This easy and super crispy tofu recipe can be air-fried or oven-baked. Made with just 6 simple ingredients, this foolproof recipe is ready in under 15 minutes. It's a healthy, high-protein option perfect for dinner, lunch, meal prep, or as a nutritious addition to salads.
The easiest crispy tofu recipe
Ok, hear me out here, guys… As a kid, I never ate tofu. I am not sure why, to be honest, because, OH MY GOODNESS, it is just so delicious! I could eat this tofu recipe every single day if you asked me to.
Tofu is my new go-to lunch and dinner protein! It is not only vegan and vegetarian, but when cooked properly, it is super crispy and insanely addictive. I never say no whenever my friends and family ask me to make this! One of the best things about this easy tofu recipe is that you can air fry the tofu or even oven-bake it. Both cooking methods will yield super crispy tofu with a soft and delicious inside.
My family and I are totally obsessed, to say the least, and I cannot wait to hear what you all think! This tofu is crisp, seasoned, tender on the inside, and, best of all, SO easy to make. Even picky eaters will enjoy it, trust me.
Also, I am updating the picture for this recipe and republishing it, but don't worry, the recipe is the EXACT same. The same recipe you love and the same recipe that is ranked on Google. BEST CRISPY TOFU EVER!!
Is tofu healthy?
Tofu is a fantastic source of vegan and vegetarian protein! It has nearly 10 grams of protein per serving. Plus, tofu contains all 9 essential amino acids and is packed with iron, calcium, manganese, and phosphorus. So yes, tofu is healthy and a great food to incorporate into your diet. I enjoy it one or two times a week!
Ingredients in super crispy tofu
This super quick and easy healthy tofu recipe calls for 6 simple, good-for-you ingredients. Crispy tofu makes for the best dinner and lunch. You can add it to curries, stir-fries, and salads for a protein boost; but it's even delicious on its own, thanks to the flavorful seasoning! Here is a list of all the ingredients you will need:
- Extra-firm tofu: Use extra-firm tofu to ensure the cubes get super crispy and don't fall apart. Be sure to squeeze and press out the excess water before cubing it!
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Just 1 tablespoon of olive oil helps to crisp up the tofu cubes.
- Cornstarch or arrowroot starch: For an extra crunchy exterior, measure out 1 tablespoon of arrowroot starch, cornstarch, or tapioca starch.
- Seasonings: Use garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper for the best flavor.
Kitchen tools needed:
Here is a quick list of all the kitchen utensils you'll need to make this foolproof super crispy tofu recipe:
- Knife + Cutting board
- Tofu press or heavy pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet, air fryer, or frying pan
- Parchment paper (if baking)
How to cook tofu: air fried or oven baked
This easy super crispy tofu recipe can be made in two ways: in the air fryer or in the oven! Here are step-by-step instructions on how to air-fry tofu and how to oven-bake tofu to crispy perfection.
Start by removing the tofu from its package and wrapping the block in layered paper towels or a clean, absorbent dish towel. Place the wrapped tofu on a flat surface and press it for at least 30 minutes. Here's my trick: I place the tofu on a plate with 4 layers of folded paper towels on each side and then put a wooden cutting board on top to press it down. If you have a tofu press, even better!
While your tofu is pressing, preheat your oven to 425°F or your air fryer to 400°F.
Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes (about ¾ inches each). A block should yield about 40 cubes.
Next, add the cubes to a large bowl and gently toss them in olive oil. Then, add the arrowroot starch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Gently toss everything together to coat the tofu evenly.
How to oven-baked crispy tofu:
Baking tofu is a breeze and takes about 30 minutes in total. Here's how: To cook tofu in the oven, evenly space out tofu cubes on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Do not allow them to overlap or touch. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, flip each tofu bite over with tongs, and place back into the oven for another 15 minutes.
How to air fry crispy tofu:
Air frying tofu is quick and easy, taking about 15 minutes total. Here's what you do: To air-fry tofu, evenly space out cubes in the preheated air fryer, trying not to let them overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do two batches. Air fry at 400°F for 15 - 18 minutes or until golden brown.
Quick Video Tutorial (Step-by-Step)
Tips for the best crispy tofu:
- Use EXTRA-FIRM tofu. Make sure to use extra-firm tofu so that when you cut it into cubes and air fry or bake, it does not fall apart or become mushy. Stay away from silken tofu!
- Press & squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Do not skip the pressing step! If you don't remove almost all of the liquid, the tofu will not get crispy. Make sure to press and squeeze the tofu before cutting it into cubes.
- Don't skip out on the olive oil. This recipe calls for just 1 tablespoon of olive oil, but it's crucial for ensuring the tofu gets crispy and evenly coated with spices.
