Super Crispy Tofu (Air Fried or Oven Baked) Recipe
This recipe for Super Crispy Tofu offers a deliciously crunchy and flavorful plant-based protein option, perfect for adding texture to salads, bowls, or as a savory snack. You can prepare this tofu either by air frying or oven baking, both methods yielding golden, crispy cubes infused with a blend of garlic, paprika, and onion powders. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, it's an easy, versatile addition to your meals.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (air fryer) or 30 minutes (oven)
- Total Time: 50 minutes (air fryer) or 65 minutes (oven)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Tofu and Oil
- 1 block extra-firm tofu (14 to 16 ounce block)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Seasonings and Coating
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot starch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp 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 down firmly for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. You can place it on a plate with additional paper towels on each side and add a weight on top, such as a cutting board, or use a tofu press if available.
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) if baking or your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if using that method to ensure proper crisping.
- Cut Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes about 3/4 inch each. You should get approximately 40 cubes from one block.
- Season Tofu: In a large bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with olive oil until evenly coated. Add the cornstarch or arrowroot starch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently until all cubes are evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
- Air Fryer Cooking (15-18 minutes): Arrange the tofu cubes in a single, spaced-out layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap. Depending on your air fryer size, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Oven Cooking (30 minutes): Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the seasoned tofu cubes out evenly without crowding. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each cube using tongs and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and crunchy.
- Serve: Once cooked, enjoy the crispy tofu as a topping for salads and bowls or paired with roasted vegetables, rice, or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is essential to remove excess water and achieve maximum crispiness.
- You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot starch for a gluten-free option.
- If air frying, avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- For extra flavor, marinate tofu before coating with spices, but keep in mind this may affect crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning salt and pepper to taste.