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    Home » Food and Drink » Vegan & Vegetarian

    Buffalo Tofu Nuggets

    Published: Jan 18, 2023 by Jenna Urben · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Crispy and crunchy vegan buffalo tofu nuggets are easy to make. They're full of flavor, with the perfect amount of spice. Cook in the air fryer or bake in the oven!

    If you liked my air fried tofu nuggets, you'll love these buffalo tofu wings. They make for the ultimate party appetizer or game day snack. You can also serve them on a salad.

    The possibilities are endless! Once you give these tofu chicken nuggets a try, you'll add them to your meal prep rotation in no time.

    Buffalo tofu air fryer nuggets are chewy and tender on the inside, with an ultra-crunchy outside.

    The texture can't be beat! If you don't have an air fryer, they can easily be made in the oven instead.

    Equipment

    Buy Tofu Press

    Pressing tofu squeezes out excess liquid, so that the tofu can soak up all the tasty flavors of the marinade. Don't skip this step!

    Ingredients

    To make air fried tofu nuggets with buffalo sauce, we're going to start with my standard tofu nugget recipe then toss in sweet and spicy, flavorful vegan buffalo sauce.

    For the marinade

    • Tofu: I recommend using firm tofu or extra-firm tofu. These hold up the best and have superior texture for nuggets.
    • Soy sauce: We'll mix soy sauce with water to give the nuggets a savory flavor.

    For the batter

    • Flour: Your standard all-purpose flour works great here!
    • Dairy free milk: Use any unflavored and unsweetened milk of choice. I typically use oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
    • Apple cider vinegar: The acidy from ACV causes the non dairy milk to slightly thicken.

    For the coating

    • Bread crumbs: I suggest using panko bread crumbs, as they have a lighter, dryer, and flakier consistency compared to regular bread crumbs.
    • Nutritional yeast: Nooch has a nutty and savory flavor. Do not use active dry yeast as a substitute.
    • Seasoning: Additional seasonings include paprika, garlic powder, and salt.

    For the sauce

    • Hot sauce: Of course, you could use store-bought buffalo sauce, but making homemade buffalo sauce is super quick and easy! Start with your favorite hot sauce.
    • Vegan butter: Use any vegan butter or unrefined coconut oil and whisk into hot sauce to create your very own buffalo sauce.

    Substitutions

    To make gluten free nuggets: Instead of soy sauce, use tamari or liquid aminos. Replace all-purpose flour with gluten free 1:1 flour. And lastly, ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten free.

    How to make buffalo tofu

    Follow my step-by-step guide to learn how to make crispy vegan buffalo tofu nuggets!

    Step 1: Press the tofu

    Start by pressing the tofu. I suggest using a tofu press but you can just as easily stack tofu, a clean kitchen towel, a baking sheet, and top with something heavy like a cast iron skillet or stack of books.

    Pressing the tofu removes excess liquid, so it’s able to soak up all the umami marinade flavors. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes for best results.

    Step 2: Make the marinade

    Whisk the soy sauce and water together to make the marinade.

    Step 3: Tear the tofu

    Once pressed, tear the block of tofu of 1-inch pieces and place into the bowl.

    Alternatively, you could slice the tofu with a knife, but tearing it gives the tofu a better texture. Plus it ends up looking more like nuggets, instead of perfectly shaped cubes.

    Step 4: Marinate the tofu

    Let the tofu sit in a mixing bowl with the marinade for 15 minutes.

    Step 5: Coat the tofu

    Prepare two separate mixing bowls, one with the batter and the other with the breading.

    Working one piece at a time, take tofu and dip in the batter, gently shake to remove excess batter. Roll in the breading until fully coated. Place in the air fryer basket or lined baking sheet.

    Step 6: Cook vegan buffalo bites

    Air fry at 400F for 10-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Or bake in the oven at 425F for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

    Step 7: Toss in sauce

    As the nuggets cook, prepare buffalo sauce and pour into a medium-sized mixing bowl.

    To minimize sogginess, ensure the tofu nuggets are well-cooked and crispy. Transfer to the mixing bowl with buffalo sauce and toss until fully coated. Serve immediately!

    Serving suggestions

    Buffalo tofu nuggets are delicious dipped into cool vegan ranch dressing!

    To make these into a meal, serve over lettuce for a buffalo tofu salad. Or roll in a tortilla for buffalo tofu wraps or buffalo tofu tacos.

