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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced To make this dish, we start with firm tofu. It holds its shape well and gives a nice bite. Sweet chili sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick that works great with garlic. Garlic gives flavor and aroma that pairs well with the other ingredients. - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar Next, we add soy sauce for depth. It brings a savory element that balances the sweetness. Sesame oil adds a nutty taste, while rice vinegar gives a hint of tang. These ingredients enhance the overall flavor of the dish. - Chopped green onions - Sesame seeds For garnishes, I love using green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and a fresh crunch. Feel free to skip them, but they really make the dish pop! 1. First, I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 5 minutes. 2. I cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. Aim for even pieces for best cooking. 1. In a separate bowl, I mix together the sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I stir until everything is well combined. 2. I pour this sauce over the tofu cubes. Then, I gently toss them to coat them evenly. 1. I arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. I make sure there is space between each piece for even cooking. 2. I air fry the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, I shake the basket to ensure crispiness on all sides. The tofu will turn golden and crunchy, making it a perfect treat! For crispy tofu, cornstarch is key. It forms a light crust that crunches up nicely. To get this right, coat each piece of tofu well. Make sure you toss it gently with cornstarch after marinating. This step makes all the difference. Avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket. If you pack too many pieces in, they won't cook evenly. Each cube needs space to let hot air circulate. If needed, cook in batches. You want each piece to be golden and crispy. You can boost the flavor by adding spices. Consider a pinch of cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for depth. These little tweaks can elevate your dish. Feel free to personalize the sauce too. If you like it sweeter, add more sweet chili sauce. For a tangy twist, increase the rice vinegar. Adjust to your taste! Cooking is all about making it yours. Pair your tofu with sides like jasmine rice or steamed veggies. The rice soaks up all those tasty sauces, making each bite even better. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use the air fryer again. This keeps the tofu crispy. Enjoying your meals again is always a treat! {{image_2}} Tofu alternatives If you want to switch up the tofu, try tempeh. It has a nutty flavor and great texture. You can also use seitan for a chewy bite. Both options work well with the sweet chili sauce. Sauce variations Feel free to mix the sweet chili sauce with other flavors. You could use peanut sauce for a nutty twist. For heat, add sriracha or a touch of hot sauce. These changes can make the dish new and exciting. Salad incorporation Transform this dish into a salad. Add fresh greens like spinach or arugula. Toss in cherry tomatoes and cucumber for crunch. The crispy tofu adds protein and flavor to your salad. Wraps and bowls Create wraps using tortillas or lettuce leaves. Fill them with crispy tofu and your favorite veggies. You can also make a bowl with rice or quinoa, then top it with tofu and sauce. This makes a filling meal. Ensuring all ingredients are plant-based All ingredients in this recipe are vegan. Check your sweet chili sauce for any non-vegan additives. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. Additional vegan sauces To enhance the flavor, try adding vegan sauces. A drizzle of tahini or a splash of coconut aminos can work wonders. These options keep the dish plant-based while adding new tastes. To keep your leftover tofu fresh, use an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Place the tofu in the fridge right away. It will stay good for up to four days. Remember to separate any extra sauce to prevent sogginess. When you want to reheat your tofu, the best method is to use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about five to seven minutes. This keeps the tofu crispy. You can also use a skillet. Heat it on medium-low and stir gently until warm, but this may soften the tofu a bit. You can freeze tofu before cooking for a unique texture. Freezing makes it firmer and chewier. If you freeze it after cooking, the tofu can lose some crispiness. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Always drain excess water before reheating. To press tofu, use a few simple techniques. First, wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel. Place a cutting board on top of it. Then, add some weight, like canned goods, to help remove excess water. You can also use a tofu press. This tool clamps down on the tofu, squeezing out the water. It’s easy and works well. Press the tofu for at least 15-30 minutes. The drier your tofu, the better it absorbs flavors. This helps create a crispier texture when you cook it. Sweet chili garlic tofu pairs well with several side dishes. Try serving it with steamed rice or quinoa for a filling meal. You can also add stir-fried vegetables for more flavor and texture. For a refreshing touch, consider a simple salad with cucumbers and carrots. This adds crunch and balances the sweetness of the tofu. Don’t forget about sauces! A drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce or a tangy soy sauce can enhance the dish. These sauces work great as dips too. Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Both options provide similar flavor without gluten. Make sure to check the labels on your sweet chili sauce and rice vinegar as well. Some brands may add gluten-containing ingredients. You can find gluten-free versions at most grocery stores. Adjusting other ingredients is simple. Just ensure any additional sauces or seasonings you use are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for everyone. In this post, you learned how to make delicious sweet chili garlic tofu. We discussed key ingredients like firm tofu, sweet chili sauce, and garlic. You discovered step-by-step instructions for preparation and air frying. Tips for texture and flavor elevated your dish. We also explored variations, storage options, and FAQs for your convenience. With these insights, you have all you need to create a tasty, satisfying meal. Enjoy customizing the recipe to your taste!

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu

Delight your taste buds with this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Garlic Tofu recipe! Perfectly crispy tofu tossed in a flavorful sweet chili garlic sauce makes for a delicious vegetarian dish. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have a meal ready in no time. Click through to discover how to make this delightful dish and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!
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Ingredients
  

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

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Pinch of salt and pepper

Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

    Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.

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

        Pour the sauce over the tofu cubes and gently toss to coat them evenly.

          Sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated tofu cubes and gently mix until each piece is coated. This will help create a crispy texture when air-fried.

            Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure there’s some space between the pieces for even cooking.

              Air fry the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crispiness.

                Once the tofu is golden and crispy, carefully remove it from the air fryer.

                  Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

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