Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu

Gone are the days when you have no idea what to do with tofu. We have so many tofu recipes that you'll always have a new tofu recipe to try out.

This Buffalo tofu air fryer recipe is so versatile! It's absolutely amazing in a wrap, on top of some quinoa or rice, or with a side of roasted or steamed veggies.

One of my favorite things about these air fried bites of perfection is that the tofu bites are great for dipping in homemade vegan ranch dressing, creamy vegan blue cheese dressing, or your other favorite dipping sauce. 

Jump to:

• Watch the air fryer Buffalo tofu video
• Why you'll love this easy tofu recipe
• Ingredients you'll need for the best air fryer Buffalo tofu
• Do you have to press tofu before air frying? 
• Why won't my tofu get crispy?
• What if I don't have a tofu press?
• How to make Buffalo tofu in the air fryer
• Storing and reheating
• Expert top tips and recipe variations
• Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu

Watch the air fryer Buffalo tofu video

Why you'll love this easy tofu recipe

• Budget-friendly vegan recipe
• Great for movie night finger foods, game day appetizers, parties, barbecues, or just a quick snack to whip up when you've got the craving
• Only uses minimal ingredients you already have in the kitchen
• Uses way less oil than deep frying and gives you yummy tofu every time
• Kid approved recipe that's perfect for tossing in the kids' school lunches
• Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu is incredibly easy to make

Ingredients you'll need for the best air fryer Buffalo tofu

• Extra Firm Tofu
• Olive Oil
• Non-GMO Cornstarch
• Salt
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• White Pepper
• Store-Bought Vegan Buffalo Hot Sauce

Do you have to press tofu before air frying? 

We highly recommend that you press your tofu before air frying it in this delicious recipe.

Otherwise, you'll end up with a soggy, mushy crumble tofu mess.

You can use a tofu press or other means to press out the moisture.

In the instructions below, both in the post and the recipe card, you'll find different suggestions that I use to press the excess liquid out of the tofu blocks.

Pressing is important because it helps to remove any moisture from your tofu block and helps the tofu pieces stay firm and intact.

This helps you get nice crispy bites of Buffalo tofu.

Why won't my tofu get crispy?

Great question and it comes with a simple answer...if you can't get nice crispy tofu cubes, you didn't get out enough moisture from your tofu block.

If you think you removed as much moisture as possible, check the temperature of your air fryer and ensure the hot air has enough room to circulate around the tofu.

Don't place the tofu pieces on top of each other in the basket or tray.

What if I don't have a tofu press?

Not a problem! You can use the kitchen towel/heavy object method to get the liquid out without a tofu press.

To press the tofu without a press, place a block of tofu in the center of a clean, absorbent kitchen towel on a sturdy plate. 

Wrap the tofu with a clean dish towel.

Place a heavy object, such as a large pot or some books on top of the tofu.

Please note that whatever you choose to use will get wet.

Press tofu for 25-30 minutes if using this method.

How to make Buffalo tofu in the air fryer

Open the package of extra firm tofu and drain and discard liquid from the packaging.

Press the tofu for 20 minutes using a tofu press.

If you need help removing the excess liquid from your blocks without a tofu press, read above in the questions to find out our most helpful tips and suggestions.

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper and set aside.

Cut the tofu into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.

Add add to a large mixing bowl.

Add the olive oil to the tofu and use a silicone spatula or your hands to coat the tofu with olive oil.

Add the cornstarch mixture.

Use a silicone spatula or your hands to coat the tofu with the cornstarch mixture.

If the air fryer you have comes with a crisper plate/tray or something similar, insert it into the air fryer basket.

Lightly grease the bottom of the crisper plate basket with olive oil or a non-aerosol, propellant-free olive oil spray.

Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes at a temperature of 390° F prior to cooking the tofu.

Add the tofu to the basket or tray in a single layer.

Air fry at 390° F for 15 minutes until desired crispiness is reached, shaking the basket every 3-5 minutes throughout cooking.

Add ½ cup Buffalo sauce to a serving bowl.

Add the cooked tofu and toss to coat well with the vegan Buffalo sauce.

Storing and reheating

Store any Buffalo tofu leftovers in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag with excess air removed, in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

The tofu is best reheated in the oven or toaster oven. You can also eat the tofu nuggets cold if you'd like, but it won't be crispy anymore. 

You may also want to freeze your leftover Buffalo bites to enjoy again later. Sometimes this is great for meal prepping, you can make a big batch of these bites, use some now and freeze the rest for later.

Place leftover tofu in a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 months.

Remove from the freezer to thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven or toaster oven.

Expert top tips and recipe variations

• Cut your extra-firm tofu block in even pieces if possible. This will help make sure that they all crisp up nicely and evenly while cooking.
• Instead of cornstarch, you could use a bread crumb mixture to coat your tofu cubes with. I don't recommend arrowroot powder as it doesn't hold up well to the high heat.
• Remember not to overcrowd the tofu in the air fryer and to put them on the tray or basket in an even layer.
• Preheating the air fryer is necessary to help ensure that you get the perfect crunch with every piece.
• Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model, brand and, how crispy you prefer them to be. Adjust the time as you see fit and be sure to shake the basket and check on the crispness level every 3-5 minutes.
• For even crispier air fryer Buffalo tofu bites, coat them in rice flour mixed with your favorite spices before air frying for a more of a heavier breaded tofu type of recipe.
• If white pepper is too hot for you, swap it out for black pepper.

We absolutely love how easy this air fryer Buffalo tofu recipe is, especially if you already have the excess water drained and ready to go tofu blocks on hand.

Nice golden brown tofu bites fried to a mouthwatering crispy perfection with every piece of tofu, there really is nothing like it!

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