• Cut the tofu into cubes, rectangles, or triangles.
• Mix the cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and 3 tbsp water well, and place the tofu pieces side by side in it for at least 5 minutes, flipping once. A large, deep plate works well for this.
  

In the air fryer:

• Place the tofu pieces side by side in the basket and run the air fryer for 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Tofu pieces sometimes stick to the basket; let them sit and cool slightly and they'll release easily.

In the oven:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pieces on parchment paper on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, until golden and puffed up, flipping once.

Lemongrass Sauce

• Finely chop the lemongrass. For fresh lemongrass, remove the outer leaves and trim the end, then cut into thin rings and chop finely. Frozen lemongrass just needs to be chopped.
  
• Whisk together with the crushed garlic and the remaining sauce ingredients.
  
• Pour over the finished tofu, or serve on the side as a dipping sauce.