Crispy Buffalo Tofu (Baked, Air Fried, Pan-Fried)
Spicy, tangy, and protein-packed, this easy buffalo tofu uses just 8 ingredients (plus salt & pepper) and can be baked, air-fried, or pan-fried into a delicious appetizer,side, or main!
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 289kcal
Ingredients
Tofu
- 16 ounce block super firm tofu , cubed (or pressed extra-firm tofu). Use previously frozen and thawed tofu for meatier chew.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado/vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Buffalo Sauce
- ⅓ cup buffalo sauce like Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, which is vegan/gluten-free. OR vinegar-based hot sauce. I.e., Frank's or Crystal hot sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter block butter like Miyoko's/Earth Balance
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup optional, for a slightly milder sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving (Optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped parsley
- Ranch or blue cheese-style dressing
- Celery sticks or Carrot sticks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F/220°C and lightly grease/line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Press (if needed) and cube the tofu into 1-inch pieces (or tear into chunks for crispier edges).
- Pat the tofu dry then toss in a bowl with the cornstarch, olive oil, and seasonings until evenly coated.
- Spread in a single layer across the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, combine the Buffalo sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Toss the tofu and sauce in a large bowl to evenly coat.
- For extra-crispy, caramelized buffalo tofu, bake for another 5 minutes. Enjoy!
For Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu
- Lightly spray the cornstarch-coated tofu with oil and arrange in a single layer, working in batches if needed.Air fry at 400°F/200°C for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss with Buffalo sauce, then air fry for another 2 minutes.
Notes
READ THE BLOG (or use CMMD/CTRL + F to search the page) FOR RECIPE VARIATIONS, STORAGE INFO, AND FAQs!
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- Adjust the heat: Use hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level. Make it hotter with cayenne pepper or milder with more butter or maple syrup.
- For meatier tofu: Use previously frozen and thawed tofu.
- Super firm tofu is best: It’s chewy, protein-rich, and requires no pressing.
- Adjust the shape:e., buffalo tofu bites, nuggets, strips, or wedges.
- For crispier tofu: Pat the tofu dry, increase cornstarch to 2 tbsp, press the tofu if needed, and don’t omit the oil.
- Don’t overcrowd: Whether baking, air frying, or pan-frying, leave space between pieces so they crisp rather than steam.
- Set some sauce aside: For dipping/drizzling when serving.
- Try other sauces: Like teriyaki sauce, BBQ, and more.
Nutrition
Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 4g | Sodium: 1232mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 277IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg
