Easy Crispy Tofu Recipe

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many delicious ways. When cooked properly, tofu transforms from a plain, soft food into a crispy, flavorful treat.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know to make crispy tofu at home with various quick and easy methods.

What is Tofu?

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a food made from condensed soy milk. It originated in China over 2000 years ago.

Tofu is made from soybeans that are soaked, ground, cooked, and precipitated to form a solid white block. It has a mild flavor and can be used to absorb accompanying sauces and seasonings.

Tofu is rich in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. It is also a good source of iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc.

Due to its nutritional value and versatility, tofu has become popular worldwide as a meat substitute.

Benefits of Crispy Tofu

Crispy tofu has a satisfying crunchy texture on the outside while remaining soft and silky on the inside. Frying or baking tofu gives it a delicious golden exterior that provides an excellent contrast to sauces and glazes.

Crisping the tofu increases the protein absorption from the soybeans. The Maillard reaction also generates new aromatic compounds and intensifies flavor.

Overall, crispy tofu is tastier, has more texture, and is healthier than plain soft tofu.

 

Baking Crispy Tofu

Baking is a simple, hands-off way to make crispy tofu in the oven.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Drain the block of tofu and gently press out the excess water using paper towels. Cut tofu into 1/2 inch thick slices or cubes.
3. Place tofu pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
4. Brush or drizzle tofu generously with oil on all sides. Season with salt and any additional spices.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the tofu is lightly browned and crispy.
6. Remove from the oven and toss with any desired sauces or glazes. Enjoy!

Baked tofu gets a crunchy crust from the hot, dry heat of the oven. The key is oiling and spreading out the tofu so it cooks evenly. Bake in a thick single layer and flip halfway for crispy texture on all sides.

Pan-frying Crispy Tofu

Pan frying is a quick and easy stovetop method for crisping tofu.

Instructions

1. Drain and cut the tofu into cubes or slices. Lay out paper towels and gently press out the moisture.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of oil.
3. Once the oil is shimmering, add the tofu pieces in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan.
4. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until tofu is lightly browned. Flip gently with a spatula.
5. Remove the tofu from the pan and season with salt and desired sauces. Enjoy hot!

Pan-frying adds crunchy, browned edges while keeping the inside smooth and silky. Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking. Fry in batches to avoid steaming instead of crisping.

Air Frying Crisp Tofu

Air-frying creates super crispy tofu without deep-frying.

Instructions

1. Drain, pat dry, and cut tofu into 1-inch cubes.
2. Toss or spray tofu with a small amount of oil to lightly coat each piece.
3. Arrange tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overfill.
4. Air fry at 370°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until tofu is browned and crispy.
5. Season with salt and desired sauces. Enjoy!

The hot, circulated air of the air fryer quickly dehydrates the surface and crisps up the tofu. Air-frying gives all-around texture without flipping. Just be sure not to overcrowd the tofu.

Broiling Crisp Tofu

Broiling is the quickest way to give tofu a crispy crust by using direct top-down high heat.

Instructions

1. Drain, pat dry, and cut the tofu into 1/2-inch slices or cubes.
2. Place tofu in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
3. Position the oven rack 6 inches from the top and preheat the broiler to high.
4. Broil tofu for 3-5 minutes until lightly charred and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Flip and broil the other side for 1–2 minutes until browned.
6. Season with salt and desired sauces. Enjoy immediately!

The intense direct heat from the broiler gives tofu a nicely seared exterior. Keep a close eye to avoid over broiling. Broiling is a great, quick cooking method that is best for smaller batches.

 

Tips for Extra Crispy Tofu

• Press or freeze: Remove excess moisture for crisper results. Freeze the slabs overnight, then thaw and press out the water.
• Cut small: Cubes or thin slices get crisper than large slabs.
• Toss in cornstarch: Lightly coat tofu in cornstarch for extra crispiness. Tap off the excess.
• Double breadcrumbs: dip in cornstarch, then egg, then breadcrumbs twice for a crispy shell.
• Sear, then bake: Pan fry until browned, then finish cooking through in the oven.
• Pat dry: Ensure the surface is dry before cooking to help browning.
• Don’t crowd: Allow space between pieces for even crisping.
• Blot oil: Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil after cooking.

FAQ: Making Crispy Tofu

What type of tofu works best?

Firm or extra-firm tofu works best to achieve a crispy texture. Soft or silken tofu is too delicate and will fall apart when fried or baked.

Does pressing the tofu make a difference?

Yes, pressing or freezing the tofu helps extract moisture for a crisper exterior when cooked. Be gentle when pressing to avoid crumbling the block.

What is the best oil for crispy tofu?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, grapeseed, avocado, or peanut work well. Olive oil can also be used. The oil helps facilitate browning and crisping.

How long does the tofu need to cook?

15–30 minutes, depending on the amount and thickness of tofu as well as the cooking method. Test a piece to ensure the center is heated through.

Can you use breadcrumbs or cornstarch?

Yes, a light coating of cornstarch or double-dipping in breadcrumbs adds extra crispiness. Just be sure to remove any excess coating.

What sauces go well with crispy tofu?

Crispy tofu pairs great with Asian sauces like soy, hoisin, sweet and sour, or peanut sauce. It also enjoys glazes, salsa, BBQ sauce, gravy, and creamy dips.