Tofu cooking times
How long to cook tofu: 8–10 min pan-fried, 12–15 min in an air fryer at 200°C, 25–30 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan) and 3–4 min deep-fried at 180°C. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook tofu
Times are for a 400 g block of firm tofu, in 2–3 cm cubes.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-fry | 8–10 min | over a medium-high heat | In oil, turning every couple of minutes. |
| Air fryer | 12–15 min | 200°C (400°F) | Shake every 5 minutes. |
| Oven | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On a lined tray; turn halfway. |
| Deep-fry | 3–4 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Dusted in cornflour. |
Before you start
Press for 15–30 minutes, wrapped in a towel under something heavy. Toss the cubes in cornflour for extra crispness.
How to tell it’s done
Golden and crisp outside.
How long to boil tofu?
For soup, use a gentle simmer and follow the tofu pack or recipe. There is no single boiling time for every type and size of tofu. As one manufacturer’s example, Cauldron’s miso soup recipe gently simmers six slices from a 200 g pack of its extra-firm tofu for 2 minutes with the other ingredients. That timing is for that product and recipe, rather than a universal safety rule.
Simmered tofu stays soft; it will not become golden and crisp like the fried methods above. Keep silken tofu and firm tofu instructions separate and follow any cooking directions on your pack. Source checked 14 November 2026.
Questions
How long to pan-fry tofu?
8–10 min over a medium-high heat. In oil, turning every couple of minutes.
How long to cook tofu in an air fryer?
12–15 min at 200°C (400°F). Shake every 5 minutes.
How long to cook tofu in the oven?
25–30 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. On a lined tray; turn halfway.
How long to deep-fry tofu?
3–4 min in oil at 180°C (350°F). Dusted in cornflour.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.