Easy Baked or Air Fried Tofu
I have enjoyed Easy Baked and Air Fried Tofu for over a decade. I first tasted a chewy and nutty piece of baked tofu in the summer of 2011 when I was studying abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand. On the weekends, I loved checking out the local farmers market and discovered a type of tofu I had never tried before – baked tofu.
Since that summer, I have continued to enjoy baked tofu and appreciate its versatility. Baked tofu’s subtle and neutral taste that absorbs all the flavors of marinades, sauces, and seasonings has made it an ingredient I always keep on hand. In this article, I will review how to make Easy Baked or Air Fried Tofu, discuss ways to serve baked tofu, and provide some educational information about tofu.
Why I Make This Recipe
This recipe has a fantastic texture, is extremely versatile, is easy to prepare, and is excellent for batch and meal prep. I also love this recipe because it adds protein to my meals. Especially when I batch cook this recipe, I can add it seamlessly to my lunches and dinners.
Best of all, because I eat mostly plant-based, having quick and easy plant-based protein options on hand makes maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle that much easier!
Ingredients
Some crispy tofu recipes call for cornstarch. I keep things simple and the only ingredients required include tofu and oil.
My favorite tofu to use are Mori-nu, Nasoya, and House Foods.
Step by Step Instruction for Easy Baked Tofu in the Oven or Air Fryer
Preheat
- Oven: Preheat to 425°F. Place the baking rack in the middle or closer to the top half of the oven.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Prepare Tofu
- You want to remove excess water from the tofu (a very important step!). To do this, drain the tofu using a tofu press or pat the tofu dry(ish) with paper towels or kitchen linens. When you press tofu, some of the liquid is removed the tofu becomes denser, chewier, and creamier.
- Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch to 1-inch slices or cubes.
- Oven: Place the tofu in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Air Fryer: Place the tofu in a single layer in air fryer basket (this might take 2-3 rounds of air frying depending on the amount of tofu you are making).
Bake or Air Fry Tofu
- Bake: Bake the tofu for 30-60 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove the tofu from the oven when the edges are golden brown and the tofu is crispy.
- Air Fry: Cook the tofu in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve
- Once done, remove it from the oven and toss in your favorite sauce.
- Serve the tofu with a dipping sauce, or use it in a salad, sandwich, or wrap.
How to Serve Easy Baked Tofu
This recipe is wonderful in a variety of recipes. Some of these recipes include but are not limited to:
- This crispy tofu is a topping in a salad
- Mix it into a gluten-free grain bowl
- Stir it into a stir-fry and drizzled with soy sauce
- Toss it into a sauce or drizzled with olive oil and spooned over rice or pasta
- Serve it alongside a creamy dip as a snack or appetizer
Sharper Nutrition Fix: Tofu
What is Tofu?
Tofu is a plant-based food produced by condensing soy milk, coagulating it, and pressing it into solid blocks. It is rich in protein, providing all essential amino acids necessary for the body. Additionally, it has notable amounts of iron and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
How Does Tofu Taste?
Tofu has a mild, neutral yet, slightly nutty flavor. Moreover, acting as a blank canvas, tofu readily absorbs the flavors of the surrounding ingredients and marinades.
The Various Types of Tofu
Silken Tofu: This is the custard of tofu. Silken tofu has a soft and smooth texture. It is is made by coagulating soymilk without curdling it into solid blocks. It is delicate and often used in soups, smoothies, and as a vegan scrambled egg. This tofu variety has the highest water content.
Soft or Medium Tofu: Soft or Medium tofu has a lower water content when compared to silken tofu. During processing, the soy milk is coagulated into a solid block. This variety is great in soups and other dishes where a softer texture is desired.
Regular or Firm: Firm tofu has a solid tense texture. It is best used for grilling, frying, baking, and stir-frying. This tofu is an excellent choice for crispy baked tofu.
Extra Firm Tofu: The firmest variety of tofu, extra firm tofu, holds its shape the best. This variety is used for kebabs, stir-fries, and other dishes that require it to maintain its shape. This type boasts the lowest water content among the tofu varieties.
Bonus – Sprouted Tofu: Sprouted tofu is made with soybeans that have partially germinated prior to processing. The texture is similar to firm and extra firm tofu with a slightly nuttier flavor.
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Original Article Published – 5/18/23
Easy Oven Baked or Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu (14-16oz)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
Preheat
- Oven: Preheat to 425°F. Place the baking rack in the middle or closer to the top half of the oven.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Prepare Tofu
- You want to remove excess water from the tofu (a very important step!). To do this, drain the tofu using a tofu press or pat the tofu dry(ish) with paper towels or kitchen linens. See recipe notes.
- Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch to 1-inch slices or cubes. Place the tofu in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Oven: Place the tofu in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Air Fryer: Place the tofu in a single layer in air fryer basket (this might take 2-3 rounds of air frying depending on the amount of tofu you are making).
Bake or Air Fry Tofu
- Bake: Bake the tofu for 30-60 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove the tofu from the oven when the edges are golden brown and the tofu is crispy.
- Air Fry: Cook the tofu in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve
- Once done, remove from the oven and toss in your favorite sauce, serve it with a dipping sauce, or use it in a salad, sandwich, or wrap!
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