Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu (Printer View)

Crunchy tofu coated with spicy-sweet chili sauce, quick and easy for snacks or light meals.

# Components:

→ Tofu Nuggets

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

→ Sweet Chili Sauce

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

→ Garnish

14 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
15 - 2 tbsp chopped green onions

# Method steps:

01 - Wrap tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it drain for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
02 - Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized nuggets approximately 0.75 to 1.25 inches each.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Toss tofu nuggets in the coating mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
05 - Drizzle oil over the coated tofu pieces and toss again to ensure even coating.
06 - Arrange tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
07 - Air fry at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until the tofu is golden and crispy.
08 - While tofu cooks, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
09 - Transfer cooked tofu to a large bowl, pour sauce over, and gently toss to coat all nuggets evenly.
10 - Serve immediately garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're crispier than you'd think tofu could ever be, with a shattering exterior that gives way to tender insides.
  • The sweet chili glaze hits that perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and savory without being cloying.
  • Ready in 30 minutes flat, which makes them ideal for when you need something impressive but don't have the energy to fuss.
02 -
  • Don't skip pressing the tofu or you'll end up with nuggets that steam rather than crisp, which defeats the entire purpose.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, keep a close eye after 10 minutes because burnt edges won't taste good no matter how much sauce you add.
  • The sauce tastes mild when you first make it, but seasoning becomes more pronounced once it coats the warm tofu, so avoid over-salting at the start.
03 -
  • For extra crispiness, use parchment paper with holes in the air fryer basket so the nuggets don't stick but still get that circulating hot air they need.
  • If you make the sauce ahead, let it come to room temperature before tossing with the hot tofu so the flavors meld rather than one overpowering the other.
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