Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (2024)

Published: by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

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This Panko Tofu recipe is quick and easy to make. Air fry or bake for a healthy appetizer or main dish. Gluten-free and oil-free options, crispy and healthy, with a lightly sweetened tangy sauce. This egg-free vegan recipe uses crushed cornflakes or panko for the crust.

this RECIPE

Everyone will enjoy these crispy panko tofu bites! Plus, you can make this recipe without oil or gluten without compromising on flavor or texture. It's a great recipe to keep in your back pocket as it's so easy to make and always turns out delicious. Pair panko tofu with my easy dipping sauce for serving.

This panko tofu recipe was inspired by my Sesame Tofu recipe, as well as this Tofu Korean Kimchi Fried Rice recipe.

Jump to:
  • 👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
  • 🧄 Substitutions
  • 📖 How to Make Panko Tofu
  • 💡 Expert Tips
  • 🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
  • 🍽 Related Recipes
  • 👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (2)
  • Extra firm or super firm tofu
  • Cornstarch
  • Sesame oil (optional)
  • Rice vinegar
  • Tamari or soy sauce
  • Aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
  • Garlic powder
  • Panko or crushed cornflakes

See the recipe card for quantities.

🧄 Substitutions

  • Garlic powder - use one minced clove of fresh garlic instead
  • Ginger - add one tablespoon of grated ginger to the marinade for more flavor
  • Soy sauce - use gluten-free tamari instead for no gluten
  • Panko - substitute with gluten-free panko, or crushed cornflakes for gluten-free
  • Cornstarch - use arrowroot instead as desired
  • Tofu - use superfirm tofu which is pre-pressed to save time (Nasoya or Wildwood brands)

Try my Best Tofu Chili recipe with 35 grams of protein the next time you crave something comforting. For more tofu recipes, visit my Tofu Recipes page on this site.

📖 How to Make Panko Tofu

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (3)

Step 1. Marinate:Transfer the tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder to a shallow dish. Mix well. Place the sliced tofu into the dish in a single layer. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, flipping them over after 15 minutes.

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (4)

Step 2. Set up the tofu coating station with panko or cornflakes, cornstarch, and aquafaba.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (5)

Step 3. Coat the tofu:Take one piece of the marinated tofu and shake off any excess marinade. Lightly coat it in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (6)

Step 4. Then dip the piece into the aquafaba, letting any excess drip off.

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (7)

Step 5. Dip the tofu into the panko. Press gently to coat evenly. Transfer the coated tofu to a large nonstick baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining pieces.

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (8)

Step 6. Optional: lightly spray the pieces with cooking oil.

Bake for about 10 minutes, before flipping the pieces over. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until golden brown.

💡 Expert Tips

  • Oil is optional but a little goes a long way in getting the panko tofu crispy and golden brown. I recommend spraying the coated tofu lightly with oil.
  • For cooking: Either bake, air fry, or pan fry panko tofu. Spread the tofu in a single layer with enough space between the pieces for hot air to pass through. This way, the tofu will brown evenly.
  • Serve the easy dipping sauceat room temperature. Make it right before serving or ahead of time. It is quick and easy to make. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Storage: Refrigerate the remaining Panko Tofu in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375ºF for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, flipping the tofu over halfway. Or reheat in the microwave.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Can I pan-fry panko tofu?

To pan-fry, add oil to a medium skillet. (The oil should reach about halfway up the sides of the tofu.) Heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully transfer the tofu to the pan. Place the pieces about 2 inches apart. (Work in batches as needed). Cook the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.

Why is my tofu not crispy?

Tips for extra-crispy panko tofu: 1. Make sure to press the tofu long enough before marinating, or use superfirm tofu and skip this step. 2. Bake or pan-fry the tofu cubes briefly before coating them with panko. This will create a firmer texture and help the panko adhere better. 3. Use coarser panko. If the panko breadcrumbs are too fine, they may not provide the desired crunch. 4. After coating the tofu, let it rest for a few minutes before baking to allow the panko to adhere well. 5. Use oil to coat the tofu pieces and the panko crumbs. You can also try brushing a bit of oil on the panko-coated tofu before baking.

Which brand of air fryer is best?

