Description
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!
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)
Instructions
- 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!
Notes
- For a different twist, experiment with other hot sauces like sriracha or barbecue sauce. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Try adding a bit of nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor depth.
- If you prefer an even crispier texture, lightly coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch or rice flour before air frying.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing (vegan options available).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
