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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu

    Modified: Feb 2, 2023 by Addison LaBonte · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Pin showing buffalo tofu on a plate with text title overlay.
    Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu is a bold and tasty way to enjoy your everyday block of tofu. Spicy Buffalo bites made of tofu with a crispy outside and a delicious tender inside can be the perfect appetizer or easy main dish you've been waiting for. 
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
    Inactive Prep Time (to press tofu) 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes minutes
    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu on a plate.

    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
    Tofu in buffalo sauce on a white plate.

    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.

    Air Fryer Tofu with Buffalo sauce on a plate.

    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.

    pressing tofu with 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.

    Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu coating in a dish.

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

    Tofu cut into cubes on a cutting board.

    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.

    Tofu cut into cubes in a mixing bowl.

    Add the cornstarch mixture.

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

    Tofu cut into cubes with coating in a mixing bowl.

    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.

    Cubes of tofu in air fryer basket.

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

    Cooked tofu cubes in an air fryer.

    Add ½ cup Buffalo sauce to a serving bowl.

    Buffalo sauce in a bowl.

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

    Cooked tofu cubes with buffalo sauce in a bowl.

    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.
    Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu with toothpicks on a plate.

    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!

    Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu on a plate.
    Print Recipe Pin Save RecipeSaved!
    5 from 40 votes

    Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu

    Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu is a bold and tasty way to enjoy your everyday block of tofu. Spicy Buffalo bites made of tofu with a crispy outside and a delicious tender inside can be the perfect appetizer or easy main dish you've been waiting for. 
    Course Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan
    Keyword air fryer, buffalo sauce, gluten free, gluten free vegan, tofu, vegan, vegetarian
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
    Inactive Prep Time (to press tofu) 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes minutes
    Servings 3 -5
    Calories 183kcal
    Author Sireesha A.

    Ingredients

    • 14 oz. block of organic extra firm tofu, excess water drained
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing the air fryer)
    • 1 ½ tablespoon non-GMO cornstarch
    • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
    • ½ cup vegan Buffalo sauce, room temperature (I used Noble Made brand)

    Instructions

    • Press the tofu for 20 minutes using a *tofu press.
    • In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper and set aside.
    • Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and add to a mixing bowl.
    • Add olive oil to to the tofu. Use a silicone spatula or your hands to gently coat the tofu with olive oil.
    • Add the cornstarch mixture. Use a silicone spatula or your hands to gently 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 or air fryer 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 and air fry at 390° F for 15 minutes until desired crispiness is reached, shaking the basket every 3-5 minutes throughout cooking.
    • Add Buffalo sauce to a serving bowl. Add the cooked tofu and toss to coat well with the vegan Buffalo sauce. Serve immediately.

    (Please refer to the post above for instructional photographs and other helpful information for this recipe)

    Suggested Equipment/Tools

    Tofu Press
    Air Fryer

    Notes

    *If you don't have a tofu press, place the block of tofu in the center of a clean, absorbent kitchen towel on a sturdy plate. Wrap the tofu with the towel. Place a heavy object, such as a large pot or some books on top of the tofu. Please note that the item(s) you use will get wet. Press for about 30 minutes if using this method.
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. It is best reheated in the oven or toaster oven. You can also eat the tofu cold if you'd like, but it won't be crispy anymore. 
    The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Information shown should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Fiber: 2g

    ©Watch Learn Eat. All content and images are copyright protected. Recipes and photos are not to be used or republished without prior permission. If you adapt this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, and link back to this post for the original recipe.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 40 votes (40 ratings without comment)

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    1. Shelby

      August 03, 2023 at 7:04 am

      5 stars
      The seasonings on the tofu are delicious but I really love that it comes out crispy! Makes for a tasty salad addition.

      Reply
    2. Kate

      August 03, 2023 at 6:45 am

      5 stars
      What a wonderful recipe! We served our buffalo tofu over some green salad and everyone was asking for second helpings!

      Reply
    3. Janice

      August 03, 2023 at 3:47 am

      5 stars
      This appetizer was so perfect. I recently made it, and the outcome was so delicious! Even my kids loved it! I love the balance of flavors and how soft it is on the inside and crispy on the outside! This recipe should be tried by everyone!

      Reply
    4. Sharina

      August 02, 2023 at 11:59 pm

      5 stars
      This air fryer buffalo tofu is fun to eat! Even the kids super love it! Every bite is bursting with flavors. So impressive!

      Reply
    5. Sage Scott

      August 02, 2023 at 9:42 pm

      5 stars
      My daughter has wanted to try more tofu recipes so we recently gave this one a try. After all, she loves Buffalo wings. We used these air fryer Buffalo tofu chunks in lieu of chicken in our standard Buffalo chicken wraps and it was awesome.

      Reply
    6. Emerald

      August 02, 2023 at 9:27 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best way to cook tofu! It's got a great texture, it's spicy and delicious, and it tastes like you've been cooking all day. I can't wait to make this again!

      Reply

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    About Sireesha

    Hi There! I am the recipe developer, content writer, and owner of Watch Learn Eat. A lifelong foodie, I enjoy cooking, baking, traveling, and spending time with my two little twin daughters.

    Learn more about me

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