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    Home » Recipes » Mains

    Crispy Breaded Tofu

    BY Ayeh Manfre · UPDATED: May 16, 25 · PUBLISHED: Nov 4, 23 · 44 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    This Crispy Breaded Tofu is going to change your mind on tofu! It has a delicious crispy texture on the outside and still soft in the middle, and can be baked in the oven or air fryer.

    Breaded Tofu with dipping sauces served on a plate

    My Crispy Breaded Tofu recipe has to be one of my favorite ways to eat tofu!
    Its super easy to make, not to mention delicious and you can really add it so many dishes.

    Tofu is one of my go-to vegan proteins to cook and eat as it’s so versatile and can be made in so many different ways. If you’re not a fan of tofu or it's your first time making tofu, I'm sure this recipe will change your mind. It has a similarity to crumbed chicken, without the chicken 🙂

    Some recipes I love to add it to are Rice Paper Rolls, Healthy Caesar Salad , Chopped Asian Salad, or even enjoy alone with dipping sauces and fries / chips on the side.

    You can even slice it into different shapes or cubes to create Tofu nuggets! Cook this panko breaded tofu in the air fryer or oven bake it for that crispy coating. I share both methods in my recipe below.

    Some more tofu recipes to check out are my Sticky Tofu, Rice Paper Dumplings and Peanut Noodles.

    Table of Contents
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients to make Crispy Breaded Tofu
    • How to make Breaded Tofu
    • Tips and Tricks
    • FAQs
    • Storage and Reheating
    • More Tofu Recipes
    • More Vegan Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments
    Close up of breaded tofu pieces on a plate

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Crispy Coating. The breading creates a satisfyingly crunchy coating, elevating the texture of tofu and making it appealing to both kids and adults
    • Versatility. Tofu acts as a blank canvas, absorbing flavors exceptionally well so you can season it as you like depending on the dish 
    • Healthy. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and in this recipe you can either oven bake it or make air fryer tofu which uses much less oil than deep frying or pan frying 
    • Endless Options. You can add this crispy breaded tofu to so many dishes such as salads, lemon orzo, wraps, rice and veggies or even enjoy on its own
    Close up of the inside of one piece of breaded panko tofu

    Ingredients to make Crispy Breaded Tofu

    • Tofu is used as the base, providing a protein-rich, neutral taste. Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe. I also always ensure its organic and Non GMO
    • Breadcrumbs, I’ve used panko bread crumbs for an extra crunch on the crispy exterior. You can of course use regular breadcrumbs also or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed
    • Seasonings here I’ve used salt, black pepper and garlic powder for a simple seasoning mixture as the base. You can of course add different herbs and spices depending on how you are serving it. Some of my personal favorites are smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, nutritional yeast and onion powder
    • Olive Oil Spray is used to coat the tofu before cooking in the oven or air fyer. This method uses much less oil and is easier to coat. You can also brush the oil on if you prefer
    • Sauces that you can serve this crispy tofu with are satay sauce, sriracha aioli, healthy caesar dressing, gyoza dipping sauce, peanut sauce, sweet chilli sauce, mayonnaise or vegan mayo, BBQ sauce, soy sauce or tamari

    How to make Breaded Tofu

    Making this crispy tofu recipe takes no time at all. Below are my easy to follow steps.

    1. Press the tofu by wrapping the tofu block in between a clean kitchen towel or a few paper towels. Place something heavy on top such as a cast iron skillet or cookbook and leave on the side for 10-20 minutes.
    2. Make a dipping station by adding panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix together. Separately, pour the milk in a small bowl
    3. Slice the pressed tofu into rectangular or square pieces approximately 1 centimetre in thickness
    4. Dip each piece into the milk then into the breadcrumb mix one at a time, pressing down so the crumb sticks to all sides, then flip to coat all sides
    5. Cook as per instructions in the recipe card below. Two options are available for the air fryer or oven
    Panko breadcrumb tofu pieces before being cooked

