and honey for a sweet-hot alternative that adds complex flavor layers to the tofu wings.
• Air Fryer Express Method: Skip oven baking and cook tofu wings in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, achieving crispy texture with less oil and faster preparation.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace tofu with cauliflower florets for a vegetable-based version that reduces protein and provides a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option.

Buffalo Tofu Wings FAQ List

• Why use panko breadcrumbs for this recipe?

Panko breadcrumbs provide an extra crispy and light texture compared to regular breadcrumbs, creating a crunchier coating that helps the tofu wings achieve a more satisfying mouthfeel and golden-brown exterior.

• Can I make these tofu wings gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make the recipe completely gluten-free while maintaining a similar crispy texture.

• How do I ensure my tofu becomes crispy and not soggy?

Properly pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture is crucial. Use a tofu press or wrap in a kitchen towel with weight on top for 15-30 minutes before coating and baking to help achieve a crispier result.

• Is it necessary to do the second bake after coating with buffalo sauce?

The second bake is optional but recommended for extra crispiness and helps the sauce caramelize slightly, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the tofu wings.

Why Buffalo Tofu Wings Are A Fun Bite

• Quick Kitchen Triumph: Breeze through this recipe with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Master this dish even if you're new to plant-based cooking, with straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results every time.
• Healthier Comfort Food Twist: Transform traditional buffalo wings into a nutritious, protein-packed meal that satisfies cravings without guilt, using tofu as a wholesome alternative.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, parties, or casual dinners, these buffalo tofu wings will win over vegetarians and meat-eaters alike with their crispy texture and spicy kick.

Buffalo Tofu Wings Ingredient Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

Tofu: The star protein, bringing a meaty texture and absorbing flavors beautifully. Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for a sturdy wing-like consistency.

Plant-Based Milk: Creates a smooth, clingy batter for perfect coating. Any unsweetened variety like soy or almond milk works great.

• Flour, Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, golden exterior with delightful crunch. Whole wheat or gluten-free flour options available.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Onion Powder, Salt: Essential spices that build deep, savory flavor profile. Use fresh, high-quality spices for best results.

• Vegan Butter, Buffalo Sauce: Transform plain tofu into spicy, tangy wings. Choose hot sauce with desired heat level. Louisiana-style or classic Frank's RedHot work perfectly.

How To Make Buffalo Tofu Wings Easily

Step 1: Prepare Tofu

Remove tofu from packaging and press out excess moisture. Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object like a cast-iron skillet or large book on top. Wait 15-30 minutes to remove water completely.

Step 2: Slice Tofu Pieces

Cut pressed tofu into rectangular strips, creating 9-12 even pieces.

Step 3: Organize Coating Station

• Flour mixture bowl
• Plant-based milk mixture bowl
• Panko breadcrumbs bowl

Step 4: Mix Flour Coating

• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until smooth and lump-free.

Step 5: Create Milk Mixture

Blend plant-based milk with additional seasonings for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bread Tofu Pieces

Dunk each tofu strip into flour mixture, then milk mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs gently to ensure complete coverage.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Place breaded tofu strips with space between each piece.

Step 8: First Baking Round

Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake tofu strips for 25 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even crispiness.

Step 9: Prepare Buffalo Sauce

Melt vegan butter in microwave. Mix with classic buffalo sauce until well combined.

Step 10: Sauce Tofu Wings

Dip each baked tofu strip completely into buffalo sauce, ensuring full coverage.

Step 11: Final Crisp

Return sauced tofu to oven for additional 15 minutes to create extra crunch.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Plate hot wings with fresh celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing for dipping.

Buffalo Tofu Wings Cooking Tips

• Squeeze Out Moisture: Press tofu thoroughly to remove excess water, ensuring crispy texture and better sauce absorption.
• Breadcrumb Coating Trick: Gently press panko breadcrumbs onto tofu to create a thick, crunchy exterior that locks in flavor.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust buffalo sauce intensity by mixing different hot sauce brands or adding extra cayenne for heat lovers.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare tofu wings in advance and reheat in oven for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness when serving later.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for sensitive diets.

How To Store Buffalo Tofu Wings Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover buffalo tofu wings in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for storage up to 1 month. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat Oven: Warm wings at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to maintain texture.
• Refresh Coating: Brush lightly with additional buffalo sauce before reheating to revive flavor and prevent dryness.

Crispy Buffalo Tofu Wings Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Buffalo Tofu Wings bring zesty, plant-based excitement to classic bar snacks with crispy golden bites. Spicy sauce and crunchy texture make these wings a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 block extra-firm tofu

Coating Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) plant-based milk
• 1 cup (240 grams) panko breadcrumbs

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buffalo sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot Buffalo Sauce)
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter

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Instructions

1. Drain excess liquid from tofu block and compress using a weighted press or kitchen towel method for optimal texture and moisture removal.
2. Slice the pressed tofu into uniform rectangular strips, aiming for consistent wing-like shapes.
3. Preheat the cooking surface to 425°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking tray for crispy results.
4. Create a smooth, seasoned wet mixture by combining flour, plant-based milk, and aromatic spices until fully integrated and lump-free.
5. Arrange panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish, preparing for the coating process.
6. Carefully submerge each tofu strip into the wet batter, ensuring complete coverage, then gently roll in breadcrumbs, pressing softly to guarantee an even, crispy exterior.
7. Transfer coated tofu strips onto the prepared baking sheet and roast for approximately 25 minutes, rotating midway to promote uniform browning.
8. Craft the signature buffalo sauce by melting vegan butter and blending with classic hot sauce for a tangy, spicy coating.
9. Generously brush or immerse each baked tofu strip into the vibrant buffalo sauce, guaranteeing thorough flavor absorption.
10. Optional secondary baking will enhance crispiness and sauce caramelization for additional textural complexity.
11. Plate immediately alongside cool, crunchy celery sticks and creamy vegan ranch for a complete appetizer experience.

Notes

• Experiment with different tofu firmness to achieve the perfect texture, with extra-firm tofu providing the most substantial and meaty result.
• Use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper for even crispier edges and easier cleanup.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with chickpea flour and using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Double-coat the tofu for an

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg