Crispy Baked Tofu
Tofu is a weekly grocery staple of mine for so many reasons. It’s affordable, versatile, and offers high-quality protein and essential nutrients. If you already love tofu, you’re going to love this easy recipe for crispy baked tofu.
If you’re new to trying tofu, this recipe is a great way to introduce it. The tofu gets lightly seasoned and tossed with a little tapioca flour, then baked until crispy. I love serving it in a wrap or rice bowl for a quick & nourishing plant-forward lunch during the week.
Extra firm tofu is my go-to for cubing and air-frying. Its subtle flavor truly allows you to flavor it any way you like, so feel free to play around with the spice combination with this recipe.
Other tofu you might like:
- Mocha Tofu Pudding
- Eggplant and Zucchini Rollatini with Tofu Ricotta
- Shawarma Spiced Tofu Wraps
- Crispy Orange Tofu
Ingredients you’ll need for crispy tofu bites
As mentioned, this recipe can be modified to your liking by using any spice combination you like, even a pre-made spice mix. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Extra firm tofu, drained and patted dry- extra firm tofu or high-protein tofu is best for baking or air-frying. It has the least water content compared to other tofu varieties, making it great for crisping in the oven or air-fryer
- Olive oil
- Coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce- this offers a little depth of flavor to the tofu
- Nutritional yeast or salt-free bouillon seasoning– I love adding nutritional yeast to baked tofu for a plant-based “cheesy flavor,” but have also made this recipe using a garlic bouillon spice mix
- Tapioca flour– tapioca flour helps crisp the tofu when baking. You can use cornstarch, arrowroot or regular flour
- Spices: salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika
- Cube the tofu into 1″ pieces
- Toss together with the olive oil, tapioca flour and spice mix
- Bake on 375 F for 35-45 minutes, or air-fry on 375 F for 25-28 minutes
How to serve your crispy tofu
These tofu bites can be incorporated into so many meals. Here are a few ways I love serving them-
- In a wrap with a simple greens salad and feta avocado salad
- Over a rice bowl with stir-fried vegetables and a homemade sriracha mayo
- In summer rolls for a light & fresh lunch filled with plant-based protein and veggies
Whether you’re looking for new ways to incorporate more plant-based protein, or just want a simple and delicious dinner for the week, you’re going to love this recipe. I can’t wait for you guys to try it!
Other tofu recipes you’ll love:
Sheet-pan Tofu and Veggies
Mocha Tofu Pudding
Shawarma Spiced Tofu Wraps
Crispy Baked Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- Olive oil, about 2 tbsp
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos, or sub 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp salt-free bouillon seasoning, or sub 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp tapioca flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F. Skip this step if you’re using your air-fryer
- Drain the tofu and pat it dry. Cube it into 1″ squares and add it to a bowl
- Toss the tofu with the coconut aminos, seasonings and tapioca flour making sure everything is fully coated
- Transfer the tofu to a parchment lined sheet-pan or an air fryer rack
- Air-fry for 25-28 minutes until crisp, or bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway
- Serve over a rice bowl, in a wrap or in a salad. Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 5 days.
LOVE this recipe. I make tons of tofu and this is a new staple. Super easy, flavorful and versatile. The smoked paprika really makes it.