First things first—decide whether you’re using the oven or air fryer and preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This ensures everything will cook evenly and get that crispy texture we all love.

Grab your 16 ounces of firm tofu and gently pat it dry with some kitchen paper. This step is essential; you want to remove excess moisture to ensure it crisps up beautifully. Now, using your hands, pull the tofu apart into bite-sized pieces (no need to be perfect here!). The rustic look adds character to the dish.

In a large bowl, combine the torn tofu pieces with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring each piece of tofu is coated with the lovely spices and condiments. Your kitchen will start smelling fantastic—trust me!

Transfer the marinated tofu onto a baking sheet, arranging the pieces in a single layer. This allows for even cooking and prevents them from steaming each other. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or in the air fryer for approximately 15 minutes. You want the edges to look slightly charred and crispy. Don’t skip this step; it makes all the difference in texture!

Once your tofu is beautifully roasted, pull it out of the heat and drizzle about ½ to ¾ cup of barbecue sauce over the pieces. Feel free to add more if you like your tofu on the saucier side! Using a spatula, gently toss the tofu to coat it evenly with that sweet, smoky goodness.

Pop the baking sheet back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This step marries the flavors and caramelizes the edges just right. After 5 minutes, remove the tofu and give it a quick taste. If it needs more sauce, don’t hesitate to add it! Serve it hot and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for that extra flair.