YT Recipe

Buffalo Air Fried Tofu!

Buffalo Air Fried Tofu! is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by The Viet Vegan on YouTube.

Prep: 24 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 52 min

Cost: $4.28 total, $2.14 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 block Extra Firm Tofu (drained and pressed)
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil (for coating tofu)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt (seasoning)
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (for crispy coating)
  • 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil Spray (light spray for air‑frying)
  • 2 tablespoons Kraft BBQ Chicken & Rib Sauce (vegan) (part of buffalo sauce blend)
  • 2 tablespoons Frank's Buffalo Sauce (vegan) (part of buffalo sauce blend)
  • 1 tablespoon Hemp Seeds (optional topping for extra protein and fat)
  • 2 pieces Large Tortilla Wraps (for serving)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegan Ranch Dressing (optional drizzle)

Instructions

  1. Drain and Press Tofu

    Remove the tofu from its package, drain the water, and press out excess moisture using a tofu press or by placing the block between two cutting boards with a heavy book on top.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Cube the Tofu

    Cut the pressed tofu into bite‑sized cubes, roughly 1‑inch pieces, so they cook evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Season with Oil and Garlic Salt

    Place the tofu cubes in a mixing bowl, drizzle with toasted sesame oil and sprinkle garlic salt. Gently toss until lightly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add Cornstarch Coating

    Sprinkle cornstarch over the seasoned tofu and toss gently to coat each piece. Shake off any excess starch.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Preheat Air Fryer

    Set the air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for a couple of minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 400°F

  6. Arrange Tofu in Basket

    Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air‑fryer basket. Lightly spray the top with vegetable oil spray.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 400°F

  7. Air Fry Until Crispy

    Air fry the tofu for 15‑20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pieces are golden brown and crisp.

    Time: PT18M

    Temperature: 400°F

  8. Prepare Buffalo Sauce

    In a small bowl, combine equal parts Kraft BBQ chicken & rib sauce and Frank's Buffalo sauce. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Toss Tofu in Sauce

    Transfer the hot tofu to the bowl with the sauce and toss quickly to coat all pieces.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Assemble the Wrap

    Lay a tortilla on a plate, add a generous handful of buffalo tofu, drizzle with vegan ranch if using, sprinkle hemp seeds, and fold or roll the wrap.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g
Fiber
5g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free BBQ sauce), Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Soy, Sesame

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Buffalo Air Fried Tofu!

Recipe by The Viet Vegan

Crispy air‑fried tofu tossed in a tangy vegan buffalo sauce, perfect for wraps or salads. This quick, plant‑based recipe uses a simple cornstarch coating and a 50/50 blend of vegan BBQ and buffalo sauces for a satisfying bite.

EasyAmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
24m
Prep
27m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.28
Total cost
$2.14
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Drain and Press Tofu
  • • Preheat Air Fryer
  • • Air Fry Until Crispy
  • • Toss Tofu in Sauce

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle the hot air‑fryer basket with oven mitts to avoid burns
  • • Pressing tofu with heavy objects can cause injury—use a stable surface
  • • Avoid inhaling oil spray; use in a well‑ventilated area

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of buffalo tofu in American vegan cuisine?

A

Buffalo tofu is a plant‑based twist on the classic American buffalo wing, created by vegans to capture the spicy, tangy flavor without using chicken. It reflects the broader trend of adapting comfort foods for ethical and health‑focused diets in the United States.

cultural
Q

How does the vegan buffalo sauce used by The Viet Vegan differ from traditional buffalo wing sauce?

A

The Viet Vegan’s sauce blends vegan BBQ sauce with Frank’s Buffalo sauce, giving a sweet‑smoky base that mimics the caramelized glaze of traditional wing sauces while keeping the heat level familiar. Both components are certified vegan, unlike many commercial wing sauces that contain dairy or honey.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of buffalo‑style sauces exist in American cuisine?

A

In the U.S., buffalo sauce varies by region: the classic Buffalo, NY style is pure hot sauce and butter; the Midwest often adds honey or brown sugar; the South may incorporate smoked paprika or cayenne for extra heat. The Viet Vegan’s version adds a BBQ element for a unique fusion twist.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is buffalo tofu commonly served at in vegan communities?

A

Buffalo tofu is popular at casual gatherings, game‑day parties, potlucks, and vegan brunches because it offers the familiar finger‑food experience of wings while being easy to share and serve in wraps or salads.

cultural
Q

How does buffalo tofu fit into the broader American vegan comfort‑food tradition?

