Are you craving an easy-to-make meatless dinner recipe? Well, look no further than this flavor-packed
Look for a few more meatless recipes?
Well, this
The tofu cooks crispy in the
This recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy with just enough crispiness.
I like mine served over rice, but you could easily serve it over salad or eat it plain.
I also love a little topping sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and green onion.
Looking for more tofu recipes? Try my Ground Pork Mapo Tofu or my BBQ Mango Tofu.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for air fryer sweet chili tofu:
- Extra firm tofu – Using extra firm tofu ensures the bites will hold together in the
air fryer and crisp up nicely. - Avocado oil – This helps give the dish some richness and stops it from sticking.
- Soy sauce – This helps bring an umami flavor to the tofu and the sauce.
- Cornstarch – On the tofu, it helps crispen them, and in the sauce, it helps thicken them.
- Sweet chili sauce – Brings sweet and spicy notes to the sauce.
- Water – Helps thin the sauce.
- Sesame oil – Brings a depth of flavor and nutty flavor.
- Grated garlic and ginger – I like to use fresh grated for a big burst of flavor, but you can also use dried.
What is sweet chili sauce?
If you’re new to the world of sweet chili sauce, let me tell you it’s delicious!
And, it’s super easy to find even if you have never purchased it.
It’s typically found either in the Asian section of the grocery store or near where you would find hot sauce. The brand “Frank’s” is a common brand that is found in most US grocery stores.
As far as the flavor it’s the perfect combo of sweet and spicy.
It’s made of sambal oelek, an Indonesian chile paste made of crushed red pepper, vinegar, and salt.
To that, they add sugar, vinegar, and garlic and cook it down until is thick and luscious. It’s very reminiscent of duck sauce in terms of texture.
What if I can’t find sweet chili sauce?
No worries!
If you’re in a pinch and cannot find sweet chili sauce mix a basic hot sauce with a little honey.
Or, cook down some spicy peppers and mix in honey.
You’re just looking for a sweet and spicy combination.
Another great option is to mix some crushed red pepper into honey. You can thin it out slightly with a little water or rice vinegar.
Do I need a tofu press to press tofu?
No, but if you have one, you can use it!
I have used this tofu press before, and it’s been great!
However, if you do not have a tofu press, you can easily follow the recipe instructions to help you press your tofu at home with things you already own!
Storage and leftovers
This tofu is best eaten shortly after it is made, as it can become soggy if it sits too long.
However, if you have leftover tofu, you can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
More air fryer recipes
- Need an easy breakfast, brunch, or dinner? Try my Air Fryer Frittata.
- Craving a veggie side dish? Try my Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
- Love all things chicken? Try my Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings.
- Are crunchy snacks your thing? Try my Air Fryer Pasta Chips.
- How about an easy dinner? Try my Air Fryer Hot Dogs.
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu
Ingredients
For tofu:
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
For sauce:
- 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
Instructions
For tofu:
- Place the tofu between two paper towels and press it to release any extra liquid.
- Using new paper towels, repeat the process until the tofu is dry. It will never be fully dry but you’ll be able to get out most of the moisture.
- Slice the tofu into 1/2 inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
- Drizzle over the avocado oil and soy sauce and toss to combine.
- Add the cornstarch and toss to combine.
- Spray your air fryer basket well with nonstick spray.
- Add the tofu in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
- Cook the tofu at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes.
- Once fully cooked remove it from the air fryer and place it in a large bowl.
For sauce:
- While the tofu cooks, place all of the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan set over medium-low heat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Allow the sauce to cool for 5 minutes or until it is no longer steaming. This will help prevent the tofu from becoming soggy.
- Toss the sauce with the tofu until each piece is evenly coated.
- Serve over rice with your choice of garnishes.
- This tofu is best enjoyed on the day it is made as it tends to become soggy when stored.
Nutrition
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Friday 14th of January 2022
Oh wow, this looks so delicious. My family is going to devour it!