It sounds like you have already created a non-zero valuation for your equity (a fair market value established by your funding round). So that creates a corresponding tax liability if you just award equity to your new co-founders (without liquidity).
Option A: If the share value is still fairly low and the amount of equity that you want to award is modest then I would just take the tax hit. The company could cover the employee via an interest free loan that is offset by any future liquidity gains.
Option B: If we are talking about a huge equity/value piece but an early stage company then you might consider setting up a new company, assigning founder equity at near zero valuation and then transfering all assets of the old company to the new one. This creates some accounting and legal work but might be worth it if you are early stage and are looking at major equity changes. Just watch out that previously accummulated tax liabilities, tax credits and subsidies of the old/current company get captured properly.
Option C: Issue stock options at fair market value instead of equity. This is probably the simplest option but won't give your new co-founders as much control (which might or might not be a good thing).
Definitely best to spend a bit of money with a small business tax guy though.