Name: Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 12 oz extra-firm tofu; 6 tablespoons vegan honey mustard sauce, divided; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs; Oil spray (grapeseed, light olive oil, or avocado oil); Nutritional yeast (optional); Smoked paprika (optional); Sesame seeds (optional); Lemon zest (optional); Fresh herbs (optional); Sliced veggies (optional)

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Last updated on February 3, 2026

I can still picture a rainy Sunday afternoon when I first craved something crunchy, warm, and a little sweet—my kitchen smelled like toasted panko and mustard, and I laughed at myself for using a fork as a makeshift tongs. If you’re new to working with tofu, cutting it into sticks and air-frying feels oddly freeing and reliably forgiving. I promise this Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) recipe is easy, low-stress, and perfect for beginners who want a healthy snack or a lighter comfort-food option. If you love sweet-savory dips, I often pair these with my favorite hot-honey cream cheese dip found at hot-honey cream cheese dip for a fun contrast.

A Quick Look at This Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) Recipe

These Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) are a protein-forward, light comfort-food snack made with extra-firm tofu and a vegan honey-mustard sauce. Tofu provides a good source of plant-based protein and calcium (if fortified), while panko gives you the satisfying crunch with less oil than deep frying. The recipe is naturally low in added sugars if you use a low-sugar vegan honey mustard and can be fiber-friendly when paired with veggies. It fits easily into balanced meals, is great for meal prep, and makes a tasty high-protein snack or appetizer.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer)

Essentials

12 oz extra-firm tofu — the texture is best for crisping and holding shape.
6 tablespoons vegan honey mustard sauce, divided — 3 tablespoons for the coating mix and the rest for serving. Choose a version with minimal added sugar if you prefer.
1 teaspoon cornstarch — helps the sauce cling and creates a light crisp.
½ teaspoon fine sea salt — adjusts flavor without overwhelming.
½ teaspoon black pepper — freshly cracked if possible.
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs — gives the signature crunch; use gluten-free panko if needed.
Oil spray (grapeseed, light olive oil, or avocado oil) — for a light coating that helps browning.

Optional add-ons

Nutritional yeast — adds a savory, cheesy depth and extra B vitamins.
Smoked paprika — for a warm, smoky note.
Sesame seeds — for extra texture and a nutty finish.
Lemon zest — brightens the flavor when sprinkled on after cooking.
Fresh herbs (chopped parsley, chives, or dill) — to finish and add freshness.
Sliced veggies (carrot sticks, cucumber, bell peppers) — great for serving and to boost fiber.

Substitutions and shortcuts

Tofu: If you can’t find extra-firm, press regular firm tofu for 20–30 minutes to remove excess water. Avoid silken tofu—it won’t hold up.
Vegan honey mustard: Mix 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard + 1½ tbsp maple syrup + 3 tbsp vegan mayonnaise as a quick homemade swap. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch work similarly. If you’re out, a bit of flour can help but may change texture slightly.
Panko: Crushed cornflakes or crushed crisp rice cereal can be a crunchy substitute. Regular breadcrumbs will work but won’t be as airy-crisp.
Oil spray: Lightly brush oil if you don’t have a spray bottle. A neutral oil with a high smoke point is best.

How to Make Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) Step-by-Step

I like to keep the process simple so the flavors and texture shine. Below I explain each step and why it matters for a crisp, nutritious result.

Prepare the tofu
- Open the package and drain the tofu. I usually press extra-firm tofu for 10–20 minutes between paper towels and a cutting board to remove excess water; this improves crisping. If you’re short on time, pat very dry with clean towels and give it a quick 10-minute press.
- Slice the tofu into 1/4-inch thick strips. Aim for even thickness so they cook uniformly.
Preheat and dry the tofu
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps the tofu start crisping right away.
- Arrange the tofu strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air-fry for 8–10 minutes to dry the exterior slightly. This step reduces moisture so the coating sticks better and crisps up quickly.
Make the thickened honey mustard coating
- In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of the vegan honey mustard sauce with 1 teaspoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until smooth. The cornstarch thickens the mustard slightly so it clings to the tofu and creates a light crust when baked.
Set up a coating station
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. If you like, stir in 1–2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for extra flavor. Having everything laid out helps you work quickly and keeps the tofu from getting soggy.
Coat the tofu
- Dip each pre-dried tofu strip into the thickened honey mustard, coating all sides. Let any excess drip back into the bowl—too much sauce will cause clumps.
- Press the sauced tofu into the panko, turning to coat evenly. Press gently to make sure the panko adheres without squashing the tofu.
Air-fry to crisp
- Place the coated tofu sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with oil spray; this promotes golden browning without deep frying.
- Air-fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, then lightly spray again and cook for an additional 1–3 minutes until the panko is deeply golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them the last few minutes so they don’t burn.
Serve with dipping sauce
- Warm the remaining 3 tablespoons of vegan honey mustard (microwave for 10–15 seconds or stir until pourable) and serve on the side. Sprinkle sesame seeds, lemon zest, or chopped fresh herbs over the sticks if you like.

