You want to eat healthy, but you also want it to taste like something you’d order at a trendy Thai place? Boom. Here it is.
Look, I love a good greasy takeout binge as much as the next person, but sometimes you just want to feel like a responsible adult without crying into a sad salad. That’s where this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Tofu and Broccoli comes in.
It’s crispy, saucy, a little sweet, a little spicy, and—get this—actually good for you. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, and your air fryer does most of the work. You don’t even have to preheat an oven or, you know, try that hard.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
- Crispy tofu without deep-frying. Sorcery? No—just air-frying magic.
- It’s sweet AND spicy. Like your ex, but way less complicated.
- Meal-prep hero. Make a big batch and pretend you’re the kind of person who has their life together all week.
- Totally customizable. Don’t like broccoli? Swap it. Want it hotter? Bring the heat. You’re the boss here.
- Also, vegan-friendly and possibly the most exciting thing to happen to tofu since… ever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple (and pantry-friendly):
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes (don’t skip pressing unless you like soggy tofu, weirdo)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen—just don’t overthink it)
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive, avocado, etc.—whatever makes you feel fancy)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (yes, tofu needs help in the flavor department)
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought is 100% fine—we’re not making it from scratch, let’s be real)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for that umami punch)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onions, red pepper flakes, crushed peanuts (aka ✨vibes✨)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Press your tofu.
Wrap it in paper towels or a clean dish towel, put something heavy on it (like a skillet or a stack of cookbooks), and leave it for 15 minutes. You want that tofu dry enough to crisp up, not cry in the corner. - Prep the broccoli.
Cut it into bite-sized florets if you haven’t already. If using frozen, thaw first or it’ll steam and get all limp and sad. - Season and oil.
Toss tofu cubes and broccoli in oil, salt, and pepper. Don’t skip the oil—it helps everything crisp up. Use a bowl or just chuck it all in a zip-top bag and shake it like you mean it. - Air fry like a boss.
Preheat your air fryer if it needs it (mine doesn’t, and I love it more for that). Arrange tofu and broccoli in a single layer (you might need to work in batches if your air fryer is baby-sized).
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through. You’re aiming for golden-brown tofu and tender, slightly charred broccoli. Basically, yum. - Sauce it up.
In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Toss your crispy tofu and broccoli in the sauce while everything’s still hot. Optional but recommended: heat the sauce on the stove or microwave it so it really clings to the tofu like drama on a reality show. - Serve it hot.
Sprinkle on sesame seeds, green onions, or anything else your heart desires. Serve with rice, noodles, or just eat it straight from the bowl like a savage. No judgment here.
Alternatives & Substitutions
No air fryer?
You can bake it. Spread tofu and broccoli on a parchment-lined sheet pan, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 mins, flipping halfway. Not as crispy, but still delish.
Different veggies?
Go wild. Cauliflower, bell peppers, green beans—all solid options. Just cut ‘em into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Spice level too mild?
Add a splash of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the sauce. Or be bold and drop in some fresh chopped chilis. Live your truth.
No sweet chili sauce?
Mix honey (or maple syrup) with a bit of vinegar and sriracha. Boom—DIY sweet chili-ish sauce.
Gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Always check your sauce labels because gluten hides in annoying places.
Protein swap?
Not feeling tofu? Try tempeh or even chickpeas (air-fried chickpeas = crunchy dreams).
Final Thoughts
Congrats, chef! You just made something healthy AND delicious—without breaking a sweat or a single dish more than necessary.
This dish is fast, flexible, and flavorful AF. Whether you’re trying to impress a date, fake being a health nut on Instagram, or just want something quick and satisfying that isn’t instant noodles again—this tofu-and-broccoli situation has your back.
Now go forth and crunch. Preferably while binge-watching something and pretending you didn’t just finish the whole tray.