This recipe is sponsored by EZ Tofu Press. All opinions are 100% my own.
Crunchy Panko Tofu is a flavorful addition to any meal. And since you bake or air fry it, you have plenty of time to fix veggies and grains to go with.
Making Your Panko Tofu
In this easy panko tofu recipe, you press and marinate your tofu, then coat it in vegan mayo and panko, and bake or air fry it to perfection. That's it!
It's flavorful, crunchy, and delicious!
Panko is my go-to when I want a nice, crunchy coating on something like tofu. It's got a nice, firm crunch that's tough to beat, but it's not too bready.
More Panko Goodness: Crispy Avocado Tacos, Baked Buffalo Tofu Bites
Instead of aquafaba, I use vegan mayo as the binder to get the panko to stick to the tofu. Not only is the mayo effective, but it adds another layer of flavor and richness to your finished product.
The real key to this recipe, though, is the EZ Tofu Press. Pressing tofu does more than give it a chewy texture. When you press, you release all of the excess water that the tofu is holding onto.
When you press your tofu well, you're basically turning your tofu into a flavor sponge. That's ideal for a tofu recipe, like this one, that calls for a marinade.
The other thing I love about using the EZ Tofu Press is that it maintains the basic shape of the tofu block. For a recipe like this, where you're slicing the tofu into cutlets, you want to keep that rectangle intact.
How to Serve, Store, and Reheat It
You can serve your Crunchy Panko Tofu with any dipping sauce you like. Ponzu sauce, soy sauce, or teriyaki sauce all make great dips for this recipe, though it's also delicious without any sauce at all.
I like to dish this up with a veggie and a whole grain. Here are some side dish ideas for you:
- Sesame Noodles
- Coconut Rice
- Sushi Rice
- Quinoa
- steamed broccoli
- sliced avocado
- Ginger Sesame Kale
- Superfood Quinoa Salad
- Crunchy Broccoli Salad
If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They will keep for around three days in the refrigerator.
To reheat, I do not recommend using the microwave. The panko will be soggy if you do! Instead, arrange your leftovers on a lined baking sheet, and bake at 350F for about 10 minutes.
You can also reheat your panko tofu in a toaster oven on a piece of tin foil at the same temperature.
In the air fryer, arrange the cutlets in a single layer, and cook at 350F for 5 minutes to reheat. If they're still not heated through, flip and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
Crunchy Panko Tofu in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu - pressed, then sliced into 8 cutlets
For the Marinade
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Make the Tofu
- ½ cup vegan mayo
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Make the marinade
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger.
- Arrange the tofu cutlets in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the tofu. Marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.
Make the Tofu in the OVEN
- Preheat to 375F.
- Measure the vegan mayo into a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the panko and salt. Dredge each tofu piece first in the mayo, then in the panko mixture, making sure to get a nice, even coating.
- Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 40 minutes. No need to flip the cutlets.
Make the Tofu in the AIR FRYER
- Measure the vegan mayo into a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the panko and salt. Dredge each tofu piece first in the mayo, then in the panko mixture, making sure to get a nice, even coating.
- Arrange the pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket with a bit of space between each cutlet. You're going to be frying these up in two batches.
- Cook at 370F for 20 minutes, shaking gently after 10 minutes, just to dislodge any stuck-on tofu pieces. Repeat with the second batch, then serve.
Equipment
Video
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is mission critical in this recipe. You need to get the water out, so you can get that good, good marinade in. Do not skip pressing!
- When you dredge your tofu, make sure you get an even coating in vegan mayo and then in panko. You want the whole thing nice and crunchy!
- See the section above the recipe for how to serve, store, and reheat this dish.
Marie
I substituted Glutino Table Cracker crumbs for the panko and Bragg’s liquid aminos for soy sauce to make it gluten-free. I also trimmed these into nugget shapes and they were delicious! 5/5 definitely will make them again!
Becky Striepe
Thank you so much for sharing your substitutions! I'm glad that you enjoyed it, Marie!
Julie
This recipe is amazing! I love how the vegan mayo nulls the need to spray with oil for the air fryer. I added vegan poultry seasoning to the panko mix. I will definitely be making this often?
Becky Striepe
Oh, adding poultry seasoning is a great idea! I need to try that next time I do it. Thank you for taking the time to rate the recipe and leave such a thoughtful comment. I appreciate it so much!
Shellie
I don't have an air fryer yet, but this recipe sounds wonderful. It's in baking in my oven now. I set it for 400 F for 20 mins. to start. Hope it works.
Darby
Nutritional content please!?
tracy
This is a recipe that I will try, very creative thank you. FYI having the 'nutritional information' available never factors into what recipes I try. I hope it does not deter you from posting more recipes. Some people are just very rude.
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Tracy!
Agness of Run Agness Run
This is a great recipe, especially because you added spices, Becky! So crunchy and finger-licking!
Becky Striepe
Thank you! Enjoy it!
The Vegan 8
I love all the spices you added to this tofu! They are some of my favorite spices to use, so I can only imagine how delicious this is!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Brandi! It's very flavorful, for sure!
Alisa Fleming
This looks so good! And my favorite tofu recipe is straight up stir fry. I love those big tofu chunks with ample Asian sauce.
Becky Striepe
Ooh yum. I love a stir fry!
Terri Cole
I love baked barbecue tofu, but my new air fryer will probably give me a new favorite. ;) I can't wait to try this recipe!
Becky Striepe
Yay! Enjoy the new air fryer. I'm crazy about mine!
Linda @ Veganosity
Wow, I love that you used vegan mayo for the binder in this recipe. So creative! This looks delicious, Becky.
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Linda!
Karen D
Homefries with tofu from Horn of the Moon Cookbook
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
I love crunchy tofu! Really only way I like it. Soft makes me gag. LOL!
Becky Striepe
Too funny!
Amanda
I love using Tofu for a lemon and basil ricotta. Adding it to lasagna or manicotti is delicious!
DJ
I always love chocolate tofu mousse.
Mel |avirtualvegan.com
Crunchy, crispy tofu is my favourite way to eat it. Great idea to use mayo to stick the coating on!
Mel |avirtualvegan.com
You can't beat crispy tofu! It looks delicious and I really must invest in a tofu press and an air fryer.
Cadry
This looks so good, Becky! I've been working on a similar air fried tofu recipe, but I hadn't been dredging mine in panko. I'm sure that adds such wonderful texture! Plus, what a genius idea to use vegan mayo to make the breading stick. I love it!
Becky Striepe
Thank you! I can't wait to see yours!
Jenn
Oh my gosh, this looks so crispy and delicious! I gotta get an air fryer!!
Becky Striepe
Oh man, I would love to see what amazing recipes you created for an air fryer, Jenn!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
I really never met a piece of tofu I didn't like, but this recipe looks particularly delicious!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Amy!
Dianne
These look so good! I can't wait to try them. I love all of your tofu recipes.
Becky Striepe
Thank you so much, Dianne!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition
This looks delicious Becky! I love panko for anything too, it just seems to make things more crunchy!
I'd totally enter to win that awesome ez tofu press but I won last time. I love it and use it at least a few times a week so anyone that wins is going to be lucky!
Becky Striepe
Oh yeah! Congratulations. I'm glad to hear that you're digging your press!