Buffalo Tofu is crispy on the outside, tender in the center, and coated in a tangy homemade Buffalo sauce. The tofu cooks in the air fryer at 370°F for 12 minutes, so the entire recipe takes less than 30 minutes.
Made with firm or extra-firm tofu, a light cornstarch coating, and a simple four-ingredient Buffalo sauce, this is an easy gluten-free vegetarian recipe for game day, lunch, or a quick weeknight dinner.
✔ Ready in 27 minutes
✔ Crispy without deep frying
✔ Made with seven simple ingredients
✔ Vegetarian and gluten-free with verified ingredients
✔ Serve as an appetizer, snack, or meatless meal
What is Buffalo tofu?
Buffalo tofu is crispy tofu coated in a buttery, tangy hot sauce similar to the sauce traditionally used for Buffalo wings. This vegetarian version uses air-fried tofu instead of chicken, giving you plenty of Buffalo flavor with a crisp outside and tender center.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Tofu
- Crispy without deep frying: The air fryer creates crisp edges using only a small amount of oil.
- Quick to make: The tofu cooks in 12 minutes, and the complete recipe takes less than half an hour.
- Simple ingredients: You only need tofu, oil, cornstarch, and four ingredients for the homemade Buffalo sauce.
- Easy to serve: Enjoy it with celery sticks, add it to a salad or wrap, or turn it into a Buffalo tofu bowl.
- Easy to make vegan: Use vegan butter and vegetarian, gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, or use my vegan Buffalo sauce.
Ingredients You Need
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape and becomes crisp in the air fryer. Pressing the tofu removes excess water so it cooks rather than steams.
Oil: A small amount of oil helps the cornstarch stick to the tofu and encourages browning in the air fryer.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch creates a light coating around the tofu cubes, giving them crisp, golden edges without traditional breading.
Butter: Melted butter balances the heat and vinegar in the hot sauce. Vegan butter can be used when making a vegan version.
Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce: Frank’s RedHot Original provides the familiar tangy cayenne flavor associated with Buffalo sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: Use a Worcestershire sauce that is specifically labeled vegetarian and gluten-free. Many traditional Worcestershire sauces contain anchovies and are not vegetarian.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a touch of savory flavor without altering the sauce’s smooth consistency.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu
Here is a quick overview of the recipe:
- Press the tofu for 12 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cut the pressed tofu into evenly sized cubes.
- Place the tofu in a zip-top bag with the oil and cornstarch.
- Gently shake the bag until the tofu is evenly coated.
- Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 370°F for 12 minutes.
- Mix the Buffalo sauce ingredients while the tofu cooks.
- Toss the cooked tofu with the sauce and serve immediately.
The complete measurements and instructions are included in the recipe card below.
How to Make Buffalo Tofu Crispy
The best way to make crispy Buffalo tofu is to press the tofu, coat it lightly with cornstarch, and cook it before adding the sauce.
Press the tofu
Extra moisture prevents the outside of the tofu from crisping. Press firm or extra-firm tofu before cutting it into cubes.
Cut even pieces
Try to keep the tofu cubes close to the same size. Smaller pieces may cook faster, while larger pieces may need additional time.
Use a single layer
Leave space between the tofu cubes so hot air can circulate around them. An overcrowded basket can cause the tofu to steam.
Add the sauce after cooking
Air-fry the tofu until crisp, then toss it with the Buffalo sauce. Adding sauce before air frying introduces moisture and can keep the coating from becoming crunchy.
Adjust for your air fryer
Air fryers cook differently. If the tofu is not as crisp as you would like after 12 minutes, cook it for another one or two minutes and check it again.
Is Buffalo Tofu Gluten-Free?
This Buffalo tofu recipe can be made gluten-free when all packaged ingredients are carefully checked.
Plain tofu and cornstarch are generally gluten-free. Frank’s RedHot Original does not contain gluten, but you should still check the label when purchasing. Choose a Worcestershire sauce specifically marked gluten-free and vegetarian.
As always, check ingredient labels for manufacturing changes and possible cross-contact if you are preparing the recipe for someone with celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity.
Is This Buffalo Tofu Vegan?
The original recipe contains butter, so it is vegetarian but not vegan.
To make vegan Buffalo tofu, use vegan butter and a vegan, gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. You can also coat the tofu with my homemade vegan Buffalo sauce.