A

It exemplifies the American vegan movement’s focus on recreating beloved comfort dishes—like burgers, mac & cheese, and wings—using plant proteins, bold sauces, and familiar textures, making vegan eating approachable for a wide audience.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for buffalo sauce versus acceptable vegan substitutes?

A

Traditional buffalo sauce uses hot sauce (often Frank’s) and melted butter. Vegan substitutes replace butter with vegan margarine or oil and may add a touch of vegan BBQ sauce for sweetness, as demonstrated in this recipe.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with buffalo tofu in a vegan meal?

A

Buffalo tofu pairs nicely with vegan coleslaw, sweet potato fries, pickled vegetables, or a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, creating a balanced plate of protein, carbs, and fresh veggies.

cultural
Q

What makes buffalo tofu special or unique in vegan American cuisine?

A

The combination of air‑fried tofu for a crunchy texture and a dual‑sauce blend (BBQ + buffalo) delivers both smoky sweetness and classic heat, offering a flavor profile that’s rarely found together in other vegan dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making air fry buffalo tofu?

A

Common errors include not pressing the tofu enough, overcrowding the air‑fryer basket, and skipping the oil spray, all of which can lead to soggy or unevenly cooked pieces. Follow the pressing and single‑layer steps for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a cornstarch coating instead of flour for the tofu?

A

Cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier crust that stays crunchy in the air fryer, whereas flour can become gummy and absorb more oil. The starch also helps the sauce adhere without making the tofu soggy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Viet Vegan specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel The Viet Vegan focuses on plant‑based Vietnamese and broader Asian-inspired recipes, offering vegan adaptations of traditional dishes, cooking tips for tofu and tempeh, and guidance on sustainable, cruelty‑free cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Viet Vegan's approach to vegan comfort food differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

The Viet Vegan blends authentic Asian flavor techniques—like using toasted sesame oil and tofu pressing—with classic American comfort concepts such as buffalo sauce, creating a unique cross‑cultural fusion that emphasizes texture and bold sauces.

channel
More like this:American RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by The Viet Vegan

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Air Fryer Tofu & Veggie Burgers
24

Air Fryer Tofu & Veggie Burgers

A healthy, protein-packed vegan burger made with extra firm tofu, roasted broccoli, sweet peppers, spinach, and aromatic spices. These burgers are air-fried for a crispy outside and tender inside—no tofu pressing required!

50 minServes 4$11
Fusion (Indian-inspired, Vegan)
Air Fryer Tofu & Veggie Burgers
10

Air Fryer Tofu & Veggie Burgers

A healthy, protein-packed vegan burger made with extra firm tofu, roasted broccoli, sweet peppers, spinach, and aromatic spices. These burgers are air-fried for a crispy outside and tender inside—no tofu pressing required!

50 minServes 4$11
Fusion (Indian-inspired, Vegan)
Air Fried Triple-Cooked Fries
194

Air Fried Triple-Cooked Fries

Crispy, light‑and‑fluffy fries made from frozen thick‑cut potatoes using a quick soak, microwave blanch, and a high‑heat air fryer. Inspired by Heston Blumenthal’s triple‑cooked chips, this method gives restaurant‑quality fries without deep‑frying.

35 minServes 4$26
American
AIR FRYER JOLLIBEE INSPIRED FRIED CHICKEN N GRAVY 🍗
20

AIR FRYER JOLLIBEE INSPIRED FRIED CHICKEN N GRAVY 🍗

A copycat of Jollibee's famous fried chicken, made extra crispy with a light coating of baking powder and served with a rich, brown gravy. The recipe uses minimal oil for a lighter bite while keeping the classic flavor and texture.

1 hrServes 4$5
Filipino
day 7 of 20 minute recipes - Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Tofu
11

day 7 of 20 minute recipes - Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Tofu

A quick 20‑minute air‑fryer recipe for crispy, golden tofu cubes tossed in a fragrant garlic, chili and soy sauce glaze. Soaking the tofu in salt water makes it extra crunchy on the outside while staying juicy inside. Perfect as a main dish or a protein‑packed snack.

42 minServes 3$4
Chinese
How To Make The Best Air Fryer Tofu
15

How To Make The Best Air Fryer Tofu

A quick, high‑protein Asian‑fusion bowl featuring pressed tofu marinated in tamari, sriracha and sesame oil, air‑fried to crisp, then tossed in a sweet‑chili glaze. Served over fluffy rice with edamame for extra protein and fiber.

1 hr 20 minServes 4$7
Asian Fusion
🔥 Trending Recipes← All Recipes