How Long to Cook Tofu
Extra-firm, firm, silken, or soft tofu. Pressed or unpressed.
The Short Answer
Extra-firm, firm, silken, or soft tofu. Pressed or unpressed.
Cooking Methods
🔥 Oven
Temperature: 400°F
Time: 25–35 minutes
Press firm tofu for 30 minutes first. Cut into cubes or slabs. Toss with oil and seasoning. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet, flipping halfway.
Rest: 3 minutes
✈️ Air Fryer
Temperature: 400°F
Time: 12–18 minutes
Pressed firm tofu cubes tossed with a thin coat of oil and cornstarch. Shake basket every 5 minutes. Produces the crispiest tofu possible.
Rest: 3 minutes
🍳 Stovetop
Time: 8–12 minutes
Pan-fry pressed firm tofu in oil over medium-high heat. Do not move the cubes for 3-4 minutes per side to build a golden crust.
Rest: 2 minutes
The secret to crispy tofu is pressing out the water. Wrap in a clean towel, place a heavy skillet on top, and wait 30 minutes. Then toss with cornstarch before cooking. The cornstarch creates a shell that gets genuinely crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Three steps: press out the water for 30 minutes, cut into cubes, toss with a thin coat of cornstarch. Then air fry or pan fry on high heat without moving until golden. Skipping the pressing step guarantees soggy tofu.
For crispy baked, fried, or grilled tofu, yes. Pressing removes excess water so the tofu can brown and crisp. For soups, stews, or smoothies, pressing is unnecessary.
Firm tofu holds its shape for frying, baking, and grilling. Silken tofu is soft and creamy, best for soups, smoothies, desserts, and sauces. They are not interchangeable in most recipes.
The Bottom Line
Tofu cooking times vary by method and thickness. Check for doneness visually and by texture. The times above are guidelines; your specific results depend on the size and starting temperature of your food.