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5.0 from 39 votes

Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe

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.

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

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 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

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Nutrition Information

Calories 275kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 15g (23%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 275

% 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.