Total Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Golden, crispy, and coated in a glossy sweet-and-spicy glaze, this Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is the kind of plant-based dinner that wins everyone over. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch on the outside, while the inside stays tender and pillowy. The sweet chili glaze clings to every crispy edge, creating a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory depth.
What makes this recipe truly special is how simple ingredients transform into something bold and crave-worthy. The air fryer creates that irresistible crispy texture without deep frying, keeping the dish lighter while still delivering serious flavor. It’s high in plant-based protein, naturally dairy-free, and easily adaptable to gluten-free diets.
Serve it over rice, tuck it into wraps, or enjoy it straight from the bowl. With approximately 320–380 calories per serving (depending on sauce and sides) and around 18–22 grams of protein, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing.
Key Ingredients
These ingredients work together to create crisp texture, bold flavor, and beautiful color.
Extra-Firm Tofu (14–16 ounces, pressed) – The star of the dish. Extra-firm tofu holds its shape and crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons) – The secret to achieving a golden, crunchy coating.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil (1 tablespoon) – Helps promote even browning and crispiness.
Salt (½ teaspoon) – Enhances the tofu’s flavor.
Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon) – Adds subtle warmth.
Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon) – Builds savory depth.
Sweet Chili Sauce (⅓ cup) – Provides sweet heat and glossy coating.
Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Adds umami and balances sweetness.
Rice Vinegar (1 teaspoon) – Brightens the glaze and prevents it from becoming too heavy.
Fresh Garlic (1 clove, minced) – Adds aromatic intensity to the glaze.
Fresh Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated) – Adds warmth and zing.
Sesame Oil (½ teaspoon) – Nutty richness for depth.
Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional) – For extra heat.
Green Onions (2 tablespoons, sliced) – Fresh contrast and mild bite.
Toasted Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon) – Light crunch and visual appeal.
Optional Add-Ins:
Steamed Broccoli (1 cup) – Adds color and nutrients.
Cooked Jasmine Rice (2 cups) – Makes it a complete bowl meal.
Shredded Carrots (½ cup) – Extra crunch and natural sweetness.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
1. Press and Prepare the Tofu
Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top (like a skillet) for 15–20 minutes.
Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
In a large bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss again until evenly coated. The surface should look lightly dusty but evenly covered.
2. Air Fry the Tofu
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer in the basket, making sure they’re not touching. Work in batches if necessary.
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The tofu should be golden brown with crispy edges and slightly firm to the touch.
If you prefer extra crispiness, add 2–3 additional minutes.
3. Prepare the Sweet Chili Glaze
While the tofu cooks, make the glaze.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Minced garlic
- Grated ginger
- Sesame oil
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should slightly thicken and become fragrant.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer an additional minute until it coats the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat.
4. Coat the Crispy Tofu
Transfer the hot, crispy tofu to a large mixing bowl.
Pour the warm glaze over the tofu and gently toss until evenly coated. The glaze should cling to the crispy exterior without making it soggy.
For extra texture, sprinkle in sesame seeds and toss lightly again.
5. Assemble and Serve
Serve immediately for best crispiness.
Layer tofu over jasmine rice or quinoa and top with:
- Steamed broccoli
- Shredded carrots
- Sliced green onions
- Extra drizzle of glaze
Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy tofu is incredibly versatile and works beautifully in a variety of presentations. For a simple weeknight dinner, serve it in a bowl over fluffy jasmine rice with steamed broccoli and shredded carrots. The combination of warm rice, crisp tofu, and glossy sauce creates a comforting yet balanced meal. Add a squeeze of lime or a handful of fresh cilantro to brighten everything even more.
For a fun, build-your-own dinner, set up a tofu bowl bar. Place the crispy tofu in a serving dish and arrange bowls of rice, greens, shredded vegetables, avocado slices, and extra sauce around it. This makes dinner interactive and customizable for different spice levels and preferences. You can also wrap the glazed tofu in warm tortillas or lettuce cups for a lighter option. The contrast between the crispy tofu and cool lettuce is especially satisfying.
Storage + Meal Prep
Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain crispiness.
To reheat, place tofu back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crunch. Microwaving works for convenience but may soften the exterior slightly.
If meal prepping, store tofu and rice separately from fresh vegetables. Add garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing is not recommended once the tofu is glazed, as it can alter the texture. However, plain air-fried tofu can be frozen for up to 1 month and reheated in the air fryer.
Conclusion
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Sweet Chili Glaze proves that healthy plant-based dinners can be bold, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The golden crunch paired with the sweet-spicy glaze creates a dish that feels indulgent while staying wholesome.
Whether you’re trying to eat more plant-based meals or simply looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on texture, flavor, and versatility. Customize the heat, add your favorite vegetables, or turn it into wraps or bowls—the possibilities are endless.
Give it a try and enjoy every crispy, saucy bite!
