This crispy chia tofu is so simple to make and unbelievably tasty! As a fantastically healthy and versatile source of plant-based protein and taking only 10 minutes to make (with literally a minute prep time!), you’ll find yourself making this crispy tofu all the time! Use in stir-fries and noodles or to add some protein to your salads or even as a pre-dinner canapé with a tasty dipping sauce.
Pre-heat the air-fryer (or oven) to 200°C / 400°F.
Drain the tofu from the liquid in the packet and dab dry with kitchen towel. Press the tofu if you’d like a more chewy texture. (See notes below for further information on pressing tofu).
400 g tofu (firm or extra-firm)
Chop the tofu into small cubes (I like to slice the block of tofu in half horizontally, then a few slices in both directions on the top).
In a large bowl, carefully toss the tofu cubes with the potato starch to make sure each piece is coated. Then add the chia seeds, garlic granules (or powder) and salt and pepper and toss again. (Don’t worry if it doesn’t all stick – the oil will do that job). Finally add the oil and mix it all together so that each piece is evenly covered with the chia seed mixture.
Air fryer instructions: Pour the tofu pieces into the air-fryer basket, preferably in a single layer, and air fry for 10 minutes at 200°C, turning half way to ensure even browning.
Oven instructions: Lay the tofu pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, and pop in the oven at 200°C/400°F. Depending on your oven, they will take around 15-20 minutes but just keep an eye on them and take them out whenever they are browned to your liking. Turn them over half way through cooking to ensure even browning.
Notes
Use firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe, not silken tofu.
If you prefer the tofu to be chewy rather than meltingly soft, then press the tofu first. This involves putting the drained tofu on a plate lined with a few pieces of folded up kitchen towel, then put a plate and something heavy on top of it (like a small cast iron pan or a few tins of beans). Leave for half an hour or so then pour out the liquid off the plate. This recipe doesn’t need any more than this short simple pressing. Alternatively, you can use a tofu press for this!
To re-heat, just put back in the air-fryer or oven for a few minutes to crisp up again.