Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked)

Name: Panko Tofu
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce (preferably low sodium)); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 clove garlic (minced, or ½ teaspoon garlic powder); 14 to 16 ounces extra-firm tofu (or superfirm tofu, pressed and drained); 1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot); 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); 1/4 cup aquafaba ((liquid from canned chickpeas)); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes); 1/4 cup tamari (or soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)); 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon sriracha ((optional)); 2 teaspoons grated ginger; 1 large clove garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon sesame oil

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This Panko Tofu recipe is quick and easy to make. Air fry or bake for a healthy appetizer or main dish. Gluten-free and oil-free options, crispy and healthy, with a lightly sweetened tangy sauce. This egg-free vegan recipe uses crushed cornflakes or panko for the crust.

Crispy panko tofu squares on a white plate with a brown sauce and gold spoon.

Everyone will enjoy these crispy panko tofu bites! Plus, you can make this recipe without oil or gluten without compromising on flavor or texture. It's a great recipe to keep in your back pocket as it's so easy to make and always turns out delicious. Pair panko tofu with my easy dipping sauce for serving.

This panko tofu recipe was inspired by my Sesame Tofu recipe, as well as this Tofu Korean Kimchi Fried Rice recipe.

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👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
🧄 Substitutions
📖 How to Make Panko Tofu
💡 Expert Tips
🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
🍽 Related Recipes
👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Cornstarch, sesame oil, rice vinegar, tamari, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, aquafaba, and tofu.

Extra firm or super firm tofu
Cornstarch
Sesame oil (optional)
Rice vinegar
Tamari or soy sauce
Aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
Garlic powder
Panko or crushed cornflakes

See the recipe card for quantities.

🧄 Substitutions

Garlic powder - use one minced clove of fresh garlic instead
Ginger - add one tablespoon of grated ginger to the marinade for more flavor
Soy sauce - use gluten-free tamari instead for no gluten
Panko - substitute with gluten-free panko, or crushed cornflakes for gluten-free
Cornstarch - use arrowroot instead as desired
Tofu - use superfirm tofu which is pre-pressed to save time (Nasoya or Wildwood brands)

Try my Best Tofu Chili recipe with 35 grams of protein the next time you crave something comforting. For more tofu recipes, visit my Tofu Recipes page on this site.

📖 How to Make Panko Tofu

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Eight cut squares of tofu marinating in a soy marinade in a pyrex dish.

Step 1. Marinate: Transfer the tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder to a shallow dish. Mix well. Place the sliced tofu into the dish in a single layer. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, flipping them over after 15 minutes.

Breading station with breadcrumbs and cornstarch on white plates and aquafaba in a white pouring bowl.

Step 2. Set up the tofu coating station with panko or cornflakes, cornstarch, and aquafaba.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Tofu dipped in cornstarch on a white plate next to panko and aquafaba.

Step 3. Coat the tofu: Take one piece of the marinated tofu and shake off any excess marinade. Lightly coat it in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

Tofu dipped in aquafaba in a white bowl next to cornstarch and panko.

Step 4. Then dip the piece into the aquafaba, letting any excess drip off.

Tofu dipped in panko on a white plate next to cornstarch and aquafaba.

Step 5. Dip the tofu into the panko. Press gently to coat evenly. Transfer the coated tofu to a large nonstick baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining pieces.

Golden baked crispy tofu squares on a white baking tray.

Step 6. Optional: lightly spray the pieces with cooking oil.

Bake for about 10 minutes, before flipping the pieces over. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until golden brown.

💡 Expert Tips

Oil is optional but a little goes a long way in getting the panko tofu crispy and golden brown. I recommend spraying the coated tofu lightly with oil.
For cooking: Either bake, air fry, or pan fry panko tofu. Spread the tofu in a single layer with enough space between the pieces for hot air to pass through. This way, the tofu will brown evenly.
Serve the easy dipping sauce at room temperature. Make it right before serving or ahead of time. It is quick and easy to make. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Storage: Refrigerate the remaining Panko Tofu in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375ºF for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, flipping the tofu over halfway. Or reheat in the microwave.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Can I pan-fry panko tofu?

To pan-fry, add oil to a medium skillet. (The oil should reach about halfway up the sides of the tofu.) Heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully transfer the tofu to the pan. Place the pieces about 2 inches apart. (Work in batches as needed). Cook the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.

Why is my tofu not crispy?

Tips for extra-crispy panko tofu: 1. Make sure to press the tofu long enough before marinating, or use superfirm tofu and skip this step. 2. Bake or pan-fry the tofu cubes briefly before coating them with panko. This will create a firmer texture and help the panko adhere better. 3. Use coarser panko. If the panko breadcrumbs are too fine, they may not provide the desired crunch. 4. After coating the tofu, let it rest for a few minutes before baking to allow the panko to adhere well. 5. Use oil to coat the tofu pieces and the panko crumbs. You can also try brushing a bit of oil on the panko-coated tofu before baking.

Which brand of air fryer is best?

This Ninja air fryer has performed well for over one year now. It is the air fryer I used for this panko tofu recipe. I also use it as my oven for small-batch cooking. (I receive a small commission from Amazon if you purchase using this link.)