THIS air fryer buffalo tofu is the tofu that convinced my meat eating family to love tofu. It's crispy, it's flavourful, takes less than 30 minutes to make and it's SO easy.
It's taken me YEARS to finally get my family to try more plant based protein sources. To give you a bit of context, my dad, brother and Brandon are HUGE meat eaters. Like for one of the first times Brandon ever made me dinner he literally just served me a giant steak on a plate kind of meat eaters LOL. So being someone who enjoys adding plant based protein sources into my diet whenever I can I made it my mission to find a non-meat protein that the guys in my life actually enjoyed.
They were always turned off by the typical soft texture of tofu and to be honest I understand it's not for everyone. SO I tried so many different methods of cooking it trying to find one that they liked.... until I found THE PERFECT EASY BUFFALO TOFU. It was the perfect option, crispy on the outside, and not too squishy on the inside, but still packed with flavour. It's safe to say that buffalo tofu is now a weekly request in my house. So I'd call that a WIN!
( if you are also trying to convince your family to eat more plant based options.... TRY this tofu alfredo!)
How do I Make Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu?
All you need is a skillet and an oven OR an air fryer and you're set! I've been making this recipe since back before air fryers were popular (so like 2019 lol). The oven method is the OG version and honestly despite how obsessed with the air fryer (see my air fryer cookie and brussel sprouts) I am I would still say I prefer this method. There's just something about the crisp outer layer that forms while you are frying the tofu in the skillet, combined with the texture it gets from the oven that just makes this tofu PERFECT.
That being said the air fryer is a great option if you're shorter on time ( while you're at it you should also try my other tofu recipe!). It still gets crispy and it still tastes amazing... so the choice is really yours!
What can you do with Buffalo Tofu?
Easy buffalo tofu is one of those recipes I love to meal prep. As it does take a little longer than I typically like spending cooking dinner, I like to prepare this ahead of time to just grab as an easy protein source. But the answer to the question of what can you do with it is... EVERYTHING!
- Eat it alone with a ranch dipping sauce
- Add it to "nourish" bowls like this burrito bowl
- Add it to pasta
- Add it to this spaghetti squash casserole instead of the chicken!
- Add it to wraps or sandwiches
- The possibilities are endless....
What Ingredients do I need for Buffalo Tofu in the Air Fryer?
Tofu- Choose an EXTRA firm option like this one! soft, medium, or firm will not stay in shape when you cut it and won't get as crispy when you bake it so this is super important! I would also highly recommend purchasing a tofu press for the CRISPIEST tofu. BUT a stack of heavy books also works.
Buffalo Sauce- Buffalo sauce can actually be super challenging to find and I'm not too sure why.... But I really enjoy using this one. OR if you can find it Primal Kitchen also has a great buffalo sauce!
Cornstarch- The secret to crispy tofu, all you need is a few tablespoons of cornstarch and your tofu will get that perfect crispy outer layer we all want. I like using this cornstarch but the choice is yours!
Oil- Any liquid cooking oil will do. I personally use olive oil or avocado oil but vegetable and canola both work as well!
Spices- garlic powder, salt and pepper are all you need for this recipe!
Dipping sauce- If you decide you want to eat this easy buffalo tofu alone (because I swear it's that good you'll want to), it pairs perfectly with this ranch dressing!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this recipe don't forget to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or comment how it turned out below!
Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 3 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt + pepper
- 1.5 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoon buffalo sauce of choice (see my recommendations in text above recipe)
Instructions
Oven Method
- Using a tofu press (or lots of heavy books), drain and press tofu, chop into bite size pieces and add to a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix the cornstarch mixture in with the chopped tofu, using your hands to gently toss until the tofu is fully coated.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped tofu cooking for about 4 minutes per side until a crisp outer layer begins to form.
- While the tofu is in the skillet, preheat oven to 425°F.
- After the tofu has browned on all sides, add tofu back into the large bowl, coating it with about 3 tablespoon of the buffalo sauce. Spread the tofu on a prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook about about 20 minutes, flipping half way.
- After the tofu is cooked, coat in the remaining buffalo sauce and enjoy!
Air Fryer Instructions
- Using a tofu press (or lots of heavy books), drain and press tofu, chop into bite size pieces and add to a large bowl.
- Add 3 tablespoon of buffalo sauce in with the tofu and mix until thoroughly coated.
- Toss the buffalo tofu in cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add tofu to the basket of your air fryer (don't forget to spray the bottom with a non stick cooking spray!)
- Air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Toss the air fried tofu in the remaining tablespoon of buffalo sauce and enjoy.
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