Buffalo Tofu Wings

These buffalo tofu wings are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender, and “meaty” on the inside. They are the perfect, high-protein appetizer, game day meal, or weekend comfort food. Buffalo tofu wings that will make you love tofu!

buffalo tofu wings on a plate with celery and carrots.

Buffalo Tofu Wings

I grew up eating buffalo wings all the time when I was a teenager. Growing up in the bay area, I was a frequent flyer at Wing Stop and Buffalo Wild Wings. After going vegan I KNEW I had to recreate my own version of a good “boneless” buffalo wing. Safe to say that after testing this recipe multiple times, I am finally able to share this masterpiece.

There are few secrets to getting the perfect buffalo tofu wings. I highly recommend using the air fryer instruction for getting the crispy texture without extra oil. However, I provide instructions for baking, air-frying, and regular frying method as well. 

buffalo tofu wings on a plate with celery and carrots.

Ingredients

  • Tofu: The type of tofu must be extra firm or high protein tofu for best results. I get my high-protein tofu at Trader Joe’s. PRO TIP: freeze tofu overnight and then fully defrost for a more chicken-like texture.
  • Soy Sauce: This will add a good umami flavor to get that “meaty” taste. You can also use tamari if gluten-free or liquid aminos.
  • Chicken-less seasoning: I used to get mine from trader Joe’s but I don’t think they have it anymore.
  • Oil: Tofu has significantly lower fat content than chicken so it’s important to add oil if you want to achieve a similar flavor and texture. I use avocado oil but you can also use canola, vegetable, or safflower oil.
  • Nutritional yeast: Also known as “Nooch”. I highly recommend that you don’t skip this ingredient! It gives it an extra umami flavor that is a tad bit nutty but perfect for this recipe. It truly brings all the flavors together. It can get pricey at most stores but good ole trader Joe’s has it for $2.99!
  • Garlic & Onion Powder: You will absolutely need these two ingredients, don’t skip them!
  • Corn Starch: You can also use flour or tapioca starch. These will help the tofu get extra crispy.
  • Panko Bread Crumbs: One of the most important ingredients to get that crispy breaded chicken wing texture. I really like Whole Foods 365 brand but sometimes I make my own at home.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Gotta love Frank’s Red Hot Sauce but use YOUR favorite one 🙂
buffalo tofu wings on a plate with celery and carrots.

Tips For The Best Buffalo Tofu Wings

  • Freeze and fully defrost your tofu before making them. This will give it a more “chicken-like” texture.
  • Press your tofu after defrosting it.
  • Avoid cutting tofu with a knife, you want to break it apart with your hands for extra surface area.
  • When cooking in the air fryer or oven, rotate every 6-7 minutes to cook it evenly.
  • Pair with veggies and a carb for a balanced meal!
  • Dip in a vegan ranch for extra flavor.
  • Use an air-fryer is possible for best results with minimal oil.
  • If air-frying, cook time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size of your tofu wings.

More Delicious Appetizers:

Authentic Salsa de Molcajete

Mexican Street Corn

Vegan Caprese Bruschetta

Roasted Garlic Bread

Print
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buffalo tofu wings on a plate with celery and carrots.

Buffalo Tofu Wings


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5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Anna Rios
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These buffalo tofu wings are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender, and “meaty” on the inside. They are the perfect, high-protein appetizer, game day meal, or weekend comfort food. Buffalo tofu wings that will make you love tofu!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 packet of extra firm tofu (454g)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp chicken-less seasoning
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp corn starch
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/41/2 cup buffalo sauce

Instructions

  1. Press tofu until most liquid is out.
  2. Using your hands, break into wing-sized pieces.
  3. Add to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add soy sauce, and oil, and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Add all other ingredients to the tofu and toss to coat evenly.

 

Air-fryer:

  1. Air fry at 400 F for 16-20 minutes flipping every 6-7 minutes.
  2. Coat in buffalo sauce and serve or toss back into the air-fryer to cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Oven:

  1. Preheat the oven to 420 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Bake for 15-20 minutes. 
  3. Take the tofu wings out and coat in buffalo sauce, and bake again for another 10-15 minutes.

Deep Fry:

  1. Heat a large pan with 1 cup of oil.
  2. Once hot, place seasoned and breaded tofu wings in the pan.
  3. Fry for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
  4. Remove from oil into a paper towel to absorb excess oil
  5. Coat in buffalo sauce and serve.
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Tofu
  • Method: Air Fryer, Baking, Stove
  • Cuisine: American
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4 thoughts on “Buffalo Tofu Wings

  1. Hallie says:

    Delicious! I left the oil out and accidentally poured the hot sauce in before I air fried it, but it turnout out perfect! Thank you!






  2. Maureen Moore says:

    Soooo good!!!! I can’t believe how much it’s like the boneless wings that I was craving. I’ve recently become a vegetarian & up until now, I didn’t much like tofu. Now I love it! Thank you for this amazing recipe. It hit all the right notes & I won’t miss chicken wings anymore.






    • Anna Rios says:

      This made my entire week 🙂 SO glad you loved these tofu wings Maureen! I hope you check out the other tofu recipes i have on here especially the orange chicken (tofu) one 😉

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