Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu (Printable view)

Golden tofu bites tossed in tangy sweet chili sauce, crispy and flavorful with an Asian-inspired touch.

# What You Need:

→ Tofu Nuggets

01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or rice flour for gluten-free
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 2 tablespoons neutral oil such as canola or avocado

→ Sweet Chili Sauce

10 - 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce store-bought or homemade
11 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
12 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil

→ Garnish

14 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

# How To Make:

01 - Wrap tofu in clean towel and place heavy object on top. Let drain 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
02 - Cut pressed tofu into bite-sized nuggets approximately 3/4 to 1 inch each.
03 - In large bowl combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Toss tofu nuggets in coating mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
05 - Drizzle oil over coated tofu pieces and toss again to ensure even coating.
06 - Arrange tofu nuggets in single layer in air fryer basket without overcrowding for optimal crispiness.
07 - Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking basket halfway through cooking until golden and crispy.
08 - While tofu cooks, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in small bowl until well combined.
09 - Transfer cooked tofu to large bowl. Pour prepared sauce over nuggets and gently toss to coat evenly.
10 - Serve immediately garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together faster than ordering takeout, and your kitchen stays cool while you eat something genuinely crunchy and flavorful.
  • The sweet-tangy sauce transforms simple tofu into something so good that even skeptics ask for seconds.
  • No deep frying means less cleanup and fewer guilt-ridden paper towels, which somehow makes the whole meal feel smarter.
02 -
  • Don't skip the pressing step—I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out soggy, and I realized that removing moisture is non-negotiable for crispiness.
  • The sauce-to-tofu ratio matters because too much sauce softens the coating, while too little means you lose that tangy sweetness that makes people reach for more.
03 -
  • Invest in a quality extra-firm tofu brand—I've noticed that some brands drain better than others, and that small difference transforms your final results.
  • Don't be afraid to shake that air fryer basket vigorously halfway through cooking; the motion is what creates even browning and that irresistible crunch.
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