This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This Italian Tofu is crispy, packed with flavor, and so easy to make! Cook it in the air fryer or oven and enjoy it in meals throughout the week for a simple, versatile, plant-based protein option.

overhead image of crispy air fryer herbed tofu on a plate

Table of Contents

We’ve been really into air fryer tofu recipes recently, and for good reason! It’s the easiest way to make crispy tofu without pan frying or deep frying, and it takes less than 10 minutes of hands-on time to make. 
If you’ve been looking for quick and easy tofu recipes, you won’t want to miss this Italian tofu!

overhead image of ingredients on white slab

Ingredients You’ll Need 

  • Tofu: For the best, crispy tofu, it’s important to use the right type of tofu. For this tofu recipe, we recommend using extra-firm tofu or firm tofu. Extra firm tofu is easier to slice and is firmer overall, but because it is more dense, it absorbs less flavor. Use what you like/have on hand! We like to use either House Foods or Nasoya tofu.
  • Red wine vinegar: Adds a bright tanginess to the tofu marinade. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or regular white vinegar makes the best substitute.
  • Soy sauce: Adds umami flavor and saltiness to the tofu. If you are gluten-free, opt for tamari. We use Lee Kum Kee soy sauce.
  • Olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the outside of the tofu and adds flavor to the final crispy tofu. We recommend high-quality extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil for the best flavor. 
  • Spice blend: You’ll need Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper for a bold, herbed flavor. If you are sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
  • Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the tofu spice mixture to help it stick to the tofu and become as crispy as possible once baked or air-fried.
  • Nutritional yeast: Aka “nooch,” nutritional yeast adds a nutty, cheesy flavor to the tofu without any dairy! If you’ve never shopped for nutritional yeast before, it’s typically stocked in the spice section (and be careful not to buy brewer’s yeast or regular yeast!).

Equipment Needed

marinade in a bowl
uncooked and unmixed tofu in a bowl
overhead image of uncooked tofu marinating in a bowl

How to Make Crispy Italian Tofu

Prepare the tofu

  1. Prep the tofu. We recommend pressing the tofu for 45 minutes to 1 hour using a tofu press, heavy book, or our favorite way to press tofu without a tofu press. Once the tofu has been pressed, cut it into about 1-inch cubes and set aside.
  2. Season the tofu. In a medium-sized sealable bag or container, add the remaining ingredients and whisk (or shake) until combined and all the clumps are removed. Add the tofu, seal the bag and give it a good shake until the tofu is fully coated. 

Cooking Options

  • Air Fryer: Arrange the tofu in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You may need to do 2 batches depending on the size of your basket. Air fry at 400F for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through. Remove the tofu from the oven and cool before serving to allow it to fully crisp up. 

Oven: Preheat the oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. We personally have the best results with a silicone baking mat for this recipe. Spread the tofu on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 35-45 minutes (we do 40 minutes), or until the tofu is golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy tofu is as flexible as it gets! We like to add it to vegan bowls and balance it with:

uncooked herbed tofu in air fryer basket.
overhead image of cooked tofu in an air fryer basked

Recipe FAQs

Can I skip pressing the tofu?

If you are using a vacuum-sealed tofu, you do not need to press it ahead of time. Water packed tofu (whether firm or extra-firm), does need to be pressed before coating in spices. If you skip this step, the tofu won’t be nearly as crispy as it should be! 

Can I make this Italian tofu without cornstarch?

Cornstarch is the best option for achieving the crispiest tofu because it creates a light, golden crust. However, if you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca starch, it will yield the next best results. 

Why won’t my tofu get crispy?

This can happen if the tofu is too moist or soft, the sheet pan or air fryer basket is overcrowded, or the heat isn’t high enough. For the crispiest tofu, always press it beforehand, cook in batches as needed, and follow our recommended cooking instructions. 

Does freezing tofu make it crispier?

Freezing tofu doesn’t make it crispier, but it can help change the texture of the tofu to be more chewy. Many find that thawed tofu has a chewiness and consistency that is most like chicken.

Storage Instructions

This Crispy Italian Tofu is best and at its most crispiest when served hot and fresh. However, leftovers can be kept for up to 1 week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

To make it crispy again, reheat in the air fryer at 350F for 5 to 10 minutes.

overhead image of herbed tofu on a plate

More Easy Tofu Recipes You May Enjoy:

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
overhead image of herbed tofu on a plate

Crispy Italian Tofu Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Chris @ Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
Print Recipe

Description

This Italian Tofu is crispy, packed with flavor and so easy to make! Cook it in the air fryer or oven and enjoy it in meals throughout the week for a simple, versatile plant-based protein option.

Ingredients

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ tablespoon nutritional yeast

Instructions

  1. Drain and press your tofu for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Learn how to press tofu here. Once the tofu has been pressed, cut it into about 1-inch cubes and set it aside.
  2. In a medium-sized sealable bag or container, add in the remainder of the ingredients besides the tofu and whisk until combined and all of the clumps are removed.
  3. Add in the tofu, seal the bag (or container) and give it a good shake to fully coat the tofu.
  4. Air Fryer: Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer (you may need to do 2 batches depending on the size of your basket). Air fry at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through. Remove the tofu from the oven and cool before serving to allow it to fully crisp up.
  5. Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F, and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat. We have had the best results with a silicone mat for this recipe. Parchment paper can be used but it may stick. Evenly distribute the tofu onto the baking sheet in a single layer and place it into the oven for 35-45 minutes, or until golden and crispy. The longer it bakes, the crispier it will get, but it will also have a more “charred” taste when you get closer to 45 minutes. We bake ours for 40. Remove the tofu from the oven and cool before serving to allow it to fully crisp up.

Notes

  • This tofu is best when served the day of making it. If you are going to eat it at a later date, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To rewarm, we suggest toasting or air frying it until crisped up.
  • Add any additional seasonings of your choice, have fun with it!
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Air Fryer

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links, which simply means that we earn a commission if you purchase through those links, but your price remains the same. Thank you for supporting Sweet Simple Vegan!

Meet The Bloggers

hey there! we’re jasmine & chris.

Hi, we’re Jasmine and Chris! We share fresh and fun recipes to show you that vegan cooking is easy, approachable and delicious. When we’re not blogging, you will probably find us enjoying live music, tending to our backyard garden or playing with our dogs Berry and Louie

More About Us

You May Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3 Comments

  2. 10/10 would recommend!!!! This was my first time cooking tofu and it was a lot easier than I thought. Plus the flavor in the marinade is really universal. I didn’t have any nutritional yeast, so I just skipped that and didn’t think it was missing anything. My dad who is a “meat and potatoes” man even said it was good. (This is the ultimate win in my book)

    I’m so glad I saw this recipe on TikTok!



    Reply