Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu (Better Than Takeout!)

Craving a meal that’s incredibly delicious, lightning-fast, and healthier than your favorite takeout? Look no further. This Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu recipe delivers ultra-crispy cubes of tofu coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes.

We’re using the magic of the air fryer to achieve a perfect texture that’s soft and tender on the inside with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior. Forget soggy, bland tofu—this recipe is a game-changer.

Why This Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu Recipe Works

This isn’t just another tofu recipe; it’s designed for perfection. The combination of cornstarch and air frying creates an unbeatable crispy coating without deep frying. The honey garlic sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, clinging to every nook and cranny of the crispy tofu.

• Unbelievably Crispy: The air fryer circulates hot air, crisping the tofu to perfection with minimal oil.
• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this entire meal is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Flavor: The simple yet bold honey garlic sauce is made with pantry staples and is utterly addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a spectacular dish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.

For the Crispy Tofu:

• Extra-Firm Tofu: One 14-ounce block is perfect. Make sure it’s extra-firm to hold its shape.
• Cornstarch: This is the secret to a light, crispy coating.
• Avocado Oil: Or another high-smoke-point oil.
• Salt and Black Pepper: For basic seasoning.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• Honey: The star of the sauce, providing the perfect sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best for a robust flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
• Sesame Oil: For a touch of nutty, aromatic flavor.

How to Make Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious tofu you’ve ever had. It’s a straightforward process that yields fantastic results every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

First, press your tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove as much water as possible. This step is crucial for getting it crispy! Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Coat the Tofu

In a medium bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss again until each piece is lightly and evenly coated.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. You may need to cook in two batches. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the tofu is in the air fryer, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once the tofu is perfectly crispy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the top and gently toss to coat every piece. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Crispiest Tofu

Want to guarantee restaurant-quality crispy tofu? Follow these essential tips.

• Don’t Skip the Press: Pressing tofu removes excess moisture, which is the enemy of crispiness. Use a tofu press or wrap the block in paper towels and place a heavy object on top.
• Cornstarch is Key: The light coating of cornstarch is what creates that irresistible crunchy exterior. Don’t be tempted to skip it.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Giving the pieces space allows the hot air to circulate and crisp them up evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.

What to Serve with Your Tofu

This Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu is incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa. For a complete meal, pair it with some perfectly cooked vegetables. We highly recommend trying it with crispy air fryer broccoli or a side of healthy sautéed vegetables.

Variations and Substitutions

Make this recipe your own with these easy swaps!

• Make it Vegan: Substitute the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Add Some Spice: Whisk in a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Introduce More Aromatics: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the sauce along with the garlic for another layer of flavor.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results when reheating, pop it back in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until it’s warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving will work in a pinch, but the tofu will lose its crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved this easy air fryer recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy our Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. For another fantastic weeknight dinner, check out this flavorful Honey Soy Glazed Chicken. And for a surprisingly delicious vegetarian option, give our Marry Me Chickpeas recipe a try!

The Only Air Fryer Tofu Recipe You’ll Ever Need!

This Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu is a true game-changer for quick, healthy, and flavorful meals. It’s a dish that proves simple ingredients can create something truly special. We hope you love it as much as we do! If you make this recipe, let us know in the comments and share your creation on Pinterest!

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu (Better Than Takeout!)

This Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu is ultra-crispy and coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect healthy and easy weeknight dinner that tastes better than takeout.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian

Calories: 285

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup for vegan
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Equipment

• 1 Air Fryer
• 1 Tofu Press (optional)

Method

 

1. Press tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
2. In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with cornstarch and toss again until evenly coated.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange tofu in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
4. While tofu cooks, whisk honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Transfer crispy tofu to a large bowl. Pour the warm sauce over it and toss to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For the crispiest results, do not skip pressing the tofu.
Ensure the tofu is in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking.
The sauce will thicken as it cools; pour it over the tofu while it's still warm.