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Creamy light green cilantro cashew dressing is sitting in a large bowl with crispy tofu.

Easy Oven Baked or Air Fryer Tofu

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
Both Oven Baked and Air Fryer Tofu's create crispy, delicate, and dense tofu. This Easy Oven Baked or Air Fryer Tofu is excellent served tossed in your favorite sauce, served with a dipping sauce, or use in a salad, sandwich, or wrap!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, dinner, lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine human
Servings 2
Calories 233 kcal

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!

Notes

Pressing Tofu: Pressing tofu removes moisture, allowing for the tofu to hold its shape for stir-fries, grilling, and baking. Check out this article from The Spruce Eats for more details on Pressing Tofu to Remove Moisture. 

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 125mgPotassium: 305mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 2gCalcium: 61mgIron: 2mg
Keyword easy, healthy, vegan, vegetarian
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