Save to Pinterest My roommate challenged me to make something crispy and satisfying without any meat, and honestly, I was skeptical until these golden tofu nuggets came out of the air fryer looking like they'd been fried in a proper kitchen. The sweet chili sauce clung to every corner, and within minutes they'd disappeared faster than I could plate them. What started as a dare became my go-to snack, the kind of thing I now make when friends drop by unexpectedly.
I made a double batch for a casual dinner party once, and they became the centerpiece without me planning it that way. People were reaching for seconds before I'd even sat down, asking if there was a secret ingredient I wasn't sharing. Watching someone who'd never had tofu before grab another nugget and say it tasted like restaurant-quality was the moment I realized this recipe had staying power.
Ingredients
- Extra-firm tofu (400 g): Press it properly and the difference is night and day, trust me on this one because undercooked pressing leads to steaming instead of crisping.
- Cornstarch and all-purpose flour (2 tbsp each): This combination creates the texture you're after, that satisfying crunch that makes you want another bite.
- Garlic powder and onion powder (1 tsp each): These build flavor into the coating itself so every bite tastes intentional, not bland.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): It adds a subtle depth that makes people wonder what you did differently.
- Neutral oil (2 tbsp): Just enough to coat without making things greasy, and it helps the seasoning stick to the tofu.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/3 cup): The backbone of the whole dish, balancing sweet and tangy in every sauce-covered piece.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): One tablespoon is all you need to add umami without overpowering the sweet chili flavor.
- Rice vinegar and sesame oil (1 tsp each): These two work quietly in the background to keep the sauce bright and complex.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish): Optional but recommended because they add texture and a fresh finish that feels intentional.
Instructions
- Press the tofu like you mean it:
- Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and set something heavy on top for 10 to 15 minutes. You're basically squeezing out the water that would otherwise turn everything steamy instead of crispy.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces:
- Aim for roughly 2 to 3 centimeter nuggets so they cook evenly and fit nicely on a fork or toothpick.
- Make your coating mixture:
- Toss the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. This is your seasoning base.
- Coat the tofu thoroughly:
- Add the pressed tofu nuggets to the bowl and toss until every piece is dusted with the dry mixture. It should look like they're wearing a light jacket.
- Add the oil and toss again:
- Drizzle the neutral oil over everything and toss one more time to help the coating adhere and crisp up properly in the air fryer.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket:
- Spread them out in a single layer without stacking, which means you want them to have some breathing room. Crowding the basket keeps them from crisping.
- Air fry until golden:
- Set the temperature to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they brown evenly on all sides.
- Prepare the sauce while they cook:
- Mix the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl and set aside so it's ready when the nuggets finish.
- Toss everything together:
- Transfer the hot tofu to a large bowl, pour the sauce over top, and gently toss until every nugget is coated. Serve immediately while they're still warm and crispy.
Save to Pinterest My partner realized one night that these nuggets worked perfectly in lettuce wraps for a quick dinner, and suddenly we had a whole new way to eat them. That's when food stops being just a recipe and becomes something you fold into your actual cooking rotation.
Serving Suggestions
These work beautifully on their own as a snack, but they're also flexible enough to build a whole meal around. Serve them over steamed rice or noodles, or tuck them into lettuce wraps with fresh vegetables for something lighter. They've even shown up at potlucks in a bowl with toothpicks, which says something about how crowd-pleasing they are.
Why the Air Fryer Works Here
Using an air fryer instead of deep frying means you get that crispy exterior without the oil splattering everywhere or heating up your kitchen. The tofu cooks fast and evenly because the hot air circulates around each piece, and you use way less oil than traditional frying. Plus, cleanup is genuinely simple, which matters more than it probably should.
Variations and Tweaks
Once you've made this once, you'll probably start experimenting because the formula is flexible. Try tempeh instead of tofu for a nuttier texture, or swap the sweet chili sauce for sriracha mixed with honey if you want more heat. The beauty of a simple recipe is that it becomes a starting point.
- Add red chili flakes to the sauce if you want actual spice that builds as you eat.
- Brush the coated tofu with a light oil spray before air frying for maximum crispiness if that's your texture preference.
- Make a double batch because they disappear fast and reheating in the air fryer works better than you'd expect.
Save to Pinterest These nuggets have earned their place in regular rotation because they're easy, satisfying, and actually taste like someone put thought into them. Give them a try and see where they end up in your cooking life.
Questions & Answers
- → How do I press tofu to remove excess moisture?
Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for 10–15 minutes to drain out excess water, ensuring crispier results.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for gluten-free options?
Yes, use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour and tamari in place of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
- → What is the best way to achieve crispy tofu nuggets?
Coat tofu evenly with the flour and spice mix, drizzle with oil before air frying, and avoid overcrowding the basket for proper crispiness.
- → Can these be cooked without an air fryer?
Yes, pan-fry the coated tofu nuggets in oil over medium heat until golden and crispy on all sides.
- → How can I add extra heat to the sweet chili coating?
Incorporate a pinch of red chili flakes into the sweet chili sauce for a spicy kick tailored to your taste.