Best Air Fryer Tempeh: A Crispy, Smoky, and Flavorful Vegan Delight
Air Fryer Tempeh is a quick and easy recipe that delivers crispy, smoky tempeh marinated in a sweet maple-soy glaze. Perfect for salads, wraps, bowls, or as a healthy, protein-packed snack. This vegan, gluten-free dish can even be made oil-free for a lighter option.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces tempeh 1 package
- 1 ½ tablespoons tamari for gluten-free or soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons cooking oil e.g., avocado or grapeseed; omit for oil-free or use 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
- ¾ to 1 cup water for air fryer
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade
- In a large bowl, whisk together the tamari (or soy sauce), maple syrup, cooking oil (if using), sriracha, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic powder, sea salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. This smoky-sweet glaze will give the tempeh its signature flavor.
- Cut the Tempeh
- Slice the tempeh into cubes, either 24 smaller pieces or 36 depending on how small you prefer the pieces. Smaller pieces provide more surface area for the marinade to soak in, creating a tastier dish.
- Marinate the Tempeh
- Toss the tempeh cubes in the marinade until they are well coated. Set aside for at least 30 minutes. During this time, it’s a good idea to stir the tempeh once or twice to make sure every piece is coated in the marinade.
- Preheat the Air Fryer
- While the tempeh marinates, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the tempeh cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.
- Cook the Tempeh
- After the tempeh has marinated, place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Add about ¾ to 1 cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to help create steam. This keeps the tempeh moist while it cooks and helps reduce any bitterness. Cook the tempeh for about 10 minutes, checking it halfway through. The tempeh should be golden and slightly crispy around the edges when done.
- Serve
- Once the tempeh is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy it on salads, in grain bowls, or simply as a high-protein snack.
Notes
- Air Fryer Tip: Air fryers can vary in temperature, so you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time depending on your model. Check your tempeh around the 8-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
- Baking Instructions: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the tempeh at 425°F for 20 to 24 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flipping halfway through. The tempeh will be crispy and delicious!
- Storage: Leftover tempeh can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It tastes great fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can reheat it in the air fryer to restore its crispy texture.