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Homemade Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu photo

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu

This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu is deliciously crispy and packed with flavor! A perfect meal prep option for tofu lovers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Silicone spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Start by pressing the extra-firm tofu. Wrap it in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the avocado oil, 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, and the cubed tofu. Gently toss to coat. In another bowl, add the cornstarch and toss the tofu cubes until they are evenly coated.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crisp on your tofu.
  4. Place the coated tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The tofu should be golden and crispy when done.
  5. While the tofu is air frying, mix together the sweet chili sauce, grated garlic, 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, water, grated ginger, sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
  6. Once the tofu is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Pour the sweet chili mixture over the hot tofu and gently toss to coat. The heat from the tofu will help thicken the sauce slightly.
  7. Serve your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu warm, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired. It pairs beautifully with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Store cooked tofu in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat to retain crispiness.