    How to store leftovers and reheat

    Buffalo tofu bites are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer or oven. Nothing beats warm, crispy vegan nuggets!

    Store leftovers in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350F for 8-10 minutes, until hot and crispy.

    How to avoid soggy tofu

    To avoid soggy tofu and to make the best tofu nuggets, press the tofu before getting started. It takes just 30 minutes!

    If you don't have a tofu press, stack a clean kitchen towel and heavy skillet on top instead.

    Once sauced, the tofu will begin to absorb the sauce and get soggy. Either serve and enjoy immediately with no problem, or pop them back in the air fryer or oven to crisp up a bit after coating with sauce.

    Expert tips

    • If the batter is too thick, add a splash of dairy free milk and stir until desired consistency is reached.
    • You don't want it to be too thick or thin, just enough to fully cover the tofu before adding the breading.
    • If the batter is too thin, add extra flour one tablespoon at a time and stir together.
    • Depending on the style and size of your air fryer, cooking times may vary. Be sure to keep a watchful eye on your tofu nuggets as they cook.

    Want more recipes using buffalo sauce? Try my buffalo cauliflower wings, vegan buffalo dip, and buffalo jackfruit stuffed sweet potatoes.

    Related recipes

    Try my other air fryer meal ideas next:

    • Air Fryer Frozen Nuggets
    • Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
    • Air Fryer French Bread Pizza
    • Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

    Buffalo Tofu Nuggets

    Crispy and crunchy vegan buffalo tofu nuggets are easy to make. They're full of flavor, with the perfect amount of spice. Cook in the air fryer or bake in the oven!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 50 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Servings 4 servings

    Equipment

    • Tofu press

    Ingredients
      

    Marinade

    • 1 (16-ounce) block of extra-firm tofu
    • ¼ cup soy sauce
    • ¼ cup water

    Batter

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup dairy-free milk
    • 1 ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar

    Breading

    • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
    • 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt

    Buffalo sauce

    • ½ cup hot sauce
    • 3 tablespoon vegan butter
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you're cooking!

    Instructions
     

    • Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes. I suggest using a tofu press but you can alternatively stack tofu, a clean kitchen towel, a baking sheet, and top with something heavy like a cast iron skillet or stack of books.
    • To make the marinade, whisk the soy sauce and water together in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Tear the tofu into 1-inch pieces and place into the bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes.
    • Prepare two separate mixing bowls, one with the batter and the other with the breading. Working one piece at a time, take tofu and dip in the batter, gently shake to remove excess batter. Roll in the breading until fully coated. Place in the air fryer basket or lined baking sheet.
    • Give the nuggets a light coating of oil spray. Make sure tofu nuggets are in a single layer and not touching each other. This will ensure they cook evenly, without sticking. Air fry at 400F for 10-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Or bake in the oven at 425F for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
    • As the nuggets cook, prepare buffalo sauce and pour into a medium-sized mixing bowl. To minimize sogginess, ensure the tofu nuggets are well-cooked and crispy. Transfer to the mixing bowl with buffalo sauce and toss until fully coated. Serve immediately!

    Notes

    Serve tofu nuggets with cool and refreshing vegan ranch dressing!
    How to store and reheat:
    • Best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer or oven.
    • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350F for 8-10 minutes, until warm and crispy.
    For gluten free buffalo tofu nuggets:
    • Use tamari or liquid aminos instead of soy sauce.
    • Replace all-purpose flour with gluten free 1:1 flour.
    • Ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten free.
    Cooking tips:
    • If the batter is too thick, add an extra splash of dairy free milk and stir until desired consistency is reached.
    • If the batter is too thin, add extra flour one tablespoon at a time and stir together.
    • Depending on the style and size of your air fryer, cook times may vary.
    Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating or review in the form below, then snap a picture and tag me @theurbenlife on Instagram!

    More Easy Vegan Recipes

    • Dairy Free Whipped Cream
    • Oreo Milkshake without Ice Cream
    • Vegan Protein Balls with Hazelnuts and Dates
    • Peanut Butter Toast

    About Jenna Urben

    Jenna Urben is the recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller behind The Urben Life. She has over 10 years experience adapting family favorite meals to fit allergy-friendly diets. Join Jenna as she shares delicious dairy-free recipes that are easy to follow with plenty of tips and alternatives.

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