Chicken-Fried Tofu
January 6, 2025
Who says party snacks have to be all wings and nachos? Enter Chicken-Fried Tofu—a vegetarian twist that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. This tofu is marinated just like fried chicken, then fried to golden perfection. No flour dredge, no fuss—just crispy, crunchy and downright delicious.
The flavor lineup? A little tangy, a little sweet, a little spicy and perfectly suited for dipping. Pair it with your favorite sauces—ranch, sriracha mayo or sweet chili—for a snack that’s as versatile as it is addictive. It’s got all the crunch of fried chicken, with none of the meat, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting for the big game or just feel like eating snack food in your sweats (we get it), this Chicken-Fried Tofu delivers.
SERVINGS
6-8
PREP TIME
10 min
+ 1 hr rest time
COOK TIME
40 min
Ingredients
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2packages (14 ounce) extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
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½cup buttermilk
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½cup L&B Mango Jalapeño Hot Sauce
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2Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
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Ranch dressing, for serving
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Pickled jalapeños, for serving
Directions
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1
Heat an air fryer to 400 F.
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2
In the air fryer basket, spread the tofu in an even layer and fry until lightly golden brown, 20 minutes.
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3
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce until smooth. Add the fried tofu to the bowl and toss to coat. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
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4
Remove the tofu from the marinade and discard the marinade. In an air fryer basket, spread the tofu in an even layer and fry until golden brown and crispy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the tofu from the air fryer and arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with the cilantro and serve with ranch dressing and pickled jalapeños.