Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu (Printable)

Crispy tofu pieces coated in spicy-sweet sauce, cooked until golden and perfectly tender.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Wrap extra-firm tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top. Allow to drain for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
02 - Cut drained tofu into bite-sized nuggets approximately 3/4 to 1 inch each.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Toss tofu nuggets in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
05 - Drizzle neutral oil over the coated tofu pieces and toss again to ensure light, even coverage.
06 - Arrange oiled 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 tofu is golden and crispy.
08 - While tofu cooks, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small mixing bowl and whisk until incorporated.
09 - Transfer cooked tofu nuggets to a large bowl, pour prepared sauce over top, and gently toss to evenly coat all pieces.
10 - Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in 30 minutes — quick enough for weeknight cravings.
  • Incredibly crispy — the cornstarch and flour coating creates a perfect golden crust in the air fryer.
  • Vegan and dairy-free — a crowd-pleaser for guests with dietary restrictions.
  • Easily gluten-free — simply swap regular flour for rice flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Versatile — serve as a snack, appetizer, or light main dish with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
02 -
  • Press well: The longer you press the tofu, the crispier the final result. Even 15 minutes makes a significant difference.
  • Don't overcrowd: Arrange nuggets in a single layer with space between them so hot air circulates freely.
  • Spray with oil: A light spray of oil over the coated tofu before air frying boosts crispiness significantly.
  • Shake halfway: Shake the basket at the halfway point to ensure even browning on all sides.
  • Gluten-free swap: Use rice flour and tamari to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.
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