Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu! Bursting with flavor and boasting a crispy texture that will leave your taste buds dancing, this Asian-inspired recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress their family or guests. With just a handful of ingredients and a total prep and cook time of only 35 minutes, you'll wonder how you ever lived without this mouthwatering delight in your recipe repertoire. Dive in and discover how to create a dish that’s both satisfying and guilt-free!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the tofu. Drain the block of firm tofu and press it between two plates or with a tofu press for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. This will help the tofu crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. This will ensure even cooking and allow the sweet chili sauce to coat the tofu well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and olive oil. Whisk together until well blended. This will be the marinade for the tofu.
- Add the cubed tofu to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the tofu to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Be careful not to break the tofu cubes during this process.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated tofu and gently toss again to coat. The cornstarch will help create a crispy texture when the tofu is air-fried.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the tofu starts cooking immediately when placed in the air fryer.
- Once preheated, carefully place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook the tofu in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the tofu for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The tofu should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done.
- While the tofu is cooking, prepare the garnish. Chop the green onion and set aside. You can also toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are lightly golden, if desired.
- Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top, if desired, and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
- Serve the air fryer sweet chili tofu warm, either as an appetizer or as a main dish alongside rice or vegetables. Enjoy your delicious and crispy tofu!
Tips
- Press the Tofu: Don’t skip the pressing step! Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. Consider using a tofu press for best results.
- Uniform Size: Cut the tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and allows the sweet chili sauce to envelop each piece beautifully.
- Marinate Well: Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes for maximum flavor absorption. The longer it sits, the more delicious it becomes!
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer is key to achieving that golden-brown crispiness. It helps the tofu cook evenly right from the start.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the tofu in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy tofu.
- Shake It Up: Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps the tofu crisp up on all sides and prevents sticking.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch and burst of freshness!
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the tofu warm. It pairs perfectly with rice, steamed veggies, or even as a stand-alone appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
