Kitchen notes · a little help before you start

Crispy Tofu (Pan-Fried, Baked & Air Fryer!)

Name: Crispy Tofu (Pan-Fried, Baked & Air Fryer!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 each block (14–16 oz) extra-firm or firm tofu (cut into small cubes) (Source: 1 block (14–16 oz) extra-firm or firm tofu (cut into small cubes)); 1 tablespoon soy sauce (Source: 1 tablespoon soy sauce); 1 tablespoon light oil ((such as canola or vegetable)) (Source: 1 tablespoon light oil ((such as canola or vegetable))); ½ teaspoon garlic powder (Source: ½ teaspoon garlic powder); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (Source: ¼ teaspoon black pepper); 2 tablespoons cornstarch (Source: 2 tablespoons cornstarch)

Crispy Tofu (Pan-Fried, Baked & Air Fryer!) is made with block extra-firm or firm tofu, soy sauce, and light oil.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 25 min
Original yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 6 listed

Make it part of your week

Estimating…

Main courseAmericanChineseTofu & tempehAsianPrep: 15 minutes or lessTotal: 30 minutes or less

Recipe categories & planning details

Meal type: Main course
Primary protein: Tofu & tempeh
Cuisine: American · Chinese · Asian
Preparation & total time: Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 30 minutes or less

A few quick notes

1. Keep the specified layer

Arrange the food as directed and check that the pan or basket has enough space.

2. Remember the turn or stir

Turn or stir the food at the point specified in the method.

3. Preheat as directed

Have the oven at the specified temperature for its cooking step.

Get to know the ingredients

block (14–16 oz) extra-firm or firm tofu (cut into small cubes)

In the method: Prep the tofu: If your tofu is very wet, gently press it with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.

soy sauce

In the method: Season and coat: Add the tofu to a bowl and toss with the soy sauce, oil, garlic powder, and black pepper.

light oil (such as canola or vegetable)

In the method: Lightly grease the basket if needed.

Let’s make it

Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.

Servings

Original recipe: Serves 4. Original quantities shown.

Estimating…

Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.

1 each block (14–16 oz) extra-firm or firm tofu (cut into small cubes)
Ingredient note
Source: 1 block (14–16 oz) extra-firm or firm tofu (cut into small cubes)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Ingredient note
Source: 1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon light oil (such as canola or vegetable)
Ingredient note
Source: 1 tablespoon light oil (such as canola or vegetable)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient note
Source: ½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient note
Source: ¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Ingredient note
Source: 2 tablespoons cornstarch

How to make it

0 of 3 steps complete

Prep the tofu: If your tofu is very wet, gently press it with a clean towel to remove excess moisture. Cut into bite-sized cubes.
Season and coat: Add the tofu to a bowl and toss with the soy sauce, oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss until evenly coated.
Choose your cooking method:Pan-Fried: Heat 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Cook for 8–12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides.Baked: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the basket if needed. Add tofu in a single layer. Air fry for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Make room for Crispy Tofu (Pan-Fried, Baked & Air Fryer!)

Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.

The last little job

Finish as directed

Air fry for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

A little more help as you go

Prepare the first additions

Set out the ingredients needed for the first cooking step.

Check the air-fryer setup

Follow the air-fryer arrangement, settings and cooking checks in the recipe.

Match the cuts in the method

Use the chopping, slicing or cutting preparation specified.

A few questions you might have

What should I prepare first?

Set out the oven, baking sheet, and air fryer. Start with this step: Prep the tofu: If your tofu is very wet, gently press it with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.

Which preparation step should I plan for?

Arrange the food as directed and check that the pan or basket has enough space.

What check should I look for as it cooks?

Cook for 8–12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides.Baked: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Is there another preparation step to plan for?

Set out the ingredients needed for the first cooking step.

Additional recipe notes

Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or air fryer to re-crisp. Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Oil-free option: Omit the oil and bake or air fry. The tofu will still get lightly crispy. Cornstarch substitute: Potato starch works as a great 1:1 substitute and can make the tofu even crispier. Arrowroot starch can also be used, but the coating may be slightly lighter and soften more quickly.

Storage & reheating safety

For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.

These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures

Recipe source: itdoesnttastelikechicken.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.

Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.

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