Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu

This Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu recipe is perfect for a quick, weeknight meal. Pair it with rice and vegetables or add to your favorite salad. This can also be made in the oven!

*Originally published June 2020. Updated Feb 2024*

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing a super easy way to make honey garlic tofu in the air fryer! If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t leave yet! This can also be made in the oven. 

If you do have an air fryer and you’re looking for other recipes, here are a few to try:

• Air Fryer Salmon Bites
• Air Fryer Steak Bites
• I make chicken in the air fryer all the time using this Simple Chicken Marinade

---

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu

I’ve experimented with tofu a bit in the past and honestly have not fallen in love with it. This recipe has me changing my feelings. I’ve found that tossing in cornstarch and putting in the air fryer has given me the texture I enjoy most. 

If you’re already a tofu lover and are looking for more ways to enjoy it, here are a few ideas:

• Quick and Easy Crispy Tofu
• Crispy Baked Tofu
• Peanut Tofu Bowls
• Marry Me Tofu
• Silken Tofu Berry Smoothie

---

What To Serve with Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

This recipe is designed to just give you flavorful protein option. Serve it with whatever you want! It pairs well with steamed or roasted veggies and rice. You can add it to salads.

How To Make Honey Garlic Tofu Sauce

This recipe basically involves 2 simple steps:

• Cube the tofu, toss in cornstarch and cook in the air fryer.
• Transfer to a skillet and add a simple sauce

The cornstarch on the tofu will help the sauce thicken right up to coat the tofu pieces and boom! Ready to eat.

To make the simple sauce, you just need a few simple ingredients:

• Soy sauce (or tamari) – Use tamari to make it gluten-free
• Rice Vinegar
• Garlic – I like lots of garlic for flavor
• Ginger – optional but I like the flavor it adds
• Honey – feel free to adjust the amount to make it as sweet as you like

After you’ve air-fried the tofu, transfer it to a skillet, add the sauce and let it thicken for a few minutes. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little broth to thin it out. If it’s not thick enough, let it cook a few more minutes.

---

Honey Garlic Tofu Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

Print

That’s it! So easy and a great way to try out tofu. I’ve been enjoying it over rice and veggies but I’ve also been loving it on a salad. Current fav combo is mixed greens, tofu, candied pecans, apples, red onions and crumbled feta. Yassss.

---

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu FAQs

What type of tofu is best for making Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu?

Be sure to use extra firm tofu for this recipe! There are several different brands available and any are fine, it’s the firmness that matters most.

How do I press tofu properly for this recipe?

If you cook a lot of tofu, it might be worth investing in a tofu press (aff link) but if you just cook it occasionally, here are directions for how to press tofu.

Can I substitute honey with another sweetener for a vegan version?

Sure. Maple syrup is an easy substitute for honey and would work well in this recipe.

Is there a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that I can use?

Yes, tamari can be substituted for soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free. Just make sure you’re using certified gluten-free cornstarch if needed.

How do I store leftovers of Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu and how long will they last?

Store leftovers in a glass storage container in the fridge! Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Leftovers are good for 3-4 days.

Can I prepare Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu in advance?

Yes. It will be its crispiest right after you cook it and add the sauce but you can certainly make in advance and reheat it. It still tastes great!

Can I double the recipe in the air fryer?

You can double the recipe but I would recommend cooking in two batches. If you overcrowd the air fryer, the tofu won’t get as crispy.

How do I ensure the tofu doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket?

The cornstarch coating should help as well as the oil you spray on it. Just be sure to shake the basket every few minutes.

Can I use this recipe with other types of protein like chicken?

Yes! This recipe would work well with chicken also but you’d need to reduce the cooking time in the air fryer. Cubes of chicken should cook quickly in 5-6 minutes.

---

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–