Air Fryer Honey Garlic Tofu

$To make this tasty dish, you need some simple ingredients. Here’s what you will use: - 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 3 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar for vegan) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish - Sesame seeds for garnish Each ingredient adds a unique flavor. The tofu gives protein, while honey and soy sauce bring sweetness and saltiness. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma, and sesame oil gives a nice nutty taste. You can swap some items if you need to. If you want a vegan option, use agave nectar instead of honey. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also change the vinegar. Use apple cider vinegar if you don't have rice vinegar. If you like a spicy kick, you can add more red pepper flakes. If you want a milder taste, leave them out. Garnishes can make your dish more fun. I recommend using: - Sliced green onions - Sesame seeds These add color and crunch. You can also try adding chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts for a different twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, choose firm tofu for the best texture. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes. This step removes extra moisture. You can use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a weight on top to help press it down. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. This size helps it cook evenly and get crispy. Next, let’s make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 3 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar for vegan) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Mix until everything combines well. The honey adds sweetness, and the garlic gives bold flavor. Now, it’s time to marinate the tofu. Place the cubed tofu in the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss to coat all sides. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes. This wait helps the tofu soak up the flavors. After marinating, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the tofu. Toss it again to coat each piece. This step is key for a crispy outside. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the basket. If you have too much, cook in batches. Air fry for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The tofu should turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the air fryer. Add it back to the bowl with any leftover marinade. Toss gently to glaze the crispy tofu. Your air fryer honey garlic tofu is now ready to serve! 1. Press the Tofu: Always press tofu for at least 30 minutes. This step removes extra moisture. 2. Use Firm Tofu: Choose firm or extra-firm tofu. It holds its shape and gets crispier. 3. Cornstarch Coating: Coat the marinated tofu with cornstarch. This creates a crunchy outer layer. 4. Single Layer: Place tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer. This ensures even cooking. 1. Marinate Time: Let the tofu sit in the marinade for 15-30 minutes. Longer time means more flavor. 2. Gently Toss: Toss tofu gently when marinating. This helps to coat each piece without breaking it. 3. Use Fresh Garlic: Always use fresh minced garlic. It adds a strong, rich taste to the dish. 4. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust honey or agave nectar. Customize the sweetness to your taste. 1. Not Crispy Enough: If the tofu isn’t crispy, check the cornstarch coating. Make sure it’s even. 2. Burnt Tofu: If tofu burns, lower the air fryer temperature. Cooking at 350°F (175°C) can help. 3. Flavorless Tofu: If tofu lacks flavor, marinate for a longer time. You can also add more soy sauce. 4. Sticky Tofu: If tofu sticks to the basket, use a little spray oil. This helps prevent sticking during cooking. Pro Tips Press the Tofu: Ensure the tofu is pressed thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which allows it to absorb the marinade better and achieve a crispier texture when cooked. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your tofu on the sweeter side, feel free to add a bit more honey or agave nectar to the marinade for extra flavor. Even Cooking: Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the basket. Customize the Marinade: Experiment with additional ingredients like ginger or lime juice in the marinade for a unique twist on the flavor profile. {{image_2}} For a vegan twist on honey garlic tofu, simply swap honey for agave nectar. This change keeps the sweet flavor while aligning with vegan diets. Agave nectar has a similar taste and works great in marinades. You can also use maple syrup as a substitute. It adds a unique flavor that many enjoy. You can play with different sauces to change the flavor. Try using teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory kick. Another option is hoisin sauce, which gives a rich taste. For a spicy touch, add sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Mixing these sauces with the basic marinade can create new flavors. Don't be afraid to experiment! Pair your honey garlic tofu with tasty sides. Serve it over jasmine rice or quinoa for a filling meal. You can also add steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies for extra color and nutrition. A fresh salad with a light dressing makes a great side too. You can even wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held meal! To store leftover honey garlic tofu, let it cool first. Place the tofu in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the lid is tight to avoid moisture loss. To reheat your tofu, use an air fryer for the best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu in the basket and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This way, it stays crispy. You can also use a microwave. Just warm it for 1 to 2 minutes. But be aware, it will lose some crispiness in the microwave. Yes, you can freeze honey garlic tofu. First, make sure it's fully cooled. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as you can. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use different kinds of tofu. Firm and extra-firm tofu work best for this recipe. These types hold their shape and crisp up nicely. Soft or silken tofu is not great for air frying. They break apart easily. If you want a different texture, try marinating tempeh instead. It also absorbs flavors well and cooks nicely in an air fryer. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce. Check the honey or agave nectar labels too. Most brands are gluten-free, but it's good to confirm. Avoid using other sauces that may contain gluten. This way, you ensure a tasty dish for everyone! For firm or extra-firm tofu, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature crisps up the tofu well. If you use softer tofu, reduce the cooking time to avoid mushiness. Start with 10-12 minutes and check for doneness. Always shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping, no matter the type of tofu. This blog post covered how to make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Tofu. We explored the main ingredients, substitutions, and tasty garnishes. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing tofu, making the marinade, and getting that perfect air-fried finish. I also shared tips for crispy tofu and ways to enjoy variations or side dishes. In the end, whether you’re a tofu fan or new to it, this dish is easy and tasty. Enjoy cooking and get creative with your flavors!$

A delicious and crispy tofu dish glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions sliced for garnish
to taste sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu: Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes.
Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Marinate the Tofu: Place the cubed tofu in the marinade, gently tossing to coat all sides. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes for maximum flavor.
Coat with Cornstarch: After marinating, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This helps achieve a crispy exterior.
Air Fry the Tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Glaze the Tofu: Once cooked, remove the tofu from the air fryer and add it back to the bowl with the leftover marinade. Toss gently to glaze the crispy tofu with the sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer the glazed tofu to a serving plate and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Use agave nectar for a vegan version.

Keyword air fryer, honey garlic, tofu, vegan option