What to Serve With Buffalo Tofu
Serve Buffalo tofu with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite gluten-free ranch or blue cheese dressing for a simple game-day appetizer.
You can also use it in:
For a full dinner, pair it with roasted potatoes, air-fryer vegetables, rice, or a crisp green salad.
Why Is My Buffalo Tofu Not Crispy?
Buffalo tofu may not become crispy if the tofu contains too much moisture, the air-fryer basket is overcrowded, or the sauce is added before cooking.
Make sure the tofu is pressed, lightly coated with cornstarch rather than heavily coated, and placed in a single layer. Add another 1 or 2 minutes of cooking time as needed.
Remember that the tofu will soften slightly after it is tossed with Buffalo sauce. For the crispiest texture, serve it right away.
How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Tofu
Buffalo tofu has its best texture immediately after it is made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three or four days.
Reheat the tofu in the air fryer at 370°F for approximately three to five minutes, or until heated through. The coating may not become quite as crisp as it was when freshly made.
For meal prep, store the cooked tofu and Buffalo sauce separately when possible. Reheat the tofu first, then toss it with the sauce immediately before serving.
Buffalo Tofu FAQs
Do I have to press tofu before air frying it?
Pressing is strongly recommended. Removing excess moisture helps the tofu become crisp and prevents it from steaming in the air fryer.
Can I use firm tofu instead of extra-firm tofu?
Yes. Firm tofu will work, but it may contain more water and have a slightly softer center. Press it thoroughly before air frying.
How spicy is Buffalo tofu?
Buffalo tofu has a tangy, medium-level heat when made with Frank’s Red Hot Original. The butter softens some of the heat while keeping the familiar Buffalo flavor.
Can I prepare Buffalo tofu ahead of time?
You can press and cube the tofu and mix the Buffalo sauce in advance. For the best texture, air fry the tofu and add the sauce shortly before serving.
Why should the Buffalo sauce be added after air frying?
Adding the sauce after cooking allows the cornstarch coating to become crisp. Sauce added before cooking can make the outside of the tofu soft.
Can I make Buffalo tofu without cornstarch?
You can omit the cornstarch, but the outside of the tofu will not be as crunchy. Cornstarch creates the light, crisp coating used in this recipe.
More Yummy Tofu Recipes
Once you learn how to make crispy tofu in the air fryer, it is easy to change the flavor with different sauces and seasonings.
The beauty of tofu is that you can literally use it for anything! Add this baked tofu to your favorite salad or enjoy it for a super-simple weeknight dinner.
Add an Asian-inspired twist to your tofu and skip takeout by trying glazed sesame tofu, vegan orange tofu, or crispy tofu tenders for another easy meatless meal.
Going vegan doesn’t mean losing all your favorite flavor profiles. Tofu bacon is the perfect BLT substitute to keep it plant-based.
Try my crispy tofu in the air fryer for a simple base recipe, Buffalo tofu bites for a skillet-cooked version, or browse my collection of easy tofu recipes for more gluten-free vegetarian meal ideas.
If you make this Buffalo tofu, I’d love for you to leave a star rating and comment below. Your feedback helps other readers know that the recipe works and gives them more ideas for serving it.
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu
Crispy air fryer Buffalo tofu coated in a tangy homemade Buffalo sauce. This easy gluten-free vegetarian recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes and works as a game-day appetizer, snack, or meatless dinner.
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Ingredients
Buffalo Sauce Ingredients
Instructions
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Press the firm tofu for 12 minutes. Cut tofu into cubes.
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Put tofu cubes into gallon ziplock bag with oil and cornstarch. Shake to evenly coat tofu.
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Set air fryer to 370 degrees F (190 degrees C). Air fry tofu in a single layer in air fryer basket for 12 minutes.
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While tofu is cooking, mix together buffalo sauce ingredients.
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When tofu is done, put cubes into sauce bowl and stir or toss to coat. Serve with celery sticks.
Notes
- Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe.
- Press the tofu thoroughly so the cornstarch coating can become crispy.
- Arrange the tofu in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the air-fryer basket.
- Air fryers cook differently. Add 1 or 2 minutes if you prefer crispier tofu.
- Add the Buffalo sauce after air frying to keep the tofu as crisp as possible.
- For a vegan version, use vegan butter and vegan, gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
- Check all packaged ingredient labels when cooking for someone who must avoid gluten.
Nutrition
Calories: 174kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 9gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 759mgPotassium: 16mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 176IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 127mgIron: 1mg
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