A simple phase-inversion process is successfully combined with a dip-coating process to fabricate anode-supported micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Several processing parameters were systematically investigated to optimize cell microstructure and performance, including the amount of pore former used in the support substrate and the number of electrolyte coatings. Single cells with similar to 240 mu m thick NiO-YSZ support and 10 pm thick YSZ electrolyte were successfully fabricated, demonstrating peak power densities of 752 and 277 mW cm(-2) at 800 and 600 degrees C, respectively, when a composite cathode consisting of La(0.85)Sr(0.15)MnO(3) and Sm(0.2)Ce(0.8)O(2-delta) was used. This simple fabrication technique can be readily used for optimization of fuel cell microstructures and for cost-effective fabrication of high-performance SOFCs, potentially reducing the cost of SOFC technologies. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.