    Tips and Tricks

    1. Press the tofu for 10-20 minutes to remove the excess moisture and water. This will give you a better texture and it will also have much more flavor. You can use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels
    2. Make sure to slice the tofu in 1cm or greater in thickness to ensure it’s soft on the inside and doesn’t dry out too much in the center
    3. When crumbing the tofu, make sure to press the crumb into the tofu on all edges so it’s fully coated. I like to flip it around a few times to make sure all sides are covered
    4. Use fine breadcrumbs so they stick well. If your panko breadcrumbs are in large pieces, you can pulse them quickly in a blender or food processor so they’re not too chunky or break it up with your fingers
    5. Dont be shy and spray well with olive oil spray to give you the perfect crispy coating and color

    FAQs

    Why is my Tofu not crispy?

    Ensure Tofu is coated well with crumb on all sides and cook it long enough so that the outer crust becomes crispy. Also, ensure to turn them over halfway so they can crisp evenly

    How do you cook Tofu in a healthy way?

    If baking with tofu in the oven or using an air fryer it's a healthier cooking alternative than deep frying. If pan fried you can use olive oil spray to reduce the amount of oil when cooking over medium heat

    Is crispy tofu healthy?

    Tofu is made from soybeans, is low in calories but high in protein and fat. It also contains many important vitamins and minerals. The crumb mixture uses breadcrumbs and spices with minimal oil to provide a healthier cooking method

    What does crispy tofu taste like?

    Tofu is bland on its own. That is the beauty of tofu as it absorbs flavours well so you can add your preferred seasoning

    What to eat crispy tofu with?

    It can be added to summer rolls, wraps, or stir fry. Served with rice and vegetables, or even enjoyed alone with dipping sauces

    Storage and Reheating

    • This crispy breaded tofu is best enjoyed fresh for the ultimate crispy texture and coating
    • You can however store any leftover breaded tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days
    • Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 180°C/350°F for a few minutes until warm and crispy
    Piece of breaded tofu being dipped in sweet chilli sauce

    More Tofu Recipes

    • Tofu Steak
    • Crispy Sticky Tofu
    • Rice Paper Dumplings
    • Thai Yellow Curry
    • Tofu Katsu
    • Vegan Crab Rangoon
    • Teriyaki Tofu

    More Vegan Recipes

    • Chickpea Tuna
    • Japansese Katsu Curry
    • Vegan Gravy
    • Air Fryer Falafel
    • Cauliflower Steaks
    • Creamy Pumpkin Soup
    • Pesto alla Trapanese (Sicilian Pesto Pasta)
    • Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca

    I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your Crispy Breaded Tofu photo on Instagram so I can share the love!

    Recipe

    Plate of breaded tofu with dipping sauces

    Crispy Breaded Tofu (Oven and Air Fryer)

    4.78 from 27 votes
    This Crispy Breaded Tofu is going to change your mind on tofu! It has a delicious crispy texture on the outside and still soft in the middle, and can be baked in the oven or air fryer
    Author: Ayeh Manfre
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 179kcal
    Print
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time25 minutes mins

    Video

    Ingredients 

    • 9oz / 250g firm tofu
    • ¼ cup preferred milk, I've used almond milk
    • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon Salt and pinch of black pepper
    • Olive oil spray

    Instructions

    • Press the tofu by wrapping the tofu block in between a clean kitchen towel or a few paper towels. Place something heavy on top such as a saucepan or cookbook and leave on the side for 10-20 minutes
    • Make a dipping station by adding panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix together. Separately, pour the milk in a small bowl
    • Once the tofu has been pressed, slice into rectangular or square pieces approximately 1 centimetre in thickness
    • Dip each piece into the milk then into the breadcrumb mix one at a time, pressing down so the crumb sticks to all sides, then flip to coat all sides.
      Refer to cooking methods below:

    Air Fryer

    • Preheat air fryer to 200°C/390°F
    • Spray olive oil to the air fryer base and add the tofu pieces in a single layer, making sure there is space in between each piece and they aren't touching
      Spray olive oil generously to the tops of the tofu and cook for 10 minutes until tops are golden brown
    • Flip pieces around and again spray the tops with olive oil. Cook for 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown

