This 5 ingredient crispy tofu with cornstarch is deliciously crunchy, flavorful, and easy to make. If you aren’t a fan of tofu, this recipe will change your mind! It pairs with just about any meal and is the perfect plant-based protein boost. More often than not I end up just snacking on it alone – it’s that good!
Crispy, crunchy, and tender on the inside this tofu is a vegan version of chicken nuggets! It’s packed with flavor, while still being mild enough to pair with a sauce. This recipe is perfect for diving into the world of tofu, however it’s also an easy staple if you’ve been vegan for years. And, if you know someone who doesn’t like tofu, prepare it this way and it just may have them loving tofu.
Whether you’re looking to make baked tofu or air fried tofu with cornstarch, this recipe provides an option for both. While equally tasty, the tofu does get especially crispy in the air fryer.
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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Simple to Make – Making tofu taste delicious is incredibly easy! With only a few steps and ingredients, this recipe is an easy one! If you’ve never cooked with tofu before this is a great introductory recipe.
Minimal Ingredients – While tofu is pretty flavorless by itself, all you need is a couple of ingredients to completely transform it into a delicious, satisfying protein! Plus, the ingredients you need are all pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Easy to Pair – This crispy tofu with cornstarch goes with just about any meal! Pair it with a salad, pasta, veggie bowl, or any other lunch or dinner for a tasty protein boost.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (AND SUBSTITUTIONS)
To make this crispy tofu recipe you will need the following ingredients:
Extra Firm Tofu – To make this tofu, it’s key to use extra-firm tofu. It’s crucial that the tofu is firm in texture so it doesn’t fall apart when making. You can find extra-firm tofu at any grocery store!
Cornstarch – By dusting the tofu in cornstarch, we create a crispy outer layer that provides an incredibly satisfying crunch. In a pinch you can also use flour in place of cornstarch. However I recommend cornstarch for the best flavor and texture.
Olive Oil – After coating the tofu in cornstarch, a bit of oil is added. You can use olive oil or any other neutral oil you have on hand.
Sea Salt & Pepper – A pinch of salt and pepper makes the tofu pop. Feel free to get creative and add any of your favorite seasonings, such as oregano, nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic powder, etc.!
HOW TO MAKE PERFECTLY CRISPY TOFU
Preparing this tofu incredibly easy, making it the perfect protein boost to add to any meal! For full ingredients and instructions make sure to read the recipe card below.
OVEN METHOD
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425F. Additionally, take out a sheet pan and parchment paper. You can find my favorite reusable mat here.
Step 2: Press the excess water out of the tofu.
You can do this by using a tofu press (this is the one I use!) or by simply placing the tofu on a plate with a paper towel on top, and a heavy item layered on top of the paper towel. Press for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Chop the tofu into rectangular pieces about 1 inch in length and around 1/2 inch thick.
Step 4: In a medium sized bowl, mix together the cornstarch and tofu until evenly coated.
Step 5: Next, add in the olive oil, salt and pepper, and combine.
Step 6: Place the tofu on a prepared baking sheet, flipping mid-way through.
Step 7: Once golden brown, remove from the oven and let cool.
AIR FRYER METHOD
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375F.
Steps 2 – 5: Follow the same steps from above.
Step 6: Add the tofu into the air fryer basket. Set the timer for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Give the air fryer a shake at 7 minutes, and every 5 minutes after.
Step 8: Remove from the air fryer once golden brown and crispy.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH TOFU
There’s so many options as to what you can serve with tofu! Below I’ve included some of my favorite ways to enjoy this crispy tofu, whether baked or air fried!
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Tofu:
- Add tofu in salads for a protein boost.
- Pair Mac & Cheese or any other pasta with tofu.
- Make a nourish bowl with tofu (see two of my favorite nourish bowls below).
- Add the tofu to a vegetable stir fry.
- Dress up the tofu with sauce and pair with rice.
The options are endless! Tofu pairs with just about every meal depending on how you season it. This recipe is seasoned mildly, so it will fit into just about any lunch or dinner you have in mind.
STORAGE & REHEATING
To store the tofu, let it come to room temperature. Then, place in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To reheat the tofu, you can either heat on the stove, in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. For best results I recommend heating in the air fryer so it gets crispy again!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Adding cornstarch to tofu creates that crispy crust that makes tofu especially delicious. It creates a crispy exterior with a tender interior. While you can use flour in place of cornstarch, cornstarch crisps up the best so I highly recommend not replacing it!
Because tofu is naturally damp, the cornstarch should stick right on. If you’re having trouble with getting the cornstarch to stick you can add a bit of oil, then add the cornstarch. Follow with a bit more oil to make sure it gets crispy.
The key to a crispy crust on tofu is cornstarch and oil. For the crispiest tofu, I also recommend using an air fryer. I love and swear by my Ninja air fryer. It’s amazing!
RECIPE TOOLS & INGREDIENTS
OTHER DELICIOUS TOFU RECIPES
If you decide to try this recipe out, let me know! I love seeing your recreations tagged on Instagram @nourishedwithnatalie.
Crispy Tofu with Cornstarch
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
Preparing the Tofu
- Press the excess water out of the tofu by using a tofu press, or lining the tofu with a paper towel and heavy object (such as a canned good). Press for 15-20 minutes, or until most of the liquid has drained out.
- Chop the tofu into rectangular pieces about 1 inch in length and around 1/2 inch thick.
- In a medium sized bowl, mix together the cornstarch and tofu with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Next, add in the olive oil, salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Cook either using the air fryer or oven method below.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375F.
- Add the tofu into the air fryer basket. Set the timer for 20 minutes.
- Give the air fryer a shake at 7 minutes, and every 5 minutes after.
- Remove from the air fryer once golden brown and crispy.
Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 425F. Additionally, take out a sheet pan and parchment paper.
- Place the tofu on a prepared baking sheet, bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping mid-way through with a pair of tongs.
- Once golden brown, remove from the oven and let cool.
This turned out perfect!
Happy you loved it!
It doesn’t say how long to cook using the oven method. Trial and error? USELESS INSTRUCTIONS!!!
Sorry Mike, I just updated it 🙂
Great recipe!
Woo! Glad you enjoyed 🙂
Easy and perfectly crispy, even my meat-eating friends liked it. A big hit!
Yay! So happy to hear that even they enjoyed it 🙂