Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu (Print Version)

Golden tofu nuggets tossed in tangy sweet chili sauce, crispy and flavorful with easy air fryer cooking.

# What You'll 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 It:

01 - Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it drain for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
02 - Cut the 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 the tofu nuggets in the dry mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
05 - Drizzle the neutral oil over the tofu pieces and toss again to ensure even coating.
06 - Arrange the tofu nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
07 - Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the tofu is golden and crispy.
08 - While the tofu cooks, mix the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
09 - Transfer the cooked tofu to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over and gently toss to coat all nuggets evenly.
10 - Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These nuggets have a shatter-when-you-bite-them crispiness that satisfies in a way tofu rarely does, without a drop of deep frying.
  • The sweet chili glaze transforms something simple into something you'll crave at odd hours, and your guests will assume it took way more effort than it did.
02 -
  • Skipping the tofu press is a false economy; wet tofu will steam and disappoint, so treat this step as non-negotiable no matter how impatient you feel.
  • Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking makes the difference between unevenly cooked pieces and golden-all-over perfection, so actually do it instead of hoping.
03 -
  • If your coating seems dry before air frying, you haven't added enough oil—the mixture should feel slightly damp and coat the tofu evenly rather than falling off.
  • Letting the coated tofu sit in the fridge for thirty minutes before cooking helps the coating adhere better and crisp more aggressively, a small patience investment that pays dividends.
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