Name: Crispy Buffalo Tofu In The Air Fryer (Easy Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487647H24M33S
Total time: PT-487647H24M33S
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 block extra-firm tofu; 1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce; 1 tbsp oil or vegan butter; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt & black pepper (to taste)

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If you’re looking for a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying snack or main dish, this Crispy Buffalo Tofu recipe is perfect for you. Made in the air fryer, this recipe is not only healthier than traditional fried versions but also packed with bold, spicy flavors from the buffalo sauce. It’s perfect for anyone craving a plant-based alternative to buffalo wings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Tender: The air fryer gives the tofu a crispy exterior while keeping it tender on the inside, making it the ideal texture.
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you can enjoy crispy buffalo tofu in less than 30 minutes.
Full of Flavor: The spicy buffalo sauce, combined with garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika, infuses the tofu with a perfect balance of heat and smokiness.
Vegan & Gluten-Free: This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and can easily be customized to suit your dietary preferences.
Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, and great for meal prep, parties, or game day.

Ingredients

1 block extra-firm tofu
1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
1 tbsp oil or vegan butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper (to taste)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Tofu: Start by draining the tofu from its packaging and patting it dry with paper towels. Wrap the block of tofu with a few layers of paper towels to absorb as much water as possible. Place the wrapped tofu on a flat surface, such as a cutting board, and place something heavy on top, like a pot or a stack of cookbooks. Let it press for 15-30 minutes to remove excess liquid.
Cut the Tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Aim for pieces that are easy to pop into your mouth!
Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, oil or vegan butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the Tofu: Add the tofu cubes to the bowl with the marinade and gently toss until they are evenly coated. Let the tofu sit in the marinade for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready to cook.
Cook the Tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Serve: Once the tofu is golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, remove it from the air fryer. For extra flavor, toss the tofu with a little more buffalo sauce if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-3 (depending on portion size)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes (including prep and cooking time)

Variations

Sauce Options: For a different twist, you can experiment with other hot sauces like sriracha or barbecue sauce. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
Add Seasoning: Try adding a bit of nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to your tofu for extra depth of flavor.
Make it Crispy: If you prefer an even crispier texture, lightly coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch or rice flour before air frying.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing (vegan options available).

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use firm tofu instead of extra-firm tofu?

Extra-firm tofu is recommended for this recipe because it holds its shape well and crisps up nicely in the air fryer. Firm tofu can be used, but it might be a bit more delicate.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the tofu in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The air fryer gives the tofu a crispier texture, but baking works too!

Can I make the tofu spicier?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick.

Can I prepare the tofu ahead of time?

Yes! You can press and marinate the tofu ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just cook it in the air fryer.

Can I freeze the tofu?

While you can freeze the tofu before cooking, it may change the texture slightly. If you do freeze it, press it, marinate it, and cook it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve this with?

Crispy buffalo tofu pairs perfectly with a side of veggies, a salad, or even as a filling for wraps or tacos. You can also serve it with your favorite dipping sauce.

Can I make this recipe without oil or butter?

Yes, you can make this recipe without oil or butter if you prefer a lower-fat version. The tofu will still be delicious, though it may not have the same richness.

How do I get the tofu crispy?

The key to crispy tofu is pressing it thoroughly to remove excess moisture and then cooking it in the air fryer at a high temperature, ensuring it gets nice and golden brown.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free hot sauce and ensure your oil or butter is gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe! Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches.

Conclusion

Crispy Buffalo Tofu in the air fryer is the perfect combination of spice, crunch, and tenderness. This easy recipe is full of flavor and makes a great snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. With simple ingredients and quick prep time, you’ll have a satisfying, plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings that’s just as tasty—if not better!