Crispy Tofu
How to make perfectly crispy tofu in air fryer or oven in just 15 minutes. With this quick and easy foolproof method, you will have success every time. This recipe is gluten-free, with an option for oil-free.
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 114kcal
Ingredients
- 14 to 16 ounces extra firm tofu pressed and drained, cut into ½-inch cubes *
- ½ tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili crisp or chili oil sauce, or ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot starch
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil or neutral cooking oil (optional)
Instructions
- Season tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a large bowl. Add the soy sauce, and chili oil (if using). Toss the cubes until they are evenly coated. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss until the cubes are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- For air fryer tofu: Place the cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400ºF for 5 minutes. Shake the basket to move the cubes around so they cook evenly. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes more, or until the desired crispiness.
- For oven-baked tofu: Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Bake the tofu on a nonstick roasting pan with rack*, or baking sheet, in a single layer for 10 minutes. Toss the cubes so they cook evenly. Bake for about 10 minutes more, or until golden brown. For extra crispiness, change oven setting to broil. Cook for 2 minutes more, or until the desired crispiness.
Video
Notes
- Use super firm tofu (Nasoya and Wildwood) to save time. It requires no pressing. It comes pre-pressed and contains the highest amount of protein.
- If using extra firm tofu, it must be pressed for about 25 minutes beforehand for best results.
- Oil is not necessary, but a little goes a long way for getting the tofu extra crispy.
- For oil-free: Omit the chili and sesame oils. Add the ground cayenne for spice.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Arrowroot is less processed than cornstarch but can get a little slimy when added to a dish with a lot of moisture, such as a curry. Cornstarch yields the crispiest results.
- *Oven-baked: Try baking the tofu on a rack placed over a roasting pan to mimic an air fryer. This way, hot air can pass under the tofu cubes so they brown evenly and do not soften at the bottom from the steam. Purchase a nonstick roaster with a rack, or the tofu will stick.
Nutrition
Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 112mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 2mg