Vegan Buffalo Tofu Wings

Vegan buffalo tofu wings are the perfect appetizer, game day snack, or comfort food. Covered in a crunchy panko bread crumb mixture then tossed in a hot and spicy buffalo sauce, they’re baked to crispy perfection and completely oil-free.

Not too long ago, a “non-vegan” friend was telling me about a buffalo tofu sandwich he tried at a local vegan restaurant. I finally gave in and decided to try it. Yes, it was delicious. But, it also wasn’t healthy. It was deep-fried and covered in a creamy dressing I’m sure was loaded with oil.

While I applauded his effort to try something vegan, I had to explain to him not all vegan recipes are healthy recipes(this is not the first time he’s heard me talk bout this). The goal is a whole foods plant-based diet. But, I get it. Progress, not perfection.

So, in his frustration, he dared me to try and make the same buffalo tofu wings but healthier. And, he assured me it couldn’t be done. Challenge accepted!

So, after a bit of research and a little trial error, I’d have to say “Mission Accomplished.” And, it’s such an easy recipe. These vegan buffalo tofu wings are covered in crunchy panko bread crumbs, baked until golden brown, smothered in Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, then baked one final time.

The result? A healthy and delicious vegan appetizer, game day food, or party snack even the most ardent meat eater will love! Yes, it even makes an incredible sandwich. And, if you are wondering about my friend. Let’s just say he now has a fridge stocked with tofu.

Crispy Baked Buffalo Tofu Wings

Is it possible to actually make crispy tofu without frying or using oil? Yes, and it’s quite easy.

You need two things to make this happen: panko bread crumbs and really firm tofu with as much extra water removed as possible. 

Ingredient List

You only need a few simple ingredients to make these healthy and delicious vegan buffalo wings.

• Tofu: Super Firm Tofu is the best to use because you don’t have to press it and has a very “meaty” texture. But, you can also use regular extra firm tofu. It will just have to be pressed to get rid of any excess moisture.
• Non-dairy Milk: Soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk are my preferences. But, any unsweetened plant milk will work.
• Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs are the key to crispy baked tofu when cooking with no oil. Be sure and use a brand with no oil or eggs in the ingredients. My two favorites are the Whole Foods 365 Panko or Food Lion brand.
• Seasoning: I have found that just a bit of Italian seasoning adds just the right amount of flavor to the breadcrumb coating.
• Flour: Corn starch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot flour are my favorites because they’re light and help the tofu to crisp up very nicely. Whole wheat pastry flour and organic unbleached all-purpose flour are viable options as well.
• Spices: onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper are used to season your flour or starch.
• Buffalo Sauce: I love Frank’s Red Hot Sauce! But, feel free to use any vegan buffalo sauce you wish.

How To Make Buffalo Tofu Wings

It’s so easy to make crispy baked buffalo tofu wings.

1. Preheat your oven to 420˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the tofu into 6 equal width-wise slabs. Then slice each of those pieces lengthwise into 3 slices. You should end up with 18 tofu sticks.
3. Set out three separate bowls: To the first bowl add the corn starch, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper and mix together. Pour the milk into the second small bowl. And, to the third small bowl add the panko bread crumbs and Italian seasoning, and gently toss. 
4. Take each tofu wing and coat in the flour, then the milk, and finally coat in the panko bread crumbs. Place each breaded tofu stick onto the prepared baking sheet and repeat until finished.
5. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. The tofu wings will be a light golden brown. Feel free to bake them a little longer if you wish just don’t burn them.
6. Remove the tofu wings and add them to a large mixing bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over the baked tofu wings, and gently toss until all of the tofu wings are covered. Place the tofu back onto the baking sheet, return to the oven, and bake for 20 more minutes.

That’s it! Serve these bad boys with celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing or vegan blue cheese dressing.

What’s The Best Way To Press Tofu

Pressing tofu is very simple. The easiest and simplest way is to just buy a tofu press. They’re not expensive and worth their weight in gold…IMO.

You can also press tofu using things you have around the house. Let me show you how:

1. Wrap the block of tofu in paper towels, a clean kitchen towel, or a dish towel.
2. Place the wrapped tofu on a plate or cutting board. Then, set another plate on top with some type of heavy object on it (canned beans, cookbooks, etc.). FYI, cast iron skillets make an excellent tofu press.
3. Let the tofu sit for 20-30 minutes.
4. Remove the wrapping from the tofu and make your wings.

NOTE: You could take it one more step if you want your tofu to have a little more “meatier” texture. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge then just slice and follow the regular instructions.

Air Fryer Option

If you have an air fryer these crispy baked tofu buffalo wings are perfect and couldn’t be easier! Here’s all you have to do:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400˚F and follow the instructions as written up until it’s time to bake.
2. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper as instructed by the owner’s manual.
3. Add the tofu and bake for 7-8 minutes. Flip the tofu and cook for 7-8 more minutes.
4. Place the cooked tofu into a large mixing bowl and gently toss in the buffalo sauce. Then place the tofu back into the air fryer and cook for 4-5 minutes.
5. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes And Tips

1. Super firm tofu is the BEST tofu to use. It’s vacuumed sealed and requires no pressing.
2. Be sure and season your tofu with the ingredients listed or other spices you might prefer. Tofu is a flavor adapter so not seasoning would leave it really bland. 
3. Try adding some vegan parmesan cheese to the bread crumbs for an extra depth of flavor.
4. Cut the tofu into small pieces and make buffalo tofu nuggets or crispy buffalo tofu bites. These are excellent for topping salads and make great party food.
5. Buffalo tofu wings are a great sandwich filling. Toast some whole grain bread, a little lettuce, and tomato, stack your vegan wings high, then cover it with some vegan ranch dressing for one amazing sandwich.
6. If buffalo sauce is too spicy for your taste try some different sauces like my DIY Barbecue Sauce. 
7. Use any leftover buffalo sauce to baste your tofu as it comes out of the oven. Oh, baby!

Buffalo Tofu Wings FAQ

More Vegan Appetizer Recipes

We love having these wings for dinner with a big side of my vinegar coleslaw. The heat and coolness are a match made in heaven. But, if you’re looking for other party foods check out these delicious dishes:

• Baked Vegan Mac & Cheese
• Easy Vegan Queso
• Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
• The Best Vegan Seven Layer Dip

If you make this crispy baked buffalo tofu wings recipe I want to know. So, please leave a comment below with a star rating. And, be sure and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #shaneandsimple. I want to see your work. Enjoy!

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