Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu (Print out)

Crispy air-fried tofu nuggets coated in sweet chili sauce, perfect as a flavorful snack or light meal.

# 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. Allow it to drain for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
02 - Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized nuggets approximately 3/4 to 1 inch 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 coating mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
05 - Drizzle the neutral oil over the coated tofu pieces and toss again to ensure all nuggets are well coated.
06 - Arrange the 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 cooking, until the tofu is golden and crispy.
08 - While the tofu cooks, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
09 - Once the tofu is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over and gently toss to coat all nuggets evenly.
10 - Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're genuinely crispy on the outside with that slight give inside, not chewy or rubbery like tofu can sometimes be.
  • The whole thing takes less than half an hour from start to eating, which means you can satisfy a craving without the fuss.
  • It works whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just curious, and nobody will feel like they're eating the compromise option.
02 -
  • Pressing the tofu is non-negotiable if you want actual crispiness, not soft nuggets with a coating that slides off in the sauce.
  • Don't skip the halfway shake in the air fryer because that's what keeps them from sticking and ensures even browning on every side.
03 -
  • Keep the sauce separate until the last moment so the nuggets stay crispy longer instead of getting soggy during storage.
  • If you're making these ahead, store the cooked nuggets and sauce separately in the fridge, then recrisp the tofu in the air fryer for a minute before tossing with sauce.
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