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    Home » Recipes » Vegan Main Dishes

    Air Fryer Tempeh (Sweet & Smoky)

    Updated Nov 10, 2022 by Lori · THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS.

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    This Air Fryer Tempeh recipe is a quick and totally delicious way to prepare tempeh! 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 protein-rich snack.

    Air fryer tempeh is vegan, easily made gluten-free, and can even be made without oil. And the sauce uses pantry-friendly ingredients! Oven instructions included.

    close up of sweet and sticky cubes of air fried tempeh on top of greens.

    Why You'll LOVE Air Fryer Tempeh

    Friends, I know this is a bold statement considering how many different ways there are to prepare tempeh, but I think air fryer tempeh is now my FAVORITE.

    I think you'll love it, too, because it's:

    • seriously low effort.
    • the perfect blend of salty, sweet and smoky.
    • made with pantry-friendly ingredients.
    • full of satisfying fiber and protein.
    • versatile! Add air fryer tempeh to salads, wraps, bowls, or as an appetizer or snack.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll LOVE Air Fryer Tempeh
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Instructions
    • Do I have to add water to the bottom of the air fryer?
    • Baking Instructions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Variations
    • Equipment & Batch Size
    • Storage
    • Top Tip
    • You might like:
    • Recipe Video
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments
    labeled photo of ingredients needed to make maple-soy air fryer tempeh.

    Ingredient Notes

    • Tempeh - any brand of tempeh you like is fine; just make sure to choose a gluten-free variety made with 100% soybeans if you need GF (some have grains added). Honestly, I think the pure soybean ones taste best!
    • Tamari - if you don't need gluten-free, soy sauce or shoyu may be used instead.
    • Maple syrup - this is important for the overall flavor; you want pure maple syrup, not imitation.
    • Sriracha - gives the marinade a thicker, glaze-like consistency and adds delicious tang. We're not adding enough sriracha to make the tempeh spicy, but you can always add more later if you like it hot!
    • Liquid smoke - I use Colgin's hickory or mesquite; these can be found in almost any grocery store.
    • Oil - choose a neutral cooking oil like avocado or grapeseed; if you avoid oil simply omit it. The tempeh will lose some of the richness and look more dry on the outside, but it will still taste good. I tested the recipe several times without oil, but in the end the versions with oil won out.
    • Vinegar - a little bit of apple cider vinegar rounds out the sweet-and-tangy BBQ vibes

    See recipe card below for quantities and the full recipe.

    Instructions

    2 photos showing whisking together marinade and cutting tempeh.
    1. Whisk together the marinade in a large bowl or other dish.
    2. Cut the tempeh into either 24 or 36 pieces. I tend to prefer the smaller pieces because that means there's more surface area for the tasty marinade. The cubes will be ½- to ¾-inch.
    2 photos showing marinating tempeh and arranging in air fryer.
    1. Toss the tempeh in the marinade and set aside for 30 minutes. I like to pass through the kitchen once or twice during that time to spoon the extra marinade from the bottom of the bowl over top just to make sure all the pieces are well coated.
    2. Put about 1 cup water in the bottom of the air fryer basket, and preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees. When preheating is complete, arrange the tempeh in a singler layer. Cook for about 10 minutes, checking on it at the halfway point and during the last couple of minutes. See the Tips section below.

    Do I have to add water to the bottom of the air fryer?

    Have you ever heard people suggest that you should steam tempeh before preparing it because steam reduces tempeh's natural bitterness? Well, adding water to the air fryer basket seems to have that effect here. But as a bonus, it's not an extra step!

    To answer the question, you don't have to add water, but during recipe testing we found that it created a more delicious tempeh.

    It's like we're steaming and air frying the tempeh at the same time. The steam keeps the marinade nice and sticky and the tempeh moist yet firm and meaty.

    Even with the steam some of the edges still get nice and chewy and caramelized.

    Baking Instructions

    If you don't have an air fryer that's no problem! We also tested this recipe in the oven. Here's how to do it:

    1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
    2. Bake the marinated tempeh for 20 to 24 minutes or until as chewy and caramelized as you like.
    beautifully sticky, browned cubes of tempeh cooked in the air fryer.

    Serving Suggestions

    This Smoky-Maple Air Fryer Tempeh is delicious as-is, but you can also add it to wraps, salads, noodles, grain bowls, and tacos!

    It's also a flavorful appetizer to serve at a dinner party. Start the air fryer when your guests arrive, then serve these tasty morsels alongside your favorite vegan cheeses, dips, and crackers.

    And for dessert, give the air fryer basket a quick rinse and prepare these juicy air fryer peaches!

    Variations

    • Gluten-free - I suppose this isn't really a variation because the recipe is gluten-free as written, but just to point out the two main things to watch out for: use gluten-free tamari, and select a tempeh made from soybeans only (some varieties include grains).
    • Oil-Free - if you strictly avoid oil in your diet you'll be happy to know you can simply omit it. The result isn't quite as flavorful and the tempeh will appear more dry on the outside, but thanks to the water in the bottom of the air fryer, it doesn't actually dry out. The end result is still delicious!
    • Spicy - we love this tempeh with a few dashes of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes added to the marinade. For extra spicy, serve the air fryer tempeh with additional sriracha or other hot sauce.
    • Korean BBQ - for a slight twist, toss the tempeh with this Korean BBQ sauce instead of the included sauce recipe.

    After you try this air fryer tempeh, be sure to check out these easy tofu nuggets!

    Equipment & Batch Size

    I use the 6-Quart Instant Vortex Air Fryer, but any comparable air fryer should work with this recipe.

    If you plan to cook two packages of tempeh at once (doubling the recipe), a 6 quart machine should be large enough. Otherwise you'll want to work in batches.

    You'll also need a large bowl or container for marinating the tempeh.

    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 particular tempeh yet because we always gobble it up! But in general tempeh is freezer friendly.

    Top Tip

    Air fryers vary quite a bit, so the first time you try any air fryer recipe it's a good idea to keep a close eye on the food. Check it at the halfway point and during the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.

    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 and has yummy browned bits on the edges you'll know it's done.

    It also helps to sneak a test bite. 🙂

    You might like:

    • Korean BBQ Tempeh
    • Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers (Vegan, GF, WFPB)
    • Vