These Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Bites are a fabulous healthy appetizer to make for house parties, game days, movie nights, or snack time. Serve this vegan, quick, and easy recipe with your favorite dipping sauce (vegan).
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About Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Bites
Wondering how to make the crispiest tofu bites that taste incredibly delicious? Then look no further. This crispy air fryer buffalo tofu bites recipe is your savior guys.
In under 45 minutes, you can make the easiest, yummiest buffalo tofu at home using simple ingredients. Buffalo tofu wings made in an air fryer are super crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside.
Plus there is less mess and less hassle than deep frying it.
I can guarantee that kids and adults will love them equally and you can sneak in the daily protein requirement without any effort.
The super crispy texture will amaze you as it uses minimal oil yet gives the feel of deep-fried tofu cubes.
This dish is vegan and can be easily made gluten-free. You can easily double or triple the recipe too. Just make sure to air-fry the tofu in batches.
Here are some more air fryer recipes that you might like
Ingredients
Tofu – Use extra firm tofu for this recipe! Avoid using silken tofu or soft tofu as it will break when pressed and is not suitable for this recipe.
You can use tofu incorporated with veggies for a healthier option.
Cornstarch – Cornstarch creates a crispy layer on top! It also draws out excess liquid from the tofu.
You can replace it with tapioca flour, arrowroot powder, or rice flour.
Milk – Dip the tofu wings in milk so that the coating sticks to them. I used soy milk but you can use any plant-based milk like almond milk, cashew milk, etc.
If vegan is not your concern, then you can use dairy milk as well.
Bread Crumbs – Panko bread crumbs are my secret ingredient to make extra crispy tofu. They are mostly vegan but make sure to check the packaging.
I like to season the bread crumbs with smoked paprika, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and some fresh parsley.
You can also use some onion powder and garlic powder to season the panko breadcrumbs.
Light Olive Oil – 2 tablespoon of light olive oil is all you need to air fry the entire batch of tofu.
Buffalo Sauce – To make the spicy buffalo sauce, you will need hot sauce, vegan butter, garlic powder, and salt.
If vegan is not your concern, then use regular butter in place of vegan butter.
I used Frank’s Red Hot Original hot sauce but you can use any.
You can also use a ready-made buffalo sauce if you have a bottle lying around.
You can add a teaspoon of maple syrup to the sauce for a hint of sweetness.
Replace buffalo sauce with bbq sauce for a taste change.
How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Bites
Press The Tofu
Wrap 1 lb (500 g) firm tofu block in between a clean dish towel or 3-4 layers of paper towels and press it for at least 15 minutes, using either a tofu press or setting a heavy pan (I used my marble rolling board) or any heavy object on top of it, letting the moisture drain.
Discard the liquid.
When finished, cut tofu into equal bite-sized cubes (wings).
Coat The Tofu Wings
Sir together
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoon light olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
in a shallow dish.
Transfer 4 tablespoon cornstarch to a small bowl and ¼ cup soy milk to another small bowl.
Dip each tofu wing into the cornstarch, followed by the milk, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
Repeat with each piece of tofu.
Air Fry The Tofu
Arrange the breaded tofu pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry tofu wings at 400 ºF for 10 minutes. Flip and air fry for another 10 minutes or until the tofu wings are crispy and golden brown.
Make The Buffalo Sauce
While the tofu is air frying, make the buffalo sauce.
Melt 2 tablespoon of vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Stir in 4 tablespoon hot sauce, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ⅛ teaspoon salt.
Note – Skip this step if using readymade buffalo sauce. You will need ½ cup of sauce.
Coat The Crispy Tofu Bites With Sauce
Transfer the crispy tofu wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the vegan buffalo sauce over the wings and toss well to coat.
Garnish the crispy buffalo tofu wings with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Pro Tips By Neha
Season the breadcrumbs well otherwise the tofu will just taste bland.
Do not forget to press the tofu to remove the excess moisture. You can either use a tofu press or something heavy (I press it with my marble rolling board).
Do not overload the basket. If you are doubling or tripling the recipe, cook it in batches.
Each air fryer is different and the cooking time may vary depending on the efficiency of the air fryer. My tofu cooked to perfection in 20 minutes but if yours is still not crispy, increase the time by a few more minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tofu could turn out soggy due to two main reasons.
1. There is a lot of moisture in tofu. Make sure to press the tofu well before air frying it.
2. Cooking at a low temperature also makes it soggy. Always cook the tofu at a high temperature to get crispy skin.
You can replace cornstarch with rice flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crispy air fryer tofu cubes with a delicious creamy sauce of your choice! They make a great party appetizer as well as a snack with your evening tea or coffee. Some of my favorite dipping sauces are vegan ranch dressing or vegan sour cream. If vegan is not your concern, then try blue cheese dressing, yum yum sauce, and boom boom sauce.
Add these vegan buffalo tofu wings to salads to add a nice crispy bite.
They are a great addition to rice bowls or Buddha bowls.
Top over shakshuka for added protein.
Add the crispy tofu nuggets to fried rice, noodles, or stir-fry recipes.
Make buffalo tofu wrap.
Storage Suggestions
These air fryer tofu wings taste the best when served right out of the air fryer.
Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container for about 4 days. Reheat them in an air fryer at 375 degrees F for a few minutes. Keep an eye out so that they don’t get burnt.
Toss them with the sauce only when ready to serve.
I will not suggest you freeze it, as tofu will change its taste and texture once it is thawed.
Meal Plan Tip – If you are prepping ahead of time, coat the tofu cubes with breadcrumbs and store them in an air-tight container for 3-4 days. Air fry when ready to serve.
You can also make the buffalo sauce in advance and refrigerate it for 3-4 days.
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Recipe Card
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra firm tofu (500 g)
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup soy milk (or any other milk of your choice)
For The Seasoned Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
For The Buffalo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (use regular butter if vegan is not a concern)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Press The Tofu
- Wrap tofu in between a dish towel and press it for at least 15 minutes, using either a tofu press or by setting a heavy pan (I used my marble rolling board) on top of it, letting the moisture drain.
- When finished, cut tofu into bite-sized cubes (wings).
Coat The Tofu Wings
- Sir together panko bread crumbs, olive oil, paprika, salt, black pepper, and parsley in a bowl.
- Transfer cornstarch in one bowl and soy milk in another bowl.
- Dip each tofu wing into the cornstarch, followed by the milk, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Repeat with all the tofu cubes.
Air Fry The Tofu
- Arrange the coated tofu wings in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400 ºF for 10 minutes, flip, and air fry for another 10 minutes or until the tofu wings are nice and crispy.
Make The Buffalo Sauce
- While the tofu is air frying, make the buffalo sauce.
- Melt vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt.
- Note – Skip this step if using readymade buffalo sauce. You will need ½ cup of sauce.
Coat The Crispy Tofu Bites With Sauce
- Transfer the crispy tofu wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss well to coat.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Francesca
I used to order buffalo tofu on a regular basis from one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago, when I lived there years ago. Upon visiting this past summer, I was saddened to see that they had gone out of business. I was disappointed I had never asked them for the recipe, and in search for answers I scrolled Pinterest. I found this recipe and it is spot on, it’s absolutely delicious! It brings back old memories and I truly will be making this once a month or more! Thank you for this amazing dish!
Ellen Meyers
Made it for a football playoff game. Absolutely amazing thank you!