Crispy Air Fryer Korean-Style Tofu with Soy-Garlic Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden tofu cubes air fried until crispy and coated in a sticky soy-garlic glaze with a hint of sweetness and heat. This korean-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, cornstarch, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 14 oz extra-firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray lightly with cooking spray, and air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp gochujang, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the crispy tofu to a large bowl and pour the warm soy-garlic glaze over it, tossing gently to coat each piece.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Air Fryer Korean-Style Tofu with Soy-Garlic Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Air Fryer Korean-Style Tofu with Soy-Garlic Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Air Fryer Korean-Style Tofu with Soy-Garlic Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Air Fryer Korean-Style Tofu with Soy-Garlic Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crispy Air Fryer Korean-Style Tofu with Soy-Garlic Glaze vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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