How to get crispy tofu without deep-frying — using my method that’s gone viral on Instagram.
In this video, I’ll show you exactly what to do after boiling tofu — using my go-to method for perfectly crispy tofu that’s full of flavor and super easy to make. So easy, in fact, I eat it almost every day.
Full recipe in the comments!
🔥 Step-by-step method:
1️⃣ Cut or tear tofu into chunks (tearing = more surface area = more crisp)
2️⃣ Boil in salted water for 5 minutes to improve texture and flavor (watch my other video for the science behind it 💡)
3️⃣ Marinate briefly in soy sauce
4️⃣ Coat in starch and spray with oil
5️⃣ Air fry until golden and crispy
6️⃣ Serve as-is or toss in your favorite sauce
The result? Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside — no deep fryer, no mess, and no compromise on texture. This is the tofu trick I wish everyone knew sooner.
Whether you’re making salt & pepper tofu, sticky glazed tofu, or tossing it into a noodle bowl or banh mì — this technique delivers every time.
📌 Save this method and try it out!
💬 Let me know in the comments: what’s your go-to tofu sauce?
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Why boil it? Tudor has already been boiled to death.
Best way to have tofu …clearly delicious 🎉
Tonight I’m making a noodle stirfry with tofu and I will try this method. I like tofu, but I have found that trying to cook it in a stirfry the way I would cook meat doesn’t work. It doesn’t develop any flavor in the tofu and I’m always sorry I used it instead of meat.😅 hoping this makes the difference!
How about some marinade recipes?
Nice…but I soak in soysayce & fresh grated onion with pepper.. I do the cornstarch dunk…I coat lightly with toasted sesame oil…then fry in thyme butter…I once did a crispy honey mustard and garlic…twas delish
Can we bake the tofu in the oven, and , if so, approximately what temperature?
I'm so glad I found you! It's criminal how many paper towels I've used to squeeze out the water
I need to try boiling first next time!
Hi, thank you for the video. Which sauce do you use for marinating the tofu before starch and air frying?
No fry! But does air fry, umm what????
Looks awesome …
No frying
Airfries it
Pre boiled our tofu tonight and then sautéd it- So good! TY
You’re my hero! I’m going to try it :)))
Would it work in a traditional oven? I don’t have an air fryer. ☹️
I have never seen such nonsense! The tofu is still fried Because You put it in the air fryer. The measurements are also completely off
When I eat tofu at a restaurant I always enjoy it BUT every single time I've tried to make it at home following different recipes it always has a weird after taste. However I've just tried boiling it first and holy smokes it works! It's soooo good! The whole family loved it! My kids don't like meat so this is gonna be a great way to get some protein in, thanks so much 😊
Does this work on burkese tofu ?
Does it have to be air fried?
At what temp should we put it in the air fryer
thats a lot of steps for tofu. boiling, marinating, panfrying than airfrying
How long in the air fryer and how much cornstarch and oil do you use?
Loved this! Thank you.
absolutely delicious!! You inspired me use the tofu in a delicious poke bowl-style dish! it was fabulous!
Curious….Doesn’t it already come in salted water? What does boiling it fist do?