Go Back
+ servings
Strips of Buffalo tofu on a plate with a small dish of ranch dressing.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Crispy Vegan Buffalo Tofu

Crispy vegan Buffalo tofu, air fryer or oven baked, is made healthfully without added oil for a yummy snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 6
Calories: 168kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces tofu 1 block firm or extra firm
  • 1 cup plant milk
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 ¼ cups Buffalo hot sauce

Instructions

  • Press the tofu and cut it into cubes or strips (see notes).
  • In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
  • Place the plant milk in another shallow bowl.
  • Add the panko to a plate or another shallow bowl.
  • Roll a slice of tofu in the cornstarch mixture and shake it a little. Then dip it in the plant milk, roll it in the panko, and place the tofu in the air fryer basket or baking sheet (separate cooking instructions below). Repeat this process for each piece, keeping the tofu in a single layer and as separated as possible.

How to Air Fry Buffalo Tofu

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 C). Measure out a piece of parchment paper to fit in the bottom of the air fryer.
  • Once the air fryer is heated, remove the basket and place the parchment paper on the bottom.
  • Set the air fryer for 16 minutes (400 F) and cook the tofu for 7-8 minutes until it is brown on the top and sides. Then flip the tofu and cook for another 7-8 minutes. The tofu should be brown and firm.
  • Remove the tofu from the air fryer and put it in the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Stir to cover the tofu, adding the remaining sauce as you mix to coat each piece of tofu.
  • Return the tofu to the air fryer (keep the parchment paper on the bottom). Air fry for another 4-5 minutes, so the sauce cooks into the tofu. Be careful that the tofu doesn’t get too brown.
  • How to bake Buffalo Tofu
  • Preheat the oven to 425 F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  • Prepare the tofu per the air fryer instructions and bake for 25-30 minutes (roll in cornstarch mixture, then milk, then panko). Place the tofu in a single layer, separated on the baking sheet.
  • Bake the tofu for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu after 15 minutes.
  • Remove the tofu and cover it with Buffalo sauce. Return it to the oven and bake for another 4-5 minutes.

Video

Notes

  • Cornstarch can be replaced with tapioca starch or potato starch. You can use regular flour if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Cut the tofu in any shape you desire—tear rather than cut tofu for tofu nuggets or cut it small for tofu bites. Use this recipe with soy strips or cauliflower. Refer to the frequently asked questions for using tempeh.
  • Try this recipe with other sauces, like barbeque, hoisin, or satay sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1630mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 83IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 173mg | Iron: 2mg