Description
These Air Fryer Tofu Wings are a delicious vegan alternative to traditional chicken wings, featuring crispy breaded tofu coated with a spicy vegan buffalo sauce. Paired with a creamy vegan blue cheese dip, this recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or a flavorful snack that everyone can enjoy. The tofu is marinated, breaded, and air-fried to a golden crisp without excess oil, making it a healthier, plant-based treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tofu Wings:
- 1 16-oz package extra firm tofu
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 Tbsp veggie bouillon powder
- 2 Tbsp cayenne pepper hot sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp agave nectar
- 1/2 Tbsp lime juice (optional)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/8 tsp smoked paprika
- 3/4 cup vegan seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional, if not using seasoned bread crumbs)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup tapioca starch or cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Elmhurst® unsweetened cashew milk
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
For the Vegan Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/3 cup cayenne pepper hot sauce
- 2.5 Tbsp vegan butter
- 1/2 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
For the Vegan Blue Cheese Dip:
- 1 cup vegan mayo
- 2 Tbsp mellow white miso paste
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp white pepper
- 1/2–1 Tbsp Elmhurst unsweetened cashew milk (for thinning as needed)
Instructions
- Prep the tofu: Freeze the whole unopened package of tofu overnight to improve its texture. Thaw it on the counter for several hours until soft, then gently squeeze out excess liquid using a tofu press or paper towels.
- Marinate the tofu: Tear the tofu into wing-shaped pieces or any preferred shape. Mix all marinade ingredients thoroughly and coat the tofu pieces well. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for best flavor absorption.
- Set up the breading station: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and lightly oil the basket. Prepare three stations—the starch in one shallow bowl, a mixture of vegan breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in another, and a combined mixture of cashew milk and apple cider vinegar in the container where tofu marinated.
- Bread the tofu wings: Coat each tofu piece first in the starch, then dip in the cashew milk-vinegar mixture, and finally fully coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure an even coating at each step.
- Air fry the tofu wings: Arrange tofu wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes, gently shake to separate pieces, air fry another 10 minutes, shake again, and finish with a final 10 minutes until they are lightly browned and crispy.
- Make the vegan blue cheese dip: Blend all dip ingredients in a small blender or food processor until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
- Prepare the vegan buffalo sauce: In a pot over medium heat, melt vegan butter with hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sauce simmers gently, then remove from heat.
- Coat the wings: Toss the cooked tofu wings in half of the buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Add the remaining sauce and toss again to ensure every piece is well covered in spicy flavor.
- Serve: Present the tofu wings immediately with the vegan blue cheese dip, celery sticks, and carrots for a classic wing experience.
Notes
- Freezing and thawing tofu improves its texture by making it firmer and chewier, better suited for wing shapes.
- Use vegan seasoned breadcrumbs or adjust salt if unseasoned to enhance flavor.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
- The vegan blue cheese dip can be thinned with additional cashew milk for a consistency you like.
- Air fryer temperature and times might vary slightly depending on your model; watch for a golden crisp finish.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes active plus several hours freezing and thawing
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (air frying wings) plus 10 minutes prep for sauces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer tofu wings, vegan buffalo wings, plant-based wings, vegan appetizers, gluten-free vegan wings
