Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Snacks Recipe
Get ready to elevate your snacking game with our Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Snacks recipe! Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a mouthwatering buffalo sauce, these tofu bites are a vegetarian twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re a tofu aficionado or just looking to add more plant-based options to your diet, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something spicy, savory, and utterly delicious. Plus, with the magic of the air fryer, you’ll achieve that irresistible crunch without all the excess oil. Get your taste buds ready for a flavor-packed snack that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite!
WHY MAKE BUFFALO TOFU SNACKS IN THE AIR FRYER?
Making Buffalo Tofu in the air fryer offers several enticing benefits. Firstly, the air fryer provides a healthier cooking alternative compared to traditional deep frying, as it requires minimal oil to achieve that coveted crispy texture. This means you can enjoy the satisfying crunch of Buffalo Tofu without the guilt of excess grease. Additionally, the air fryer cooks the tofu evenly on all sides, ensuring a consistent texture throughout without the need for flipping or constant monitoring. Plus, the air fryer’s rapid air circulation results in quicker cooking times, making this a convenient option for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a quick and delicious snack. With the air fryer recipe, you can achieve perfectly crispy Buffalo Tofu every time, making it a must-have kitchen gadget for tofu lovers and health-conscious foodies alike.
Ingredients needed to prepare Buffalo Tofu Snacks:
Create irresistibly crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Sticks that are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or as a flavorful addition to salads and bowls.
TOFU INGREDIENTS:
- Extra-Firm Tofu or Super Firm Tofu: Tofu block serves as the main ingredient in this recipe, providing a versatile and protein-rich base for the crispy tofu sticks. Extra firm or super firm tofu works best, as it holds its shape well during the cooking process and has a firmer texture that crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to coat the tofu sticks before breading them. It helps to absorb excess moisture from the tofu’s surface, allowing the breading to adhere more effectively and resulting in a crispier texture once cooked.
- Soy Milk (plant-based milk): Soy milk serves as the binding agent for the cornstarch coating. Other milk options are almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
Bread Crumb Mixture:
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide the perfect crunchy texture for coating the tofu sticks. They are larger and flakier than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a lighter and crispier coating.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and a touch of warmth to the breading mixture, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the tofu sticks.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the breading mixture and helps to balance the other seasonings.
- Ground Black Pepper: Ground black pepper adds a hint of heat and complexity to the breading mixture, complementing the spicy buffalo sauce.
BUFFALO SAUCE:
- Hot Sauce (Franks RedHot): Hot sauce is the star ingredient in buffalo sauce, providing the signature spicy kick. Franks RedHot is a classic choice, known for its bold flavor and perfect balance of heat and tanginess.
- Vegan Butter: Vegan butter adds richness and creaminess to the buffalo sauce, creating a luscious coating for the crispy tofu sticks.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds aromatic depth and savory flavor to the buffalo sauce, enhancing its overall taste profile.
HOW TO PREPARE THE VEGAN BUFFALO TOFU recipe?
Time needed: 55 minutes
- Drain the Tofu:
If using extra firm tofu press out the excess water: Slice your tofu into 8 sticks and wrap in a lint-free towel or paper towels.
Place some additional paper towels on top and something heavy over the wrapped tofu, like books atop a baking sheet. Let drain for about 20-30 minutes.
- Dip the Tofu in Cornstarch:
Put the cornstarch (rice flour, arrowroot, or tapioca starch) in one bowl, the soy milk in a second bowl, and mix the breadcrumb mixture in a third bowl. Pour some of the breadcrumb mixture onto a plate.
First, dip each piece of tofu into the cornstarch. - Dip in the Milk:
- Roll in the Panko:
- Coat all the Tofu:
Place the tofu stick onto the air fryer rack and repeat with the remaining sticks. Spray the tofu sticks with a little bit of olive oil cooking spray to help them crisp up. - Start the Air Frying:
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While they are cooking, prepare the vegan buffalo sauce. In a small bowl melt the vegan butter and stir in the hot sauce and granulated garlic. - Dip in Buffalo Sauce:
Once the tofu is crispy and golden brown remove from the air fryer and roll into the hot sauce mixture. Return the tofu to the air fryer basket. - Back in the Air Fryer:
Once you have all the sticks dipped in the hot sauce return them to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes. - Garnish and Serve:
Once the tofu is crispy remove it from the air fryer. Garnish and Serve Immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
TOFU RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
These substitutions and recipe variations can customize Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu to your taste preferences and dietary needs:
- Tofu Varieties: While extra firm tofu is commonly used for its sturdy texture, you can experiment with different tofu varieties for varied textures. Try using firm tofu for a slightly softer interior or silken tofu for a creamier texture.
- Coating Options: Instead of cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as alternatives to create a crispy coating for the tofu. Additionally, you can add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to the coating mixture for extra flavor.
- Breadcrumb Alternatives: If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or rice crumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs.
- Sauce Variations: While buffalo sauce is a classic choice, you can experiment with different sauces to suit your taste preferences. Try barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, or sweet chili sauce for unique flavor profiles.
- Marinating Tofu: For extra flavor, consider marinating the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil before coating and air frying. This adds depth to the tofu’s flavor profile and enhances its overall taste.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve the crispy buffalo tofu with a variety of dipping sauces for added flavor. Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, sriracha mayo, or tahini sauce are all delicious options to complement the spicy buffalo flavor.