    Oven

    • Preheat the oven to 225°C/440°F
    • Place crumbed tofu pieces on an oven tray lined with parchment paper in a single layer making sure there is space in between each piece and they aren't touching
      Generously spray the tops with olive oil and cook for 15 minutes until the tops are golden brown
    • Flip the pieces around, spray the tops with olive oil and cook for a further 10-15 minutes until golden brown
      I love serving it on my healthy Caesar salad, in rice paper rolls, or just enjoy dipping into favourite sauces 🙂
    ⭐️ Final Step! Would love if you left a rating and comment to let me know how it went. Your feedback helps inspire others and means alot ❤️

    Nutrition

    Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 739mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 224mg | Iron: 2mg
    Keywords: crispy, quick, vegan

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    Comments

      4.78 from 27 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kathryn says

      March 28, 2021 at 6:26 pm

      5 stars
      Such a quick and easy recipe. I tried it using ‘Dad’s Special Spice Mix’ and it was so dang tasty. I’m going to change some minds about tofu with this recipe. Thanks so much ❤️

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        April 07, 2021 at 5:17 pm

        Hehe yay so happy to hear that! Its my FAV way to eat tofu 🙂

        Reply
        • Nat says

          May 15, 2021 at 11:44 am

          5 stars
          Absolutely loving the variety of easy healthy recipes thank you so much

          Reply
          • Ayeh says

            May 26, 2021 at 3:09 pm

            You're most welcome Nat xxx

            Reply
            • Brushjl says

              October 01, 2024 at 8:30 am

              3 stars
              This was a fail for me. Breadcrumbs wouldn't stick, looked nothing like the picture. Would be nice to include a dipping sauce

            • Ayeh Manfre says

              October 12, 2024 at 3:11 am

              Oh no, that doesn't sound right dear. Are your panko crumbs crumbly or very chunky? I've found if too chunky, they need to be broken up a little more. Also make sure to pat the tofu into the crumbs, pressing it to stick

      • Swati says

        June 04, 2021 at 8:39 pm

        5 stars
        Just what I needed.. My husband never liked Tofu before, but now he is enjoying it more than me.. Thanks to Ayeh for the quick, easy and yummiest recipe.

        Now we are snacking a lot on Crispy Tofu❤️

        Reply
        • Ayeh says

          June 07, 2021 at 1:37 pm

          Love this comment!! So happy your hubby also loves tofu now too hehe xxx

          Reply
    2. Sarah says

      March 28, 2021 at 7:11 pm

      5 stars
      So yum and versatile can add so many different spice mixes to this definitely adding to my lunch prep!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        April 07, 2021 at 5:20 pm

        So happy to hear sarah. its my Fav way to eat tofu xxxx

        Reply
    3. Sumeeyae says

      March 31, 2021 at 7:50 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is amazing! Must try 🙂 I cook this regularly for my meals now

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        April 07, 2021 at 5:29 pm

        So glad you like it dear, you can add it to so many things 🙂

        Reply
      • Mel says

        September 10, 2021 at 8:35 pm

        So no pressing the tofu first? Just open and go for it? Sounds so easy!!!! Definitely trying this recipe!

        Reply
        • Ayeh says

          September 14, 2021 at 9:52 am

          No pressing with this recipe as it will dry it out too much xx Cant wait to see your remake xx

          Reply
    4. Tanya says

      April 02, 2021 at 5:52 pm

      This looks amazing! What brand of tofu do you use? ❤️

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        April 07, 2021 at 5:36 pm

        Hi dear I always buy organic non GMO firm tofu xxxx

        Reply
    5. Kylee says

      April 07, 2021 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this today and it was delicious, thanks for the recipe

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        April 15, 2021 at 5:39 pm

        Yay!! Its my fav way to eat tofu 🙂 xx

        Reply
    6. Vineela says

      April 13, 2021 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this crispy tofu recipe and we are Atleast doing it once in a week Thank you for this recipe!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        April 15, 2021 at 5:44 pm

        So happy you like it Vineela 🙂

        Reply
    7. Maimuna Chinwala says

      April 26, 2021 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      Crispy tofu it is so yumm n simple to cook. Your recepies are really great & worth trying

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        April 27, 2021 at 5:30 pm

        so glad you love this too xxx

        Reply
    8. Angie says

      May 01, 2021 at 2:36 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and so delicious! Definitely need to chop the park a little as recommended!