This Ninja air fryer has performed well for over one year now. It is the air fryer I used for this panko tofu recipe. I also use it as my oven for small-batch cooking. (I receive a small commission from Amazon if you purchase using this link.)

  • Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked)
  • Easy Marinated Tofu Salad
  • Easy Tofu Marinades (3 ways, 10 minutes)

👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?

Leave a review for my Panko Tofu recipe and share your creation with me onInstagram. It makes my day to see you recreate my recipes.

I would love it if you would ⭐️ rate this recipe and leave a comment. Thank you in advance.

📖 Recipe

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (13)

Panko Tofu

Nisha Melvani

This Panko Tofu recipe is quick and easy to make. Air fry or bake (oil-free option). Gluten-free option, crispy, & healthy, with a delicious sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 4 people

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

For the tofu marinade:

  • 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced, or ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Tofu and Breading:

  • 14 to 16 ounces extra-firm tofu or superfirm tofu, pressed and drained
  • ¼ cup cornstarch or arrowroot
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • ¼ cup aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes

Optional Easy Dipping Sauce for serving:

  • ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon sriracha (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons grated ginger
  • 1 large clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  • Make the marinade:Transfer the tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder to a shallow dish, about 8x8 inches. Mix well to combine.

  • Slice and marinate the tofu: Cut the tofuinto about 8 (½-inch-thick)squares or rectangles (2x2 or 2x3 inches).

    Place the sliced tofu into the dish in a single layer. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, flipping them over after 15 minutes.

  • Preheat the ovento 400ºF.

  • For coating:Transfer the cornstarch, salt, and pepper to a shallow bowl or rimmed dish. Transfer the aquafaba to a shallow bowl. Transfer the panko to rimmed dish or shallow bowl.

  • Coat the tofu:Take one piece of the marinated tofu and shake off any excess marinade. Lightly coat it in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Then dip the piece into the aquafaba, letting any excess drip off. Finally, dip the tofu into the panko. Press gently to coat evenly.

  • For baking:Transfer the coated tofu to a large nonstick baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining pieces. Optional: lightly spray the pieces with cooking oil. Bake for about 10 minutes, before flipping the pieces over. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until golden brown.

  • For air frying:Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Spray the pieces lightly with cooking oil. Place them in an air fryer basket in a single layer. (You may have to cook them in batches.) Cook for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

  • Prepare the easy dipping sauce (optional). Whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.

  • Servethe tofu with easy dipping sauce.

Notes

    • Oil is optional but a little goes a long way in getting the tofu crispy and golden brown. I recommend spraying the coated tofu lightly with oil.
    • Make the sauce (if using) right before serving. It is quick and easy to make.
    • Storage: Refrigerate the remaining Panko Tofu in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375ºF for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, flipping the tofu over halfway. Or reheat in the microwave.
    • For the sauce, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 310mg | Potassium: 194mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 2mg

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Crystal

    Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (18)
    and I didn't use oil if anyone is curious how it turns out without it.

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  2. Crystal

    Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (19)
    Our family LOVED this, thank you! Used (organic) corn flakes...so crispy and YUM.
    Sauce is very tasty too!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Yay! Makes me so happy to read this. I'm so glad it was a hit!

      Reply

  3. Patti

    I think the name of this is Agedashi Dofu in Japanese. It looks really yummy and I would love to try your version since it doesn't need to be deep-fried.

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Thank you. I hope you try it!

      Reply

  4. Karen

    How much ginger do you use please..?

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      For the marinade, you. an add 2 teaspoons grated ginger.

      Reply

Panko Tofu Recipe (Baked) (2024)

FAQs

Why isn't my tofu getting crispy in the oven? ›

Why won't my tofu get crisp? This could likely be a result of not drying out the tofu enough to drain out the extra moisture. It's also possible that your oven temperature is not hot enough. Make sure it's preheated and heat the pan in the oven for extra crispness.

How do you know when tofu is done baking? ›

Bake until crispy.

Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Then remove the baking sheet from the oven, and flip each of the tofu bites so that they can cook evenly on the other side. Return to the oven for 15 more minutes, or until the tofu reaches your desired level of crispiness. Then remove and…

Is it better to fry or bake tofu? ›

It sticks, and the crispy bits end up sticking to the pan, which is a tofu tragedy. Plus, it requires more oil, and you don't need to use a lot of oil to get crispy tofu. When you bake your tofu, you give it time to develop crispy edges and warm, pillowy insides. It's simply the best.

How do you get breading to stick to tofu? ›

Marinate tofu slices for as long as you can. Just before frying coat it in flour on all sides. Once floured, dip it in activated flax and finally in seasoned breadcrumbs – pressing the tofu into the breadcrumbs for better adherence.

Why is my baked tofu rubbery? ›

Why does tofu get rubbery? Because it was probably overcooked, it was probably exposed to too much heat. I don't know if it was roasted baked air fried or sauteed, but when it becomes, uh, overcooked, it's gonna get very, very tough.

What makes tofu crispy? ›

Olive oil: Helps to coat the tofu and promote crispiness during baking or air frying. Any neutral oil can be used as a substitute. Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the tofu. Cornstarch: The key to achieving a crispy exterior.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

Is it OK to undercook tofu? ›

Compared with eating raw meat or eggs, eating raw tofu poses minimal risk of foodborne illness due to the fact that tofu itself is a cooked food. Still, eating raw tofu may increase your risk of certain foodborne illnesses, depending on how it was prepared.

How long does it take to fully cook tofu? ›

Allow tofu to cook, undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes or until the underside is golden brown and crispy. Step 2: Flip the tofu pieces and season the cooked side with salt. Allow the second side to cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the second side is golden brown and crispy.

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

First, drain and press the tofu.

For the best texture, press the tofu using a tofu press or cast-iron skillet for 20 to 30 minutes. If you're short on time, just drain the tofu and gently press it in a kitchen towel or paper towels over the sink. The tofu won't be as firm this way, but it will still be delicious!

Why does my tofu stick to parchment paper? ›

Draining excess water from your tofu helps to create that crispy texture during the frying or baking process. If you don't properly drain it (or don't drain it at all) you're left with a lot of moisture while cooking and this is what often causes the tofu to stick.

What to season tofu with? ›

Tofu seasoning rub: Rub the pressed tofu with lots of spices like garlic or onion powder, salt and pepper, nutritional yeast or a spicy taco seasoning, KFC seasoning, Buffalo spice, etc. Tofu marinade: Soak the tofu cubes in your favorite chicken/meat marinade to infuse extra flavor.

Why is my baked tofu not crispy? ›

Here are a few tips to help you make sure your crispy baked tofu turns out perfect: Make sure to press the tofu. This really is essential for removing excess moisture and getting that crispy texture. Use extra-firm tofu.

Do you have to press tofu before baking? ›

Do You Need to Press Tofu? Not all types of tofu need to be pressed. For example, Japanese-style silken tofu and Chinese-style soft tofu are not pressed. Firm and extra-firm tofu, which is typically sliced or cubed, should be pressed.

Do you coat tofu in flour or cornstarch? ›

Coating your tofu with a mixture of cornstarch and salt will give it a crunchy coating with great flavor. You can also use potato starch, regular flour, or even gluten-free flour instead of cornstarch, but the cornstarch crisps up the best. You can bake, pan-fry, or deep fry your tofu.

Why is my tofu always soggy? ›

Probably it has too much water in it. One good solution is to put the tofu, in its original whole block, on a plate or sheet pan. Tip it at a slight angle by propping up one side. Put a weight — a plate will be just fine — on the tofu.

Why is my tofu not crispy air fryer? ›

Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave a little space around each one. If the cubes are too crowded in the basket, they won't crisp up as they cook.

How to dry tofu for baking? ›

Drain, remove it from the package and place between two thick towels folded into the shape of the tofu. Then place a plate or bowl on top and top it with something heavy like a book or skillet. Alternatively, use a tofu press. Let it dry for about 15 minutes, changing your towels if they get too wet.

How long to press tofu before baking? ›

For the best results, I recommend pressing tofu for at least 30 minutes before cooking, though longer is great if you're able to plan ahead. In a pinch, even less time can make a big difference. I pressed the left block of tofu in the photo above for just 20 minutes. An unpressed block of tofu is on the right.

References

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