Perfect Fried Tofu (2024)

You won’t believe how easy it is to make Perfect Fried Tofu! Tossed in a simple marinade, these golden nuggets are pan-fried and ready to eat in just 15 minutes (after pressing your tofu). I’ll teach you all the tricks you need to know to avoid tofu sticking to the pan!

If you are looking for more ways to enjoy tofu, make sure to check out my popular Marinated Tofu recipe.

When you think of tofu, does a sorry image of a sad, white, gooey brick come to mind? Let this Perfect Fried Tofu recipe change that! Using simple ingredients and a skillet or air fryer, that boring brick of tofu quickly transforms into perfectly crispy and crunchy tofu nuggets.

Tofu is a staple in my house and for good reason! It’s a protein-packed delight you can slather in barbecue sauce, marinate in savory flavors, and even stuff into tacos. It’s amazing what you can do to tofu. And don’t forget tofu scramble for breakfast!

Crispy tofu is easy to make in a skillet, you just need to learn a few tricks. To ensure every bite is loaded with flavor and plenty of crunch, the tofu cubes are seasoned with a little soy sauce and garlic powder. And you can’t forget about the secret ingredient! Tossing the tofu in cornstarch gives it the most mouth-watering crispy, golden brown exterior.

Enjoy batch after batch of your fried tofu in teriyaki noodles, salads, stir fries, or on their own with dipping sauce!

Pan fry or air fry tofu?

Though I wrote this recipe specifically for pan frying, I’ve included both pan-fried and air fryer instructions here so you don’t have to choose! Both methods are easy and always produce delicious crispy fried tofu.

Ingredients needed (with substitutions)

• Extra firm tofu – Extra-firm tofu is best, but regular firm will work. Unlike medium or soft tofu, extra-firm is made and packed with very little liquid (which is all pressed out before frying). The wetter your tofu is, the more it will fall apart.
• Soy sauce – Or tamari for gluten free.
• Cornstarch – This is the secret to the most perfect fried tofu. Cornstarch forms a protective layer around each cube of tofu, which crisps up when added to heat. If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder and tapioca starch also work.
• Garlic powder – This is optional but adds a delightful savory, garlicky flavor.
• Olive oil – Needed to pan fry the tofu. You can leave it out if you want to air fry instead.

How to make fried tofu

1. Always press the tofu first. Wrap the tofu brick in paper towels and place a plate or skillet on top. Add a few heavy books on the plate/skillet and let it press for 30 minutes to 1 hour. A tofu press will always make this process easier! The only way to avoid pressing is to buy super firm tofu that comes in a vacuum package.
2. Cut the pressed brick into 1-inch cubes.
3. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle the soy sauce on top and gently stir to coat. Next, add the cornstarch and garlic powder.
4. Gently stir to coat once more and get ready to fry!

To pan fry the tofu: Pour the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the tofu in a single layer (working in batches if needed) and let it brown on all sides. You’ll know it’s ready when each cube is nice and golden brown.

To air fry the tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they aren’t touching (work in batches if needed). Cook it at 400ºF for 10-15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally after 10 minutes.

Check out my Air Fryer Tofu recipe for more helpful tips and tricks!

Tips and variations

• Always use a non-stick pan – Tofu is prone to sticking, but this can be avoided by cooking it in a quality non-stick pan coated with oil.
• Don’t touch the tofu – Once it’s in the pan, don’t touch the tofu cubes for a few minutes or until they form a layer of golden crust. This makes them easier to flip and cook.
• Add more flavor – Toss the tofu in chili powder, paprika, onion powder, sesame oil, rice vinegar, etc.

How to serve fried tofu

If you love tofu as much as I do, you’ll want to make this recipe and add it to your meals. You can toss the crispy tofu into almost anything, like:

• In noodle dishes: Add the batch of fried tofu to Teriyaki Noodles, Thai Peanut Noodles, or Drunken Noodles.
• With rice and veggies: Jazz up a simple rice and vegetable bowl with crispy bites of fried tofu on top.
• Covered in sauce: Once the tofu is ready, toss it in all kinds of flavorful sauces. Use my Orange Tofu, Kung Pao Tofu, General Tso’s Tofu, Teriyaki Tofu, and Sriracha Tofu for inspiration.
• In stir fry: It’s the best way to add some crunch and protein to your everyday stir fry dinner.
• Added to salads: A sprinkle of fried tofu cubes on your salad will make it extra filling and exciting.
• With dipping sauce: Fried tofu dipped in spicy mayo, barbecue sauce, ketchup, or ranch dip is a truly delicious and filling snack.
• On top of Vegan Fried Rice. Yum!

Frequently asked questions

• Can you prepare it ahead of time? Once it’s fried, you’ll want to eat the tofu right away. Another way to save time is to press the tofu ahead of time in batches, then store in the refrigerator, in a covered container, for up to 1 week.
• How long does it last? It’s best eaten right away but just in case you have leftovers, you can store the fried tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer, on the stove top or in the oven to crisp it back up again.
• Can you freeze fried tofu? I don’t recommend it. Frozen fried tofu will lose its crispy exterior and you’d have to start all over!

More sensational tofu recipes

• Vegan Chicken Nuggets
• Baked BBQ Tofu
• The Best Tofu Scramble
• Tofu Bacon