      Will make again! Loved it in a bowl with rice broccoli and carrot

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        May 06, 2021 at 12:23 pm

        Oh yum the perfect dish 🙂 xx

        Reply
    9. Anahita says

      May 03, 2021 at 1:26 am

      5 stars
      I was never a fan of tofu , until I learned this recipe!!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        May 06, 2021 at 12:25 pm

        Its one of mt fav ways to eat tofu aswell 🙂

        Reply
    10. Sofi Robles says

      May 18, 2021 at 4:47 am

      The crispy tofu has been a game changer for me. I always struggled eating raw tofu until I tried this recipe. Now I am always craving crispy tofu. It's so addicting.

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        May 26, 2021 at 3:10 pm

        Heheh love that Sofi 🙂 xx

        Reply
    11. Pankti Shah says

      June 06, 2021 at 8:52 pm

      5 stars
      My Mr 5 told me that I have to make this oj every Saturday. Kids are in love with that. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe as it's bit hard for kids to eat tofu and we are vegetarian.

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        June 07, 2021 at 2:05 pm

        Wow this is one of the best compliments! So happy your kids love it as much as I do 🙂

        Reply
    12. Krista says

      June 15, 2021 at 5:34 am

      5 stars
      Love it! Never much liked tofu before. Now I can't get enough. ❤ Although I do fry it, as I don't own an air fryer.

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        June 22, 2021 at 12:41 pm

        Crispy tofu is next level 🙂 x

        Reply
    13. Karen C says

      July 23, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      Finally getting around to trying your crispy tofu, baking in the oven. So easy I can’t believe I didn’t do this before!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        July 23, 2021 at 2:58 pm

        Hehe so glad you tried it and loevd it Karen!! xxx

        Reply
    14. Holly Harlow says

      August 13, 2021 at 9:34 pm

      5 stars
      This is genuinely the best way to have tofu that I have come across so far! Since being vegetarian, I have struggled massively to find an easy and delicious way to have tofu that doesn't require hours of pressing or making it soggy etc... you other vegos know my struggle. I came across Ayeh's recipe ages ago but only tried it two nights ago and I was BLOWN AWAY! Not only is it crazy easy but it is sooooo delicious, crispy, and flavourful. I love adding it to meals with veggies like I used to with chicken schnitzels etc. I love it so much that I am having it again tonight! Thank you Ayeh for making my life so much easier and yummier. XOX

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        August 15, 2021 at 11:40 am

        Aww love this Holly, so glad to hear you love this as much as I do. You are most welcome xxxx

        Reply
    15. Gwen says

      August 28, 2021 at 3:47 pm

      5 stars
      Such an easy but soooo good recipe! The tofu was super crispy, deffo gonna make this again. ❤️

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        August 30, 2021 at 12:34 pm

        Yay so glad you love these as much as I do xx

        Reply
    16. Huti says

      September 12, 2021 at 9:10 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe made all my crispy tofu dreams come true! Love how she gives such detailed tips

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 14, 2021 at 9:49 am

        Aww so happy to hear! Its the best way to have tofu right 🙂

        Reply
    17. Colin says

      August 08, 2024 at 1:07 am

      5 stars
      Worked out perfect. I tried it a second time with different spices also. Definitely a keeper.

      Reply
      • Ayeh Manfre says

        August 11, 2024 at 2:47 am

        Yay! So happy you love this recipe Colin

        Reply
    18. Diana says

      March 11, 2025 at 6:43 am

      can i use egg instead of milk as a binder?

      Reply
      • Ayeh Manfre says

        March 15, 2025 at 1:21 am

        you sure can 🙂

        Reply
    Ayeh about me picture

    Hi, I'm Ayeh!

    Hey everyone! I love creating easy everyday recipes with a healthy twist that anyone can make. I will show you that you can eat delicious food, using wholesome ingredients that make you feel good from the inside out!

    About Me →

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