Crispy Buffalo Tofu In The Air Fryer (Easy Recipe)

Discover the ultimate game-changer for your snack game with our Buffalo Tofu Air Fryer recipe – crispy, spicy, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for health-conscious foodies, this easy-to-make delight promises to satisfy your cravings without the guilt.

Hey, my fabulous foodies! Bailey here, bringing you another mouthwatering adventure straight from my kitchen to yours. 

And today, we’re talking about a real game-changer in the plant-based snacking world – Buffalo Tofu in the air fryer. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe that will have both tofu skeptics and aficionados coming back for seconds!

Now, let me tell you, I’m all about that crispy, saucy goodness without the guilt, and this buffalo tofu recipe is just the ticket. It’s perfect for when you’re craving that spicy kick but want to keep things on the healthier side. 

So, let’s not waste any more time – grab your air fryer, and let’s get cooking! If you love tofu recipes you may also like to try my Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Nuggets or my Vegan Red Thai Curry With Tofu.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BUFFALO TOFU AIR FRYER

Oh, let me count the ways you’re gonna fall head over heels for this Buffalo Tofu Air Fryer recipe! 

First off, it’s a total breeze to whip up. We’re talking minimal prep, no mess, and a quick cook time. 

Plus, the result? Crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside tofu bites that are drenched in that tangy, fiery buffalo sauce we all know and love.

And hey, if you’re trying to keep things light and lovely, this dish has got your back. It’s healthier than your traditional fried snacks but doesn’t skimp on flavor. 

Whether you’re throwing together a last-minute gathering with friends or just need a quick and satisfying munch, this buffalo tofu will be the star of your air fryer repertoire. It’s the kind of snack that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe – and I’m here for it!

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE AIR FRYER BUFFALO TOFU BITES

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the vegan buffalo tofu wings (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Block of extra firm tofu block, pressed and drained
• Hot sauce (pick your fave!)
• Extra virgin olive oil – can also use vegan butter
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Your favorite dipping sauce (I’m a blue cheese dressing gal myself, but vegan ranch dressing also works great)
• Optional – panko breadcrumbs, soy milk, almond milk, arrowroot powder, rice flour, etc.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Start by draining your tofu from its packaging and give it a little pat with paper towels. Wrap the block of tofu with a few layers of paper towels. You want to cover all sides to absorb as much water as possible.
2. Place the wrapped tofu on a flat surface, like a cutting board. Now, find something heavy and put it on top of the tofu, such as a heavy pot or stack of cookbooks. Let the tofu sit under the weight for at least 15-30 minutes to press out excess liquid.
3. Now cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. You want them to be just the right size for popping into your mouth!
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the spicy buffalo sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the tofu pieces to the bowl and gently toss them until they’re fully coated in the spicy marinade. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to soak up all that flavor.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F for 2-3 minutes.
7. Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You might have to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
8. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
9. Once the tofu is golden brown, it should be crispy on the outside and beautifully tender on the inside. Toss them in a little extra buffalo sauce if you’re feeling saucy (pun totally intended).

STORING THE LEFTOVER AIR FRYER BUFFALO TOFU RECIPE

So, you’ve made a batch of this crispy buffalo tofu recipe, and you’ve got leftovers? 

Great news! This means more deliciousness for later. 

Storing it is a breeze, and I’m here to tell you how to keep those leftovers just as tasty as when they first came out of the air fryer.

First up, let the tofu cool down to room temperature. You don’t want to trap any steam because that’ll just make things soggy, and we’re not about that life. 

Once it’s cool, transfer the tofu to an airtight container. If you’ve got a few different layers of tofu, go ahead and separate them with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

Pop the container in the fridge, and your buffalo tofu will stay good for about 3-4 days. 

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can eat it cold if that’s your jam, or give it a quick blast in the air fryer or oven to crisp it back up. Just a few minutes at 375°F (190°C) should do the trick!

And there you have it! You’re all set to store your leftover buffalo tofu like a pro. It’s perfect for a quick snack, a protein-packed addition to your salads, a buffalo tofu wrap, or to simply relive the deliciousness whenever the craving hits.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

First up, let’s talk tofu texture. For that perfect bite, make sure you’re using extra-firm tofu and press it well to get rid of excess moisture – it’s all about that firmness and ability to soak up the buffalo sauce goodness. 

And remember, patience is key when pressing; the longer, the better!

Next, let’s chat about marinating. Give your tofu cubes enough time to hang out in that spicy marinade. 

The longer they marinate, the more flavor-packed they’ll be. If you can, let them sit for a couple of hours or even overnight in the fridge. Just make sure to give them a gentle toss now and then to keep them coated.

When it comes to air frying, don’t overcrowd the basket. Space out the tofu cubes so the hot air can circulate properly. 

This is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior. And don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness all around.

Lastly, if you’re all about that extra crispy life, here’s a little secret: after air frying, toss the tofu in a bit more buffalo sauce and pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes. This will caramelize the sauce and add an extra layer of crisp to your tofu.

Some Other Delicious Air Fryer Recipes You May Enjoy!

• Air Fryer Tortilla Garlic Bread
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Air Fryer Bacon
• Air Fryer Chicken Sausages
• Tortilla Pizza In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Steak French Fries
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
• Air Fryer Chicken Sausages
• How To Make Popcorn In The Air Fryer

IF YOU TRIED THIS EXTRA-FIRM TOFU BUFFALO RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS DELICIOUS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails