Discover the perfect way to make smoky, tender BBQ tofu with easy step-by-step instructions for both the oven and air fryer, delivering a delicious vegetarian entree every time.
BBQ tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This easy recipe only takes 30 minute to make (in the air fryer) from start to finish. The oven takes a bit longer, around 45-50 minutes. This simple tofu dish pairs well with vegan garlic mashed potatoes, chopped vegetable salad, air fryer corn on the cob and cabbage and carrot salad.
My husband I make this on a weekly basis because it is so simple, full of plant-based protein and tastes amazing. We've tested this recipe over and over again to create the perfect taste and texture in every bite! Best of all, there are only 8 ingredients in total!
Jump to:
- What Method is Better: Air Fryer or Oven Baked?
- Key Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step by Step Instructions (Air Fryer Method)
- Instructions for Oven Roasted BBQ Tofu
- Emily's Top Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Serving Suggestions
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Did you try this recipe?
- BBQ Tofu (Oven + Air Fryer Instructions)
What Method is Better: Air Fryer or Oven Baked?
The short answer, is whichever you have access to! Both methods delivery a flavorful dish everyone will enjoy. I typically prefer to make my BBQ tofu in the air fryer because I like the texture better, however I know not everyone has an air fryer, so I include additional instructions on how to make it in the oven.
During the warmer months I find it easier to cook in the air fryer since it doesn't heat up my entire house! The oven roasted method will also take longer (about 45 minutes) compared to the air fryer method (about 30 minutes).
Key Ingredients
- Extra firm tofu - extra firm tofu offer the perfect texture for this dish. I recommend the one that is packed in water, otherwise it may become too dry after it is cooked.
- BBQ sauce - the trick to this recipe is to use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce! I like to use Sweet Baby Rays or Rufus Teague Touch O' Heat BBQ Sauce (which can be found at BJ's).
- Cornstarch - this is the secret ingredient that makes the tofu crispy on the outside!
See recipe card below for full list of ingredients and instructions.
Substitutions and Variations
- Tofu - if you can't find extra firm tofu you may substitute firm tofu, however the end result will be slightly softer. It will still develop a crispy exterior layer but the inside will be softer.
- Rice Flour - when I'm out of cornstarch I use rice flour to coat the tofu.
- Spices - feel free to add in your favor spices to flavor the tofu. Additional spices that I would recommended are paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin or thyme.
Step by Step Instructions (Air Fryer Method)
Note: the first 2 steps are the same for both cooking methods.
- Step 1: Press the tofu and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Mix together with spices, olive oil and cornstarch.
- Step 3: Add the tofu to a preheated air fryer basket. Air fry for 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket once halfway through.
- Step 4: Add the tofu to a bowl with bbq sauce and mix well until it is coated in sauce.
Instructions for Oven Roasted BBQ Tofu
Steps 1 & 2: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and then follow steps 1 & 2 above.
Step 3: Spread the tofu out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35-45 minutes until crispy on the outside. Stir once halfway through baking.
Continue with step 4 above.
Hint: to press tofu simple wrap it a paper towel, followed by a kitchen towel and place a heavier object on it for about 3-5 minutes. I usually use weigh it down with a couple of my cookbooks or a ceramic bowl. This helps squeeze out extra moisture which allows it to better absorb the flavors in the recipe.
Emily's Top Tip
"Make sure to use you favorite bbq sauce in this recipe. Tofu acts as a blank canvas that takes on the flavors that surround it. Using a delicious sauce is the key to this recipe!"
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on the final texture you want to achieve! Freezing tofu (and thawing it out) before cooking makes it more sponge-like and it becomes crispier after it bakes since more moisture can be removed from. I tend to store 1-2 blocks of tofu in my freeze so I can make this quick recipe on the fly. I enjoy making it both ways with previously frozen tofu, or refrigerated tofu.
Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat the tofu in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until it is heated through. Alternatively you may reheat it in the microwave, however it will not be as crispy.
For this recipe, no there is no need to marinate the tofu. The tofu will get tossed in the bbq sauce after it cooks which will give it the flavor it needs.
Serving Suggestions
BBQ tofu can be served in a variety of ways! Here are some of my favorite uses:
- Turn it into a grain bowl (with rice or quinoa) and serve it with broccoli (or your favorite veggie)!
- Enjoy it with a side of air fryer potatoes and a cabbage & carrot salad.
- Swap out the cauliflower for tofu in my bbq cauliflower taco recipe!
BBQ Tofu (Oven + Air Fryer Instructions)
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu pressed (extra water squeezed out)
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch more if needed
- ¼ cup - ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
Air Fryer Instructions:
- Cut the tofu into bit sized pieces or pull it apart into chunks with your hands.
- Add the tofu to a mixing bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder salt and black pepper. Mix well until the tofu is coated. Add in the cornstarch and mix again until the cornstarch is no longer powdery and is coating all of the tofu.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When the air fryer is preheated, add the tofu to the basket. Air fry for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking.
- Add the cooked tofu to a large mixing bowl. Add in ¼ cup to ½ cup of barbecue sauce and toss well to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Oven Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Follow steps 1-2 above.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the tofu out on the baking sheet. Bake for 35-45 minutes, stirring the tofu once half way through baking.
- Follow step 4 above.
Notes
- The tofu tends to be crispier when using the air fryer rather than the oven.
- If you only have the oven available and want a really crispy tofu, I recommend freezing the block of tofu overnight and thawing it before following the rest of this recipe. Freezing changes the texture of the tofu and allows it to become more crispy. Please note, you can do this with the air fryer method however if you press the tofu too much it will become dry and tough to eat (after it has been frozen).
- Serving suggestion: serve with rice and a veggies such as broccoli or a salad.
- Make sure to use your favorite bbq sauce for this recipe since the tofu will take on its flavor.
Emily says
My husband and I make this recipe at least once a week. It’s easy to throw together last minute when we need a quick dinner for 2. I like to eat it with rice and broccoli. 🥦 I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!