- Evenly space tofu cubes out in the air fryer or baking sheet. Make sure your tofu cubes are evenly spaced on the baking sheet or in the air fryer. Do not let them overlap; otherwise, they will not get crispy.
What to serve with tofu
Crispy tofu is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Bowls: We love this easy burrito bowl
- Grain Bowls: try this sweet potato buddha bowl
- Salads: our favorite is this kale crunch salad
- Stir Fries
- Curries: You can add crispy tofu to this butternut squash chickpea curry for extra protein
- Wraps and Sandwiches
- Noodle Dishes
- Tacos: we love these cauliflower tacos
- Dipping Sauce
How to store and reheat tofu
Storage: Tofu is best fresh, but if you have leftovers, simply store extra crispy tofu in one large airtight container or individual airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat crispy tofu in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3 - 5 minutes. You can also reheat tofu on the stovetop in a pan for 2 - 4 minutes until warm and crisp again.
If you love this recipe, try these recipes next!
- No-Bean Veggie Burger
- Sweet Potato Buddha Bowls
- Sweet Potato Falafel Recipe
- Cucumber Carrot Salad
- Crispy Vegan Tofu Schnitzel
- Shakshuka Recipe
- Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Super Crispy Tofu (Air Fried or Oven Baked)
Ingredients
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, 14 to 16 ounce block
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot starch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Press Tofu: Drain the tofu from its package and wrap the block in paper towels or a clean, absorbent dish towel. Place it on a flat surface and press it down firmly for at least 30 minutes. You can do this by placing the wrapped tofu on a plate with folded paper towels on each side and adding a weight on top, such as a cutting board. Alternatively, use a tofu press if available.
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) or your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes, aiming for approximately ¾ inch each. You should get about 40 cubes from one block.
- Season Tofu: In a large bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with olive oil until they are evenly coated. Add the cornstarch or arrowroot starch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the tofu cubes. Gently toss until the tofu is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- For Air Fryer Cooking (15 minutes): Preheat your air fryer and evenly space out the tofu cubes in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tofu reaches your desired level of crispiness and turns golden brown.
- For Oven Cooking (30 minutes): Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly space out the seasoned tofu cubes. Make sure they are distinct. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip each tofu cube over using tongs and return the baking sheet to the oven for another 15 minutes or until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, serve the crispy tofu in a salad or bowl or with your favorite roasted vegetables, rice, or carb. Enjoy!
Jennifer says
Delicious! Like you, I never ate tofu, but I can no longer eat starchy foods so went looking for side dish alternatives and this works really well. I omitted the starches and tossed the cubed tofu in finely grated parmesan instead. Next time I'll try crushed pork rinds. Thanks for the great and easy recipe!
Tati Chermayeff says
Jennifer, this makes me so happy! So glad the tofu worked as a low-starch side for you 🤎 The parmesan coating sounds incredible. Love your swaps. Thanks for trying the recipe!
Rebecca says
Freeze extra or super firm tofu first. When it thaws it is more porous & crispier.
Susan says
My first time making crispy tofu and my goodness I am hooked! So easy! Where have I been?!!
Stephanie says
Best recipe for crispy tofu! It really does work!! Just haven’t tried reheating yet… 🙂
Pat I says
Too much paprika, i will use1/2 tsp next time!
MJK says
I prepared the crispy tofu for a dish in which I combined it with a spicy cashew/peanut sauce, steamed spinach, and whole wheat noodles. I just omitted the paprika from the tofu recipe. The crispy tofu is tasty and highly versatile.
Vera says
What is the sauce in your photo? I'm curious what would make a good dip for this?
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi! I used a simple homemade ranch recipe. I will be posting the recipe too. But you can use this caesar one (https://healthfulblondie.com/healthy-caesar-dressing-without-anchovies/) or this dill one (https://healthfulblondie.com/tzatziki/) too!
PT says
Excellent recipe!
I had a question: once the 14oz of extra-firm tofu is cooked, it seems like there is only enough for three 2.2oz servings, rather than four. I understand that some of the weight of the tofu is initially from the water that gets squeezed out, but I was wondering how your servings compare in weight, and what i might do differently. Thanks!
Jennie K says
So crispy it’s crazy! Love it and make it weekly now!!
Tati Chermayeff says
Made my day hearing this, Jeannie!
June says
Love this recipe!! I’m new to tofu and don’t think I need to try it any other way.
Sarah Smith says
Another delicious and easy air fryer recipe! Perfect amount of crisp to these babies !
Brynn Murray says
I struggle with getting my tofu to crisp up, but this recipe gives it the perfect crunch every time!
Grace says
So easy, flavorful, and crispy!! Tofu is usually such a pain, but this recipe is AMAZING!
Kate says
One of the BESTTTTTT tofu recipes I have tried!