Tips for nutrient preservation and best texture

Press tofu gently but effectively: removing excess water concentrates protein texture and helps the exterior crisp without overcooking the interior.
Avoid overhandling: pressing too hard when coating can make the tofu dense. Use gentle pressure to maintain a light interior.
Use air fryer baskets that allow airflow: good circulation crisps the panko evenly. If your basket is crowded, cook in batches.
Keep cook time efficient: high heat for a shorter time preserves more color and texture in the panko coating while ensuring the tofu warms through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have a few traps. One paragraph to set the tone: I’ve made these mistakes more than once—learning them saved me time and produced a much better crunch. Here are three common missteps and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Skipping the press/dry step

If you skip pressing or drying the tofu, the coating can slip off and the tofu will steam rather than crisp. Remove excess water by wrapping the block in towels and placing a weight on it for 10–20 minutes, or air-fry the plain strips briefly to dry the surface before coating.

Mistake 2: Overcrowding the air fryer basket

Crowding causes steam and softens the crust. Arrange tofu in a single layer with space between pieces or cook in batches. This keeps airflow consistent and ensures all sides get crisp.

Mistake 3: Using too much sauce when coating

Dipping tofu straight into a wet sauce without thickening will lead to clumpy breadcrumbs and a soggy crust. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch and let excess drip off before dredging in panko for a light, even coat.

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer)

These tofu sticks are versatile—great as an appetizer, part of a main plate, or a protein-rich snack. Here are three ways I love to serve them.

As a snack or appetizer

Arrange the Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces—extra honey mustard, tahini-lemon dip, or a spicy soy-sesame sauce. Add carrot and cucumber sticks for crunch and color.

In a meal bowl

Build a balanced bowl with brown rice or quinoa, mixed greens, roasted veggies, and sliced avocado. Top with the Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) and drizzle additional sauce for a filling, nutrient-balanced lunch or light dinner.

With other sweet-savory proteins

Pair them with other light proteins for variety at gatherings—I’ve paired mine with crispy honey-glazed shrimp for a buffet-style spread that keeps flavor consistent but adds different textures and tastes.

Conclusion

I love how these Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) manage to feel indulgent while staying aligned with a healthy lifestyle—high in plant protein, customizable to reduce added sugars, and built for short prep times. They’re flexible: tweak spices, add herbs, or swap panko for a gluten-free crunchy option. Whether you need a quick snack, a meal-prep protein, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe covers it. For additional inspiration or a slightly different take, I often look back to the original inspiration at Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) – Evergreen Kitchen. Give them a try this week and tell me how you seasoned yours—I’m always excited to hear tweaks that work.

FAQs About Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer)

Q1: How long do Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) keep in the fridge?
A1: Stored in an airtight container, the Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) will stay good for 3–4 days. Re-crisp them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or in a hot oven to restore crunch.

Q2: Can I make Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) ahead of time for a party?
A2: Yes—prepare and coat the tofu, then refrigerate the coated sticks on a tray for up to a day and air-fry just before serving. Alternatively, fully cook them and reheat briefly in the air fryer for best results.

Q3: Are Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) suitable for meal prep?
A3: Definitely. They’re a good protein addition to meal-prep bowls. Store the tofu separate from wet ingredients and add fresh veggies and greens when ready to eat to maintain texture.

Q4: Can I bake Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) in the oven instead?
A4: Yes. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–18 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp. The air fryer is faster but the oven works well for larger batches.

Q5: How can I make Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) lower in sodium or sugar?
A5: Choose a low-sodium or homemade vegan honey mustard and use less salt in the coating. For sweetness, reduce or replace the honey/maple in the sauce with a smaller amount of natural sweetener. Adjust to taste while keeping the cornstarch ratio the same for adhesion.

Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer)

A Quick Look at This Crispy Tofu Sticks with Honey Mustard (Air Fryer) Recipe