Crispy Baked Tofu
by Sommer Collier — last updated on May 28, 2025 
How to Make Crispy Baked Tofu: Crisp and tender bite-sized squares of tofu are a crunchy, flavorful, and satisfying plant-based protein to serve with your favorite dipping sauces and dishes. This oven baked tofu recipe is sure to be a hit with vegetarians and meat eaters alike!
Why We Love This Easy Crispy Tofu Recipe
Even the biggest fans of meat can’t resist the satisfying crunch and tender, flavorful bite of golden brown tofu. And if you like deep-fried tofu, you’re going to love our simple, healthier Crispy Baked Tofu recipe!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
This easy plant-based recipe requires no thick breading or excess oil, and is totally gluten-free. The cubes of tofu are tossed with only a bit of oil, a few key spices, and just the right amount of cornstarch for a super crisp yet light coating. You can enjoy all of the flavors and textures you crave without any heavy coating getting in the way.
These savory chunks of baked tofu are a lovely vegetarian appetizer or snack to serve with your favorite dipping sauces!
Ingredients You Need
- Tofu – extra firm is best for oven frying
- Olive oil – or other high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil
- Cornstarch – for a gluten-free, super-crunchy crust
- Spices – salt, chili powder, garlic and/or onion powder, and black pepper (or cayenne)
But really, you can season the tofu HOWEVER YOU WANT! Try this recipe with Cajun or Creole blackened seasoning, Italian seasoning, taco or adobo seasoning blend, or any combo of spices you like.
How to Make the Crispiest Tofu
Find the full Crispy Tofu recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, reheating tips, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Top Recipe Tips
- Cut the extra firm tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes, so they cook evenly.
- Definitely take the time to press the tofu! Removing all of that extra water from the cubes is what makes them ultra crisp and tender.
- Be gentle with oiling, seasoning, and flipping the tofu cubes around. Even extra firm tofu is on the delicate side, and you don’t want the pieces to split or break.
- Carefully flip the seasoned tofu squares halfway through baking. This will create a brown, crunchy crust on all sides of the pieces.
- This recipe makes enough for 4 servings as-is. Double the recipe and work in batches to use crispy tofu pieces in your meal-prepping plans!
Serving Suggestions
These yummy crunchy cubes of deliciousness are practically begging to be dipped in a rich and flavorful sauce!
Serve them warm alongside a ramekin of cool and creamy French onion dip, tzatziki sauce, remoulade sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing. For a more sweet-and-savory pairing, pair with marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, or hot wing sauce. They are delish paired with Asian dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, yum yum sauce, traditional gyoza dipping sauce, or simple soy sauce.
They are also great to use as a satisfying but lean meatless protein in other recipes… Use baked tofu to make vegan tacos, spicy ramen, burrito bowls, hearty salads, protein or grain bowls, or stir fry noodle dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both will make crispy cubes, but baking tofu is definitely the lighter option. Plus, traditional frying tends to get oil all over the place. No, thank you!
Be sure to press the cubes, coat them evenly in cornstarch and spices, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Each piece of tofu needs about an inch of space all around; otherwise, if they are too close together, steam can form and make the tofu soggy.
Cool the baked tofu cubes and transfer to an airtight container. Keep the in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
I do not recommend freezing oven fried tofu. The texture of the cubes will get mushy if they are frozen, thawed, and then reheated. It’s best to enjoy these tasty little fellas within a few days of baking.
Looking for More Easy Plant-Based Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
Crispy Baked Tofu Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 16 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Remove the block of tofu from the package. Cut the tofu in half, lengthwise. Then cut each half into 12 cubes. You should end up with 24 1-inch cubes.
- Lay a paper towel out on the counter. Place the tofu cubes on the paper towel and cover with a second paper towel. Set a cutting board or baking sheet over the top to press down on the tofu cubes. Allow them to rest and drain their moisture for 20-30 minutes. *The longer they drain, the crisper the tofu will be!
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F. Set out a small bowl and combine the cornstarch, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Set out a rimmed baking sheet. Move the tofu cubes to the baking sheet and discard the paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the tofu cubes. Toss well. Then sprinkle the tofu pieces with the seasoning mixture. Toss to coat the tofu cubes in the seasoning on all sides.
- Then spread the tofu pieces out on the baking sheet. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, flipping once at the 12-minute mark. The exterior should be golden-brown and crispy.
- Move the crispy tofu cubes to a serving plate and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
