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Super Crispy Tofu (Air Fried or Oven Baked)

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.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 97 kcal
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American , International

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) or your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Once cooked, serve the crispy tofu in a salad or bowl or with your favorite roasted vegetables, rice, or carb. Enjoy!

Notes

  • TO STORE: Tofu is best fresh, but if you have leftovers, simply store extra crispy tofu in one large airtight container or individual in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • TO REHEAT: For the best results, reheat crispy tofu in the air frier at 350 degrees F for 3 - 5 minutes. You can also reheat tofu on the stove top in a pan for 2 - 4 minutes until warm and crisp again.

Nutrition Information

Calories 97kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 8g (16%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 3g Sodium 354mg (15%) Potassium 170mg (5%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 40IU (1%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 34mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 97

% Daily Value*

Calories 97kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 8g 16%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Sodium 354mg 15%
Potassium 170mg 4%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 40IU 1%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 34mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.