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Air Fryer Crispy Tofu with Sweet Chili Glaze

A pile of golden, crispy Air Fryer Crispy Tofu generously coated in a bright red, glistening sweet chili glaze and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
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A detailed guide to making extremely crispy tofu in the air fryer, coated in a simple sweet chili glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for spraying)
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. Wrap the block in paper towels or a clean cloth and place a heavy object on top.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  3. In a medium bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with soy sauce and sesame oil until lightly coated.
  4. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu. Toss gently again until every piece has a thin, even coating. This step is essential for crispiness.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with neutral oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Arrange the coated tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
  8. While the tofu cooks, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and lime juice in a small bowl to make the glaze.
  9. Once the tofu is cooked, transfer it to a clean bowl. Drizzle the sweet chili glaze over the hot tofu and toss quickly to coat evenly.
  10. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using extra-firm tofu yields the best results because it holds its shape and releases water easily during pressing.
  • If you do not have cornstarch, arrowroot powder works as a direct substitute for coating.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder to the cornstarch coating mixture.

Nutrition

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