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Crispy Tofu

Learn how to make Crispy Tofu with this easy and delicious recipe that you can make in your air fryer, oven or on a skillet. Just a few ingredients and you'll have the crispiest tofu on your table in less than 30 minutes. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and low carb. 

Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword crispy tofu recipe, how to cook tofu, how to make tofu, tofu marinade, tofu recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinade Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 91 kcal
Author Kelly

Ingredients

  • 14-16 oz organic extra-firm tofu
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup arrowroot starch

For the optional sauce

  • 1/2 cup coconut aminos , you can also use gluten free tamari or low sodium soy sauce if not allergic to soy
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar OR 3 Tbs rice wine vinegar OR 3 Tbs rice wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons coconut nectar syrup  , or sub with preferred liquid sweetener of your choice. Maple syrup, date syrup, honey (if not vegan) or a sugar-free sugar substitute to make a low carb or keto
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated or minced ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves , minced
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot starch , or tapioca starch (may sub with cornstarch as well) - use 1/4 - 1/2 tsp xanthan gum for keto.
  • Fine sea salt , to taste
  • 2 tablespoons water , as needed to thin out sauce , as needed to thin out sauceFine sea salt , to tasteFor garnish and servingThinly sliced green onion, freshly chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds

For garnish and serving

  • Thinly sliced green onion,and toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  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. 

    A block of tofu on a wooden cutting board with a heavy plate on top of it as well as a glass can to add extra pressure

  2. Cut the tofu into 1-inch chunks. Place tofu a bowl with the arrowroot starch, salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Toss well until all sides of the tofu is coated.

Air Fryer Method

  1. Add the tofu into the air fryer basket in a single layer, (you will have to cook batches). Lightly coat with avocado oil spray. Air Fry at 375F for 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket or flipping each piece halfway through.

    Uncooked cubes of extra-firm tofu inside of an air fryer basket

Oven Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping each piece halfway through.

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

    Twelve uncooked tofu cubes lined up on a metal baking sheet

Stove Top Method

  1. Heat 3 Tbsp avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is nice and hot, add tofu, in a single layer (you may have to cook in batches) and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until, golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Make the sauce

  1. In a large pot or wok, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-heat, allowing to bubble for 1 minute. Once boiling, bring the heat down to medium and cook until the sauce is thick and glossy, about 2-3 minutes. Add more water, as needed to thin out sauce to desired consistency.

    Stir fry sauce in a pot

  2. Coat tofu with sauce: Once tofu and sauce are done, add tofu to the pot and heat on medium. Use tongs or chopsticks to toss gently, until every piece is coated and heated through.

    Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds and serve.

Nutrition Facts
Crispy 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.