Air Fryer Tofu with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Air Fryer Tofu with Honey Garlic Sauce is a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. The tofu comes out perfectly golden and coated in a sweet and savory sauce that’s sure to please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients

• 14 ounces extra firm tofu
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Cooking spray
• Honey Garlic Sauce:
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup honey (add more if you like it sweeter)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lay the tofu in the center of a clean thin dish towel and gently press to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into approximately 1 x 1 inch pieces.
2. Step 2: Place the tofu cubes in a large bowl or a large ziplock bag. Add the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and salt. Toss or close and shake the bag until the tofu is completely coated.
3. Step 3: Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray and arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer. (Optional: Use air fryer parchment paper for easier cleanup.) Spray the tops of the tofu with cooking spray as well.
4. Step 4: Set the air fryer to 360°F and cook the tofu for 18 minutes. After 10 minutes, shake the basket to redistribute the tofu pieces, then arrange them back in a single layer and continue cooking for the remaining 8 minutes.
5. Step 5: While the tofu is frying, combine chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ground ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring often, for about 5 minutes to let the flavors develop.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the saucepan and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: When the tofu is done, place it in a bowl and pour in 1/2 cup of the honey garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat the tofu evenly.
8. Step 8: Plate the tofu and drizzle with any extra sauce as desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
• Pressing the tofu well is key to getting a crispy exterior, so don’t skip that step.
• You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Serving over steamed rice or sautéed vegetables makes a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover tofu and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or a skillet to maintain crispiness, or microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft or medium tofu instead of extra firm?

Extra firm tofu holds up best for air frying and coating in sauce. Softer tofu tends to break apart and won’t crisp as well, so it’s not recommended for this recipe.

How do I prevent the tofu from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Spraying the basket with cooking spray and optionally using air fryer parchment paper will help prevent sticking, making cleanup easier and keeping the tofu’s coating intact.

Air Fryer Tofu with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 66 reviews

Crispy air fryer tofu tossed in a sweet and savory homemade honey garlic sauce. This recipe features perfectly seasoned and crunchy tofu cubes cooked quickly in the air fryer, then coated in a flavorful, slightly thickened honey garlic glaze. Perfect as a protein-packed appetizer or main dish with rice or vegetables.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tofu

• 14 ounces extra firm tofu
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Cooking spray

Honey Garlic Sauce

• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup honey (add more if you like it sweeter)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Prepare Tofu: Lay the tofu in the center of a clean thin dish towel and gently press to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into approximately 1 x 1 inch cubes.
2. Coat Tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a large bowl or ziploc bag. Add the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and salt. Toss or shake the bag until all tofu pieces are thoroughly coated.
3. Air Fry Tofu: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer. Optionally, place air fryer parchment paper in basket for easier cleanup. Spray tops of tofu lightly with cooking spray. Set air fryer to 360°F and cook for 18 minutes. After 10 minutes, shake the basket to redistribute tofu and cook remaining 8 minutes.
4. Make Sauce: While tofu cooks, combine chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 more minutes.
6. Toss Tofu in Sauce: When tofu is fully cooked and crispy, transfer it to a bowl and pour about 1/2 cup of the honey garlic sauce over it. Toss gently to coat the tofu pieces well.
7. Serve: Plate the sauced tofu and drizzle with additional honey garlic sauce as desired. Enjoy warm as a delicious appetizer or main course.

Notes

• Pressing the tofu is essential to remove water and achieve crispiness.
• Adjust honey in the sauce to your preferred sweetness.
• If you want a vegan version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Air fryer times may vary depending on brand, check tofu for crispiness before finishing.
• Serve alongside steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Air fryer tofu, Honey garlic tofu, Crispy tofu recipe, Healthy tofu recipe, Easy air fryer recipes, Asian tofu dish