This Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh is marinated in a delicious smoky maple glaze! It's simple and easy to make, and is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free!
If you've never had or enjoyed tempeh before, this recipe may be the one that turns you into a tempeh lover! Smoky, savory, and really well seasoned, it comes together with just 10 pantry ingredients.
Serve it as a side dish to your weeknight dinner or as a part of your main meal. This air-fried tempeh is a total crowd-pleaser!
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What is tempeh?
Tempeh is a product made from fermented whole cooked soybeans. They get bound together by the white mold that forms in the fermentation process.
Tempeh has a distinct tang, and nutty flavor and is slightly bitter. It has a chewy, firm, and chunky texture with a bite to it.
That may not sound as appetizing, I get it. But tempeh is an amazing food that just needs the right preparation. Let me show you how it's done!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make. This air fryer tempeh recipe is seriously easy and straightforward: cut, marinate, cook. That's it!
- Smoky and flavorful. No more bland tempeh, please! This one has layers and layers of flavor - it's smoky, sweet, umami, and tangy.
- Healthy and filling. Tempeh is high in plant-based protein, fiber, and many nutrients such as iron, calcium, and more! Not only that, but it's fermented, which means that's good for your gut because it's full of both prebiotics and probiotics!
- Versatile. You can adjust the seasoning however you like and you can even make tempeh bacon. Just slice it into thin strips, marinate and cook until golden brown!
Ingredients and Notes
- Soy sauce: Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce, also known as tamari, to make this recipe gluten-free. You can also use coconut aminos.
- Rice vinegar: You can also use apple cider vinegar or lime juice.
- Sesame oil: Don't skip on this one! It provides so much flavor and nuttiness!
- Spices: We use smoked paprika and onion powder, but if you have liquid smoke, add it as well!
- Tempeh: If you're allergic to soy, use chickpea tempeh or black bean tempeh.
- Olive oil: Any cooking oil will work here.
- Maple syrup: If you don't have maple syrup, you can use honey or brown sugar.
How to Cook Tempeh in Air Fryer
Step 1
Cut tempeh into 2-inch cubes. Do your best to make them similar in size so they cook evenly.
Step 2
Make the marinade by adding all of the ingredients to a flat bowl. Stir until well combined.
Step 3
Marinade the tempeh. Add it to the bowl and gently toss to coat all of the sides. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge. This way it will soak up almost all of the liquid that's sitting on the bottom.
Step 4
Pre-heat air-fryer to 350ºF (180ºC). Remove the basket, add ½ cup water to the bottom, then put it back on. This will steam the tempeh while it's crisping.
Step 5
Cook the tempeh for 7 minutes, then using a spatula, flip and cook for another 7 minutes. When it's golden brown and with dark edges, it's ready.
Brush with any leftover marinade (or some sesame oil) and serve.
Expert Tips
- Adjust the cooking time as needed. Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on the tempeh, especially towards the end. If your air fryer is more powerful, then you may need to cook it for 2-3 minutes less to prevent burning.
- Don't skip the marinating. Tempeh can be quite bland, that's why it's importnat to take the time to marinate. We reccommend at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Don't shake the basket! Because we added water to the bottom, shaking the air fryer basket will make it spill all over the tempeh and it will become soggy. Instead, use tongs or chopsticks to flip it.
- Serve it right away. This air fryer tempeh is best when it's fresh. After it cools it's no longer crispy.
- We like to use a flat bowl because this way each piece of tempeh is directly touching the marinade.
FAQ
I've found that steaming tempeh does make a small difference in the taste and texture. It makes it softer and removes some of the bitterness. Having said that, in this recipe it's not worth the extra step. That's why we suggest adding water to the bottom of your air fryer. This way we're steaming it, while crisping.
As mentioned above, it's best to serve it right away, but it can also keep for 4 days in the fridge! Let it cool completely, then store in an air-tight container.
If you want to try something different, take a look at this peanut marinade, balsamic marinade, or this garlic herb marinade.
Yes! Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Add tofu to a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
How to Serve It
We love this serve this Air Fryer Tempeh with:
- Salad to add some protein.
- Noodle bowls or noodle soups.
- Alongside pasta or mac and cheese.
- In wraps or sandwiches.
- With roasted veggies or zucchini boats.
- Or on top of rice or polenta!
More Air Fryer Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Crispy Tempeh
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 10 oz (300g) block tempeh
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari if gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or brown sugar; or honey if not vegan)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (plus more for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (or another cooking oil)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Cut tempeh into 2-inch cubes. Make sure they are in similar to size so it cooks evenly.
- Add all of the ingredients for the marinade into a flat bowl and mix. Add the tempeh and gently stir to coat all sides. Let it marinate for 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge. After marinating, the tempeh will soak most of the liquid that is at the bottom.
- Pre-heat air fryer to 350ºF (180ºC). Add ½ cup water to the bottom and lock the basket on top. Spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add the tempeh in a single layer and bake for 7 minutes.
- Using tongs, chopsticks or a spatula flip the tempeh cubes and bake for 7 more minutes (don't shake the basket, you'll spill the water). In the last 2-3 minutes. make sure to keep an eye on it as it tends to burn quickly.
- Once the tempeh is golden brown with dark edges, remove it from the air fryer. If there is any marinade left in the bowl, brush it over the tempeh. If not, brush it with a little bit of sesame oil.
Notes
- Adjust the cooking time as needed. Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on the tempeh, especially towards the end. If your air fryer is more powerful, then you may need to cook it for 2-3 minutes less to prevent burning.
- Don't skip the marinating. Tempeh can be quite bland, so take the time to marinate it for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Don't shake the basket! Because we added water to the bottom, shaking the air fryer basket will make it spill all over the tempeh and it will become soggy. Instead, use tongs or chopsticks to flip it.
- Serve it right away. This air fryer tempeh is best when it's fresh. After it cools it loses its crispiness.
- We like to use a flat bowl because this way each piece of tempeh is directly touching the marinade.
- Fridge: Let it cool completely, then store in an air-tight container. It will keep for 4 days in the fridge.
- Freezer: This recipe is not freezer-friendly.
- Air fryer: Pre-heat air fryer to 350ºF (180ºC). Add tempeh in a single layer and air fry for 3-4 minutes, or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat a rimmed skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tempeh and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with third-party calculations without including the optional ingredients.
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