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Crispy air fryer sweet chili tofu served in a bowl with white rice and broccoli.

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu

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5 from 4 reviews

Description

This sweet chili tofu is better than restaurant takeout. The crispy air fryer tofu nuggets are tossed in a delicious mouthwatering glaze. Make this easy recipe in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

CRISPY AIR FRYER TOFU

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu (14 to 16 ounces)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

GARLICKY SWEET CHILI GLAZE

  • 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar (or water)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

GARNISHES

  • Sesame seeds (white or black)
  • Green onions, sliced on a diagonal

Instructions

CRISPY AIR FRYER TOFU

RECIPE PREP: Express liquid from the block of tofu. Use a tofu press or the manual method (see “Notes” below). We need the tofu as dry as possible so it can crisp up well in the air fryer.

  1. Slice the block of tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Transfer the nuggets to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and soy sauce. Toss to combine. Add cornstarch and salt. Toss to combine. 
  2. Spray air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange tofu in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. Cook tofu nuggets at 400°F for 10 minutes. Transfer the crispy air fryer tofu to a large bowl.

GARLICKY SWEET CHILI GLAZE

  1. Add all ingredients for the glaze to a small saucepan. Place the pan on stovetop over medium-low heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. 
  2. Let the sauce cool until it’s no longer steaming (about 5 minutes). This will help prevent the crispy air fryer tofu from becoming soggy when tossed with the glaze.

ASSEMBLE SWEET CHILI TOFU

  1. Pour the garlicky sweet chili glaze over the crispy tofu nuggets. Toss until the pieces are evenly coated.
  2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onion. Serve immediately. 

Equipment

Notes

How to press tofu without a tofu press: Wrap the block of tofu in paper towels, then in a lint-free kitchen towel or 2 tea towels. Place it in a large rimmed bowl, with a small cutting board on top. Put a heavy object like a large can of veggies or a book on top. Put it aside for 30 minutes to give liquid a chance to drain. Then press down on the tofu to extract as much water as possible. 

  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 Minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Find it online: https://www.confettiandbliss.com/sweet-chili-tofu/