- Bite-Sized Pieces: Instead of large tofu sticks, you can cut the tofu pieces into cubes or triangles for easier snacking or appetizer-sized portions.
FAQ- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
To achieve maximum crispiness, it’s important to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture. This can be done by wrapping the tofu block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for about 30 minutes to an hour. Additionally, make sure to preheat the air fryer and evenly coat the tofu in the cornstarch and breadcrumb mixture.
While panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their light and crispy texture, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs if needed. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different, as regular breadcrumbs tend to be finer and denser.
To maintain crispiness, it’s best to toss the cooked tofu sticks in the buffalo sauce just before serving. After the sticks are coated it;s best to return them to the air fryer for five additional minutes to further crispy the tofu sticks.
While these tofu snacks are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can prepare the tofu sticks in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of coating the tofu in the breadcrumb mixture, then cover and refrigerate until ready to air fry.
Yes, you can easily make these tofu snacks gluten-free by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensuring that the hot sauce and vegan butter are also gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels to ensure they are free from gluten-containing ingredients.
WHAT/HOW DO YOU SERVE AIR FRYER TOFU?
- Main Dish: Serve air fryer tofu as the main course alongside your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or noodles.
- Salads: Add air fryer tofu to salads to boost their protein content and add a satisfying crunch. Toss the tofu with mixed greens, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and your favorite dressing.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Use as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or pitas. Layer the tofu with lettuce, tomato, avocado, sprouts, and your favorite sauce for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Stir-Fries: Incorporate air fryer tofu into stir-fries for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Simply sauté your favorite vegetables in a pan, add the air fryer tofu, and toss everything together with your favorite stir-fry sauce.
- On Buddha Bowls: Build a nutritious and colorful Buddha bowl by combining air fryer tofu with grains (such as quinoa or brown rice), roasted vegetables, greens, and a flavorful sauce or dressing.
- As a Snack: Enjoy air fryer tofu as a tasty and nutritious snack on its own or dipped in your favorite sauce. Sprinkle the tofu with seasoning or spices before air frying for added flavor.
How to store and reheat leftover buffalo tofu snacks?
To store leftover buffalo tofu snacks, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to monitor the tofu closely to prevent burning. When reheating leftover buffalo tofu snacks, there are a couple of options:
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tofu snacks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover tofu snacks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
- Skillet Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add the leftover tofu snacks in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until heated through and crispy.
Can leftover buffalo tofu be frozen?
To freeze leftover buffalo tofu snacks, first, ensure they are completely cooled to room temperature. Then, arrange the snacks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the tofu snacks freeze for 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer the tofu snacks to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification. Store the container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. This freezing method helps prevent the tofu snacks from sticking together and allows for easy portioning when reheating.
LOOKING FOR MORE Tasty RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Crispy Air Fryer Panko Boneless Chicken Thighs: This dish takes the classic comfort of boneless chicken thighs and elevates it to new heights with the magic of the air fryer. The combination of a golden, crispy panko coating and the tender juiciness of boneless chicken thighs creates a delightful symphony of textures, making this recipe a must-try for anyone seeking a quick and flavorful meal.
Easy Instant Pot Mississippi Chicken Recipe: This dish takes the classic comfort of boneless chicken thighs and elevates it to new heights with the magic of the air fryer. The combination of a golden, crispy panko coating and the tender juiciness of boneless chicken thighs creates a delightful symphony of textures, making this recipe a must-try for anyone seeking a quick and flavorful meal.
Instant Pot Cream of Chicken and Mushroom Recipe: This creamy and comforting dish brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety sauce infused with savory herbs and spices, all cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. Whether you’re seeking a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or a cozy dinner for the family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Snacks Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb Tofu (extra firm or super firm)
- 6 Tbsp Cornstarch
- ¼ Cup Soy Milk (plant-based milk)
Bread Crumb Mixture
- ¾ Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- ¼ Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray
Buffalo Sauce
- 6 Tbsp Hot Sauce like Franks RedHot
- 3 Tbsp Vegan Butter
- ½ Tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
- If using extra firm tofu press out the excess water: Slice your tofu into 8 sticks and wrap in a lint-free towel or paper towels. Place some additional paper towels on top and something heavy over the wrapped tofu, like books atop a baking sheet. Let drain for about 20-30 minutes.
- Put the cornstarch (or arrowroot or tapioca starch) in one bowl, the soy milk in a second bowl, and mix together the bread crumb mixture in a third bowl. Pour some of the bread crumb mixture onto a plate.
- Dip each tofu stick into the cornstarch, followed by the milk, then roll in the breadcrumbs on the plate.
- Place the tofu stick onto the air fryer rack and repeat with the remaining sticks. Spray the tofu sticks with a little bit of olive oil cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Air fry the breaded tofu at 425 ºF for 20 minutes.
- While they are cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce. Melt the vegan butter and stir in the hot sauce, granulated garlic, and salt.
- Once the tofu is crispy and golden brown remove from the air fryer and roll into the hot sauce mixture. Return the tofu to the air fryer basket.
- Once you have all the sticks dipped in the hot sauce return them back into the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once the tofu is crispy remove it from the air fryer. Garnish and Serve Immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
- Leftover buffalo tofu sticks can be re-crisped in the air fryer.