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- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes - 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon cornstarch for crispiness - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish - Olive oil - Non-stick cooking spray The main ingredients are simple but key. Firm tofu gives the dish body. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. Soy sauce or tamari brings depth. The optional cornstarch helps create that perfect crispy layer. Sesame oil adds a nice touch of flavor. Finally, green onions and sesame seeds make a beautiful garnish. You can choose olive oil or cooking spray for air frying. Both work well to prevent sticking. Enjoy the process of preparing these tasty ingredients! First, we need to press the tofu. This step is key. Press the tofu for 15-20 minutes. You want to remove as much moisture as possible. This helps it get crispy later. After pressing, cut the tofu into even cubes. Aim for about 1-inch pieces. This size cooks evenly and absorbs the marinade well. Next, we’ll make the marinade. In a bowl, mix together three tablespoons of honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. This mix gives the tofu a great flavor. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and stir gently. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. Now, let’s get crispy! Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu. Toss it gently to coat all the pieces. The cornstarch helps create that crunch. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This should take about five minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can make them soggy. Air fry the tofu for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Once golden and crispy, your tofu is ready to enjoy! To get that perfect crunch, cornstarch is essential. Coating the tofu in cornstarch creates a barrier that helps it crisp up in the air fryer. Without it, your tofu may turn out soft instead of crispy. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is key to achieving that golden brown color. Preheating the air fryer for about five minutes helps start the cooking process evenly. You can boost flavor with some optional spices. Consider adding chili flakes for heat or paprika for smokiness. These spices can change the flavor profile and add depth to your dish. Marination time is also important. While 15 minutes is a minimum, letting the tofu sit longer allows it to absorb more flavor. Aim for 30 minutes if you have the time. Pair your honey garlic tofu with steamed rice or a fresh salad. This will balance the sweetness and add texture. This dish is perfect for casual dinners or special occasions. Serve it at a gathering, and it will impress your friends and family. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Just swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup adds a sweet touch similar to honey. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari keeps the flavor rich without gluten. It works well with the marinade and the tofu. You can cook the tofu in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through. Stovetop frying is another option. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the marinated tofu cubes until golden brown on each side. This method gives a nice, crispy finish too. Add more excitement to your dish by mixing in spices. Try chili flakes for heat or ginger for a fresh kick. These spices can change the taste and make it more fun. You can also explore different sauces for marinating. Try teriyaki, hoisin, or even a spicy sriracha blend. Each sauce will give your tofu a unique flavor profile. To keep your honey garlic tofu fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best. They do not stain or hold odors. Place cooled tofu in the container. Make sure to separate any sauce or marinade. Store the tofu in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Reheat your tofu in the air fryer for the best texture. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps it crispy. You can also use a skillet. Just warm it on medium heat, flipping often. Avoid using the microwave. It can make the tofu soggy. You can freeze both marinated and cooked tofu. However, marinated tofu may not keep its texture after thawing. For best results, freeze cooked tofu. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just use the defrost setting to speed things up. Enjoy your honey garlic tofu even days later! Yes, you can use frozen tofu. Freezing changes the texture. It makes the tofu spongy and chewy. This helps it soak up more flavor. You should thaw it first and then press out the moisture. This step is key to getting the best taste. To add heat, you can use chili flakes or sriracha. Mix these into the marinade. You can also toss in some minced ginger. This will give your dish a nice kick. Start with small amounts and taste as you go. Adjust the heat level to your liking. Yes, you can! Maple syrup is a great option for vegans. Agave nectar also works well. You can even use brown sugar if you prefer. Each sweetener gives a different taste. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite! In this blog post, we explored how to make tasty air-fried tofu. We covered key ingredients, including firm tofu, sweeteners, and sauces. You learned step-by-step instructions from pressing tofu to cooking it perfectly in an air fryer. We shared tips for crispiness and flavor, plus variations to fit your needs. Tofu shines as a versatile dish. With these tips, you can enjoy it in many ways. Keep experimenting, and you'll surely find your favorite version!

Honey Garlic Tofu Crispy Air Fryer

Discover the deliciousness of Honey Garlic Tofu made in your air fryer! This easy recipe combines crispy tofu with a sweet and savory marinade of honey, garlic, and soy sauce, perfect for a healthy meal. In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy this flavorful dish that's sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your weeknight dinners with this tasty and guilt-free option!
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Ingredients
  

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes

3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray or olive oil for air frying

Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu for about 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into evenly sized cubes.

    Marinate: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Add the tofu cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

      Coat with Cornstarch: After marinating, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and gently toss to coat all the pieces evenly. This will help achieve a crispy texture during air frying.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for around 5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Tofu: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Place the marinated tofu cubes in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy.

            Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the tofu from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4