Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces tempeh (1 package); 1 ½ tablespoons tamari (for GF) or soy sauce; 1 ½ tablespoon maple syrup; 2 teaspoons cooking oil such as avocado or grapeseed; 2 teaspoons Sriracha; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon liquid smoke; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; scant ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

User Reviews

5.0

39 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Additional Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
2 servings
Calories
275 kcal
Course
Main Course, Appetizer, Snacks
Cuisine
American

Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe

Finn Russell

Report

Air Fryer Tempeh recipe is quick and irresistibly delicious! Marinated in a smoky maple-soy glaze, then air fried for 10 minutes, you'll love this sticky and flavorful cubed tempeh on salads, grains, and as a high-protein snack or appetizer. Gluten-free and can be prepared without oil.

Share:

I Made This!

Be the first!

Print

8 people printed this

Save this

Be the first!

Ingredients

Servings

8 ounces tempeh (1 package)
1 ½ tablespoons tamari (for GF) or soy sauce
1 ½ tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons cooking oil such as avocado or grapeseed For oil-free, omit or sub 1 tablespoon tahini.
2 teaspoons Sriracha
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon liquid smoke
½ teaspoon garlic powder
scant ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Add to Shopping List

Instructions

To make the marinade, in a large bowl or dish, whisk together all ingredients except the tempeh. Cut the tempeh into either 24 or 36 squares. I prefer smaller pieces because it creates more surface area for the flavorful marinade. The cubes will be approx. ½- to ¾-inch. Alternatively, slice the block of tempeh into thin strips.
Toss the tempeh in the marinade making sure all pieces are well coated. Set a timer for 30 minutes. Once or twice during that time spoon the marinade from the bottom of the bowl over the tempeh.
Once the tempeh is marinated, add ¾ to 1 cup water to the bottom of the air fryer basket then insert the rack. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F. Once preheated, arrange the tempeh in a single layer (refer to photos in post above if needed). It should be sitting above the water line.
Cook for about 10 minutes (or 8 minutes for strips), checking on it at the halfway point and during the last 2-3 minutes to make sure it isn't burning. The tempeh is done when piping hot and caramelized around the edges. Serve hot.

Notes

Note that if you cut the tempeh into strips instead of cubes, cook time is reduced to 8-10 minutes in the air fryer (at 350°F) and about 15 minutes in the oven (425°F).
Air Fryer Tip
I suspect that our air fryer runs hot compared to most. So you may find you need to slightly increase the temperature and/or adjust the cook time. When the tempeh is piping hot, sizzling, and caramelized at the edges, you'll know it's done.
Baking Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange the marinated tempeh in a single layer, and bake for 18 to 23 minutes or until as chewy and caramelized as you like.
Storage
Store leftover tempeh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture is best when it's fresh from the air fryer; the air fryer can also be used to reheat leftovers.
I haven't tried freezing this yet because we always devour it! But generally tempeh is freezer friendly.