Make crispy tempeh in your air fryer! This Air Fried Tempeh is a quick and easy way to cook a block of tempeh for dinner in minutes. Air fryer tempeh is easily customizable and ready in just 15 minutes.
Simple and delicious, this air fried tempeh is a great way to get in that plant-based protein.
Why I love this Air Fried Tempeh
- Dietary needs - this air fryer tempeh is plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free.
- Quick & Easy - this tempeh is ready in 15 minutes! And only requires air frying the tempeh and whipping up a quick sauce
- Crispy - the air fryer really puts a nice crisp on the tempeh
- Customizable - I share a recommended sauce for the tempeh, but you can get creative with what sauce you'd like and switch it up every time you make the recipe
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Tempeh: I like the Litelife brand tempeh and it's what I used in this recipe. This recipe will work well with any store-bought tempeh and would be especially delicious with a black bean or chickpea tempeh. When buying tempeh I recommend finding a brand with no flavorings or added oils.
- Liquid Aminos: you can also use soy sauce or tamari.
- Maple Syrup: for a completely fruit-sweetened version, use date syrup instead or omit the maple syrup entirely.
- Garlic: fresh garlic is ideal, but you can sub garlic powder
- Liquid Smoke: I love adding liquid smoke to my tofu and tempeh recipes because it adds that woody, smoky taste that helps create a deeper flavor. If you don't have any liquid smoke, you can omit it.
How to make Air Fried Tempeh
Step 1. Air fry the tempeh at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, until crisp.
Step 2. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Whisk the liquid aminos, maple syrup, garlic, and liquid smoke in a small bowl.
Step 3. When the tempeh is cooked, toss the tempeh in the sauce. Serve and enjoy!
FAQ & Expert Tips
The exact cook time for this recipe depends on the type of air fryer you own. If you are making this recipe for the first time, check the tempeh a few times throughout the cooking process to avoid burning.
In this recipe I used a NuWave Brio 14qt. air fryer - it's slightly larger than a standard air fryer and does take slightly longer to cook certain foods, but I have adjusted the recipe instructions for a standard air fryer.
I usually don't cook with oil - you don't need any! Especially when cooking in an air fryer.
An air fryer works similarly to a convection oven. It circulates hot air to cook all sides of the food at a rapid pace. Because of the quick cooking time the tempeh will not get stuck to the base of the air fryer.
The less moisture on the tempeh when it goes in the air fryer, the quicker it will cook. By adding the sauce after air frying, we make the cooking time significantly shorter.
Liquid aminos and liquid smoke are my go-to flavors when cooking tempeh, even when I just pan-fry it. But you don't have to make the sauce the same every time!
Whip up your favorite dressing or marinade and toss with the tempeh after air frying.
A nice coating of vegan honey mustard dressing or a drizzle of vegan aioli would be delicious!
More tempeh recipes
Tried this recipe?
Please leave a review in the comments section below. You can also stay in touch with me on social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok or by subscribing to my newsletter.
📖 Recipe
Air Fried Tempeh
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce block Tempeh cubed
- 2 Tablespoons Liquid Aminos
- 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
- 1 Clove Garlic minced
- ½ Teaspoon Liquid Smoke
Instructions
- Air fry the tempeh at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, until crisp.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce. Whisk the liquid aminos, maple syrup, garlic, and liquid smoke in a small bowl.
- When the tempeh is cooked, toss the tempeh in the sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Comments
No Comments