Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
2 servings
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Calories
275 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer, Snacks
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe
Description
Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe combines firm tempeh with a marinade featuring tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, sriracha, garlic powder, liquid smoke, and smoked paprika. The tempeh is cut into small cubes or thin strips to increase surface area and ensure deeper flavor absorption. After marinating for about 30 minutes, the tempeh is arranged above water in the air fryer basket, which helps maintain moisture during cooking. The air fryer cooks at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes depending on size and shape, caramelizing the exterior while keeping the interior tender.
The marinade merges sweet, salty, spicy, and smoky elements that shape the tempeh's complex taste. Cooking in the air fryer adds a slightly crisp texture without frying in oil, making it a lighter option. The small cubes allow for an even caramelization, while strips cook faster but still yield rich flavor. This tempeh can be added to salads, rice bowls, or eaten as a protein-rich snack.
To serve, the tempeh works well both warm or at room temperature. It excels as a protein addition that carries a concentrated balance of umami and spice, enhancing plant-focused meals. The recipe includes precise times and temperatures to ensure the tempeh is hot, sizzling, and caramelized at the edges.
Notes advise adjusting air fryer temperature and time according to your model, as some run hotter. The recipe also provides a baking alternative at 425°F for 18 to 23 minutes. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 5 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture. Freezing is not tested but tempeh generally freezes well.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces tempeh 1 package
- 1 ½ tablespoons tamari for GF or soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil For oil-free, omit or sub 1 tablespoon tahini, or grapeseed oil, cooking oil
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- scant ½ teaspoon salt fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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
- Cutting tempeh into smaller cubes increases flavor absorption compared to larger pieces.
- Use the air fryer preheated to 350°F and check midway to avoid burning.
- Adding water to the bottom of the air fryer basket helps prevent drying and aids even cooking.
- If using strips instead of cubes, reduce air frying time to 8 to 10 minutes and oven time to about 15 minutes at 425°F.
- Leftover tempeh keeps up to 5 days refrigerated and reheats well in the air fryer.
- Oven baking is an option for 18 to 23 minutes to achieve caramelization when an air fryer is not available.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 275 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 275kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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