Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu (Printable)

Golden tofu nuggets coated in sweet chili sauce, crisped perfectly in an air fryer for a tasty snack.

# What You’ll Need:

→ 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

# 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 neutral oil over the coated tofu pieces and toss again to ensure even coverage.
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, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
09 - Transfer the cooked tofu to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over and gently toss to coat all nuggets evenly.
10 - Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • They're ready in 30 minutes flat, which means you can satisfy cravings without the greasy aftermath of deep frying.
  • The contrast between that shattering exterior and tender inside keeps people reaching for more, even the tofu skeptics.
  • One batch works as a snack, appetizer, or the foundation of a bowl—it's genuinely flexible.
02 -
  • Pressing the tofu genuinely matters—I learned this by skipping it once and ending up with soggy insides, which defeated the entire purpose.
  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket kills crispiness faster than anything else, so patience with batches beats rushing it all at once.
03 -
  • A light spray of oil on the coated tofu before air frying gives you even more crispiness than the mixture alone—it's a small move that makes a real difference.
  • Rice vinegar in the sauce cuts through richness perfectly, so don't skip it thinking soy sauce is enough; that bright note is what keeps everything feeling balanced.
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