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Crispy cooked tofu cubes piled onto a white plate with a pair of chopsticks grabbing one of the cubes

How to Cook Tofu

Crispy Tofu tastes amazing on top of rice, mixed into a stir-fry, tossed with a salad or however else you'd like to serve it! With this simple guide, you'll learn how to cook up perfectly crispy, flavor-packed tofu in the oven, on the stove or in the Air Fryer.

Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword crispy baked tofu, pan fried tofu, tofu in air fryer
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinade Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 91 kcal
Author Kelly

Ingredients

  • 14-16 oz extra-firm tofu we buy ours from Whole Foods
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp Trader Joe's mushroom umami seasoning
  • 2 tsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil

Instructions

Prep the Tofu

  1. Use a tofu press to remove excess moisture or place the block of tofu between two paper towel lined heavy plates or blocks for 10 minutes. 

  2. Cut into small cubes and season with salt, seasoning + coconut aminos. Toss to coat and allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.  

Oven Method

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Transfer tofu to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a casserole dish in a single layer.

  2. Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until desired crispiness.

  3. Optional: Set the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes for charred tops.  

Stovetop Method

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat.

  2. Place the tofu in a single layer on the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until desired crispiness. You may have to work in batches.

Air Fryer Method

  1. Spray air fryer basket with oil, then place the tofu in the basket in a single layer. You may have to work in batches.

  2. Air fry at 375°F for 13-15 minutes or until golden and desired crispiness, tossing halfway through. 

Recipe Notes

  • To Store: Tofu is best served fresh, but leftovers will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once tofu has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it.
  • To Reheat: When ready to reheat your tofu, heat it in a 375°F oven until very hot.
  • To Freeze: Freezing and thawing tofu could cause it to develop a slightly spongy texture. If you don't mind that possibility, you can freeze cooled tofu in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Facts
How to Cook Tofu
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 91 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 7g14%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.