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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, well-drained and pressed - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar - Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper The main ingredient here is firm tofu. It gives a great texture. You want to press it well. This helps remove excess water. This step makes your tofu crispy when cooked. Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and spice. The garlic brings in a strong flavor. Soy sauce adds a nice salty touch. Sesame oil gives it a warm, nutty flavor. Finally, rice vinegar adds a bit of tang. - Sweet chili sauce - Soy sauce - Sesame oil - Rice vinegar - Salt and pepper These seasonings and sauces are key to flavor. Sweet chili sauce is sweet and spicy. Soy sauce is salty and savory. Sesame oil adds depth. Rice vinegar gives brightness. The salt and pepper are simple but essential. They enhance all the flavors in the dish. - Freshly chopped green onions - Toasted sesame seeds Garnishes make your dish look great. Chopped green onions add freshness and color. Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and a nutty flavor. These small touches make your meal even better. They also add layers of flavor. First, you need to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 5 minutes. This step helps cook the tofu evenly and gives it a nice crisp. Next, you prepare the tofu. Start with a block of firm tofu, about 14 ounces. Make sure it is well-drained and pressed. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, around 1 inch each. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl. Now, let’s make the sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and well combined. This mixture adds great flavor to the tofu. After the sauce is ready, drizzle it over the tofu cubes in the mixing bowl. Gently fold the tofu in the sauce using a spatula or spoon. Make sure all the tofu pieces are covered well. This step is important for flavor. Then, sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated tofu. Toss the tofu carefully until every piece is coated with cornstarch. This helps the tofu get crispy when cooking. Now it’s time to air fry! Place the coated tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave some space between the pieces for better air flow. Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket gently. This helps the tofu brown evenly. When the tofu turns golden brown and crispy, use tongs to take it out. Serve the tofu hot, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy your tasty dish! To get crispy tofu, start with firm tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape well. Press the tofu to remove excess water. This helps the tofu absorb the sauce better. Coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch. The cornstarch creates a crunchy outer layer. Make sure to arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer. This allows hot air to reach all sides. Flip the cubes halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Pressing tofu is key for great texture. First, drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean towel. Place a heavy object, like a cast-iron skillet, on top. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This removes unwanted moisture. The firmer the tofu, the better it will fry. After pressing, cut it into 1-inch cubes. This size cooks evenly and absorbs flavor well. Feel free to change the flavors. If you want more spice, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a tangy taste, increase the rice vinegar. You can also swap the soy sauce for tamari for gluten-free cooking. Taste the sauce before coating the tofu. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking. Remember, seasonings are personal; make it your own! {{image_4}} You can switch up the sweet chili sauce for a new flavor. Try using teriyaki sauce for a savory twist. Peanut sauce adds a creamy, nutty taste. If you like heat, go for a sriracha mix. Just blend it with soy sauce to balance the spice. Each sauce brings a unique flair to your tofu. Want to jazz up your dish? Add bell peppers or snap peas for crunch. Broccoli florets work well, too. Toss in some diced onions or mushrooms for a savory boost. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper for extra heat. These add-ins make your meal colorful and fun. Serve your tofu over a bed of rice for a filling dish. Quinoa is a great choice if you want something different. You can also pair it with a crisp salad for a light meal. Drizzle extra sauce on top for more flavor. Add a side of steamed veggies for a well-rounded plate. Enjoy your vibrant, tasty meal! After cooking your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu, let it cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. This makes it easy for quick meals later. If you want to keep the tofu longer, freezing is a good option. First, let the tofu cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. However, freezing may change its texture slightly. To reheat your tofu, use the air fryer for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep the crispiness. No, silken tofu won’t work well here. Silken tofu is too soft and will fall apart. Firm tofu holds its shape better during cooking. This dish needs that nice crispy texture. Stick with firm tofu for the best results. To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce. You can also use tamari. Both options keep the flavor while avoiding gluten. Check all labels on your ingredients. This ensures everything is safe for gluten-free diets. Sweet chili garlic tofu pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Fresh salad - Stir-fried veggies - Noodles These sides add flavor and texture to your meal. They also balance the sweetness of the tofu. To add some heat, mix in chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce. You can also try adding fresh diced chilies. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. A little spice can enhance the dish without overpowering it. Enjoy the kick! You can make tasty Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu with simple steps. We discussed the main ingredients, seasonings, and garnishes that add flavor. Then, I shared easy instructions from preheating to air frying. Tips for crispiness and storing leftovers ensure your tofu stays great. You can also try fun variations, sauces, and serving ideas. Remember, cooking is all about exploring and having fun in the kitchen. Enjoy your tofu journey!

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu

Experience a burst of flavor with this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu Delight! This easy recipe will guide you through the steps to create perfectly crispy tofu coated in a savory sweet chili garlic sauce that's sure to impress. Perfect for a quick meal, it's deliciously healthy and can be served with rice or salad. Click through to discover how to make this delightful dish and impress your taste buds today!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, well-drained and pressed

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

Freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure it’s ready for even cooking.

    While the air fryer heats up, carefully cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size, and transfer them to a spacious mixing bowl.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

        Drizzle the prepared sauce over the tofu cubes, and gently fold the tofu in the mixture with a spatula or spoon until all pieces are generously coated.

          Next, sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated tofu cubes, and carefully toss until every piece is evenly covered. This step is crucial for achieving a perfectly crispy texture.

            Line the air fryer basket with the tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between them for optimal air circulation and crispiness.

              Air fry the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket gently to promote even browning and crisping.

                When the tofu has turned a beautiful golden brown and is crispy to the touch, use tongs to carefully remove it from the air fryer.

                  Serve the tofu hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 35 min | 2-3 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: For an extra touch, serve the tofu on a sleek white plate with a drizzle of additional sweet chili sauce and a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad. Enjoy your culinary creation!