Buffalo Tofu Air Fryer

Name: Buffalo Tofu Air Fryer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 16 oz extra firm tofu; 3 tbsp buffalo sauce; 2 tbsp vegan butter; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp rice flour (optional - but i recommend it)

Crispy air-fried tofu pieces covered with the perfect spice combination are an insanely appetizing dish you cannot say no for.

Find out for yourself with this quick and easy snack recipe for Buffalo Tofu Air Fryer recipe! With step-by-step directions, this delicious recipe cannot be any easier.

A plate is with air fried buffalo tofu and vegan ranch dip.

There's no need for you to experiment with the procedures, air fryer timings, or the sauce because I have tried most of the ways and finally settled on this great and easy version.

With just 4 ingredients, the air fryer buffalo tofu recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for a game day or a movie night.

Best of all it's vegan and gluten-free! If you have a block of tofu in the fridge, it's time to get cooking!

Jump to:

Why I love this recipe
Ingredients note
Instructions
Recipe FAQs
Tips and variations
You might also like
📖 Recipe
Comments

Why I love this recipe

This air-fried buffalo tofu is crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make! Plus, it's a great way to get your protein without having to eat meat.

And, if you're looking for a vegan or gluten-free option, this recipe is perfect for you!

To make buffalo tofu you will need only 4 ingredients and it is absolutely my favorite tofu snack recipe in my family.

I have made other tofu recipes like tofu butter masala, pineapple tofu curry, tofu scramble, etc. But this air fryer buffalo tofu became a huge hit!

I keep a big stack of firm tofu to make vegan tofu recipes, but this kind of recipe makes them vanish without getting them bad.

Air-fried buffalo tofu is so easy just like my other air fryer recipes. Like air fryer sweet potato cubes, Air fryer frozen broccoli, and Air fryer roasted beets.

Ingredients note

buffalo tofu ingredients are on the table.

Extra-firm tofu: You can find extra-firm tofu in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Extra-firm tofu is really important for a dish like this where the tofu needs to maintain its form and shape.

Buffalo sauce: You can find this at most grocery stores in the condiment aisle. I like to use Frank's RedHot Buffalo Sauce, but any kind of buffalo sauce will work.

This is not the same as 'hot' sauce, which is usually ground chilies in vinegar. Buffalo sauce comes with a ton of flavors and also a little bit of heat.

Just one cup of buffalo sauce goes a long way for a recipe like this one.

Vegan butter: I like to use Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks, but any kind of vegan butter will work. Even homemade vegan butter works fine.

Vegan Butter helps not only in getting an even layer of sauce on each piece of tofu but also in cooking the tofu faster inside the air fryer to that golden brown consistency from within.

Cornstarch and rice flour: These are both gluten-free flour options. Adding flour helps in adding more body to the sauce and makes it stay on the tofu pieces. You can find them in the baking aisle of your grocery store, or online.

Instructions

First, press the tofu block to remove excess water. To remove excess water, you can use a tofu press or wrap tofu in 2-3 paper towels or a clean dishtowel.

If you do not use a tofu press, just place them on a cutting board and place something heavy on top like a cast-iron skillet, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Bite sized tofu cubes are inside the large bowl.

After the tofu is pressed, cut it into small bite-sized pieces. I like to cut my tofu into about one-inch cubes. Then, place the cubes into a large mixing bowl.

Add cornstarch and rice flour toss to coat.

rice flour coated tofu is inside the air fryer basket.

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer. And spray a thin layer of oil.

Air fried tofu is inside the air fryer basket.

Air fry for 15 minutes(400 F), or until the tofu is crispy. In between shake them.

A heated pan is with buffalo sauce and melted vegan butter.

Meanwhile prepare buffalo sauce in a small bowl, by heating vegan butter and buffalo sauce in a small saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes and turn off the heat.

A pan is with buffalo sauce coated tofu bites.

Once the tofu is crispy, add it to the saucepan with the buffalo sauce and toss to coat.

Serve immediately with vegan ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Why do you press tofu?

Pressing tofu helps to remove the excess liquid so that it can better absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Is this freezer friendly?

Yes, this air fryer buffalo tofu recipe is freezer friendly! Just store the cooked tofu in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag for up to three months.
Buffalo tofu can be reheated in the air fryer, oven, or microwave. If using the air fryer or oven, heat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

Can I use a different kind of flour?

Yes, you can use a different kind of flour. Just make sure it's a gluten-free flour so that the recipe remains gluten-free.

Tips and variations

If you are cooking tofu for the first time, be sure to press the tofu and drain excess water from it before you cook them.
If you don't have an air fryer, you can also bake the tofu at 400F for 25 minutes. Place the fried tofu on a wire rack to let it cool before adding the sauce.
For a spicier version, add some cayenne pepper to the cornstarch and rice flour mixture.
If you want a less spicy version, use regular hot sauce instead of buffalo sauce.
Before you put them in the air fryer, sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper if you'd like to get more flavor, especially if you are using hot sauce instead of buffalo sauce.
To get crispier tofu, double coat the tofu cubes with cornstarch and rice flour mixture.
This recipe is also great for meal prep! Just make the buffalo sauce and store it in a separate container. Then, when you're ready to eat, cook the tofu and add it to the sauce.
Serve the buffalo tofu on top of salad bowls or in wraps and make it a part of a larger meal.
You can also use Costco keto-friendly buffalo sauce.
Always remember to shake the basket in between so that they cook evenly.
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca flour.
If you want to make this recipe oil-free, just omit the spray oil and cook the tofu for an extra few minutes. The tofu won't be quite as crispy, but it will still be delicious!