Air Fryer Tempeh
A batch of crispy air fryer tempeh is one of my favorite ways to add texture and plant-based protein to any meal. I use tempeh, coconut amino, spices, and maple syrup to infuse these lightly crisp bites with a smoky flavor. This recipe takes less than half an hour to make, which is one of the reasons why I include it in so many of my meals.
Servings: 4
Calories: 160kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz Tempeh cubed
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Coconut Aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
- ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients, except for the tempeh, into a mixing bowl and mix well.
- Gently fold the diced tempeh into the prepared sauce until combined. Marinate the tempeh for 10 minutes.
- While the tempeh marinates: preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F / 190 C.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Arrange the marinated diced tempeh in an even layer, ensuring the pieces don’t touch.
- Cook the tempeh for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden and crispy.
- Remove the tempeh from the air fryer and use it in your favorite dishes or enjoy it as a snack.
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for this air fryer tempeh recipe is to arrange the tempeh in a single layer with space between the pieces. When I crowd the basket, the cubes trap steam and stay softer on the outside. Giving each piece room allows the hot air to circulate properly and creates a much crisper result.
- Similar cubes: I cut the tempeh into pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate.
- Room temperature tempeh: I remove my tempeh from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before cooking. This gives me the best flavor and texture.
- Preheat: Starting with a hot air fryer helps the exterior begin crisping immediately.
- Flip midway: I always shake and flip the tempeh halfway through cooking for more consistent browning.
Nutrition
Serving: 2oz | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 381mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g