Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu (Printer-friendly)

Golden tofu nuggets tossed in tangy chili sauce, cooked to crispiness in an air fryer for a flavorful bite.

# Required Ingredients:

→ 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 Steps:

01 - Wrap the 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 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 dry mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
05 - Drizzle the oil over the tofu pieces and toss again to ensure thorough 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 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, 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 - Once the tofu is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over and gently toss to coat all nuggets.
10 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time
  • Perfectly crispy without deep frying—healthier and easier cleanup
  • Customizable heat level and gluten-free friendly
  • Great as an appetizer, snack, or light main dish
  • Naturally vegan and packed with plant-based protein
02 -
  • Press the tofu thoroughly—the drier it is, the crispier your nuggets will be
  • Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking for even browning
  • Don't skip the oil drizzle—it helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior
  • Toss the nuggets in sauce right before serving to maintain maximum crispiness
  • Store leftovers separately from the sauce and reheat in the air fryer to restore crunch
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