Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
Air Fryer Crispy Tofu (Sweet Chili)

Air Fryer Crispy Tofu (Sweet Chili)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Air Fryer Crispy Tofu with Sweet Chili Sauce is perfectly golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and tossed in a sticky, sweet-spicy glaze. It’s a quick, plant-based favorite that works as an appetizer, protein bowl topper, or easy weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray

Sweet Chili Sauce

1/3 cup sweet chili sauce

1 teaspoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the tofu: Pat pressed tofu dry and cut into 1-inch cubes.

Season: In a bowl, toss tofu with soy sauce and sesame oil. Sprinkle with cornstarch, garlic powder, and pepper; gently toss until coated.

Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket and add tofu in a single layer.

Cook: Air fry for 14–16 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden.

Sauce: Warm sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger in a small pan or microwave.

Toss & serve: Gently toss crispy tofu with sauce or drizzle on top just before serving.

 

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Press well: The drier the tofu, the crispier the result.

  • Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed for maximum crunch.

  • Sauce last: Tossing too early can soften the coating—serve sauce on the side for extra crispiness.


Variations

  • Spicy: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.

  • Garlic Lover’s: Toss tofu with ½ teaspoon minced garlic before air frying.

  • Orange Chili: Add 1 tablespoon orange juice and zest to the sauce.

  • Low-Sugar: Use reduced-sugar sweet chili sauce or mix honey with chili paste.

  • Meal Bowl: Serve over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli and sesame seeds.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 14g
ahrefs-site-verification_cb2d2902077a30d58b72c49921b5bc3179d1505ac1848cd914198c5cd392c04a