Air fryer tofu is a game-changer when it comes to quick, crispy, and perfectly seasoned tofu. The air fryer creates a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy—perfect for adding to bowls, salads, or simply enjoying on its own.
With a touch of garlic, honey, and soy sauce, this recipe brings all the umami and sweetness together in one bite. If you’ve been skeptical about tofu, this recipe will surely convert you into a fan. Let’s dive into making this crispy, flavorful air fryer tofu.
1. Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
For Tofu
- 14 ounces extra firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
For Honey Garlic Sauce
- 3/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1/3 cup honey (feel free to add more for extra sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Prepare the Tofu: Start by draining the tofu. Press it gently using a tofu press or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top to remove excess moisture. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, which will give you the perfect crispy pieces when air fried.
Season the Tofu: In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and salt. Toss the tofu cubes in this seasoning mix until they’re evenly coated. The cornstarch is key to achieving that crispy, golden crust.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to ensure the tofu doesn’t stick.
Air Fry the Tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know the tofu is done when it’s golden and crispy on all sides.
Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: While the tofu is cooking, make the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then add it to the sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Toss Tofu in Sauce: Once the tofu is crispy and golden, transfer it to a bowl and drizzle the honey garlic sauce over it. Toss the tofu gently to coat it in the sauce, making sure every piece is covered in that sweet, savory glaze.
Your air fryer tofu is ready to enjoy!
2. Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Tofu
Press the Tofu Well: The key to getting crispy tofu is to press out as much moisture as possible before cooking. This allows the tofu to absorb the seasoning better and crisp up in the air fryer.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. The tofu cubes need space to circulate the air, which is what creates that golden, crispy texture. If you need to, cook the tofu in batches.
Use Cornstarch for Crispiness: Cornstarch helps the tofu achieve a crispy, crunchy exterior. Don’t skip this step, as it’s the secret to that perfect bite. Make sure each tofu piece is well-coated.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The honey garlic sauce can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Add more honey if you like it sweeter or reduce the soy sauce for a less salty version. It’s all about balancing the sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
Shake It Up: Halfway through cooking, shake the air fryer basket to move the tofu around. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the tofu from sticking to one side.
3. Serving Suggestions
Serve with Rice: Air fryer tofu is a great addition to a rice bowl. Place a bed of steamed white, brown, or jasmine rice in a bowl and top it with the crispy tofu and honey garlic sauce. Add some steamed vegetables for a wholesome, balanced meal.
Toss with Noodles: If you’re craving something a little heartier, toss the crispy tofu with cooked noodles. Whether it’s soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti, the tofu will add a lovely crunch to your dish.
Top a Salad: For a lighter option, place the crispy tofu on top of a fresh salad. The sweetness of the honey garlic sauce pairs perfectly with greens, especially if you add a little extra dressing to balance the flavors.
Snack on It: The crispy tofu can also be served as a snack or appetizer. Pair it with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or even more honey garlic sauce for an extra kick.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover air fryer tofu, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it will still taste great when reheated.
Reheating: To bring back the crispiness, reheat the tofu in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C). This will help it crisp up again without making it soggy. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil for a similar effect.
This air fryer tofu recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals. I love how easy it is to make and how the tofu turns out so crispy with minimal oil. The honey garlic sauce is the perfect finishing touch, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.
I recommend this recipe for anyone looking to try tofu in a new way or for those who want a simple yet flavorful plant-based meal. The air fryer does all the work, and the result is crispy, delicious tofu that’s ready to be paired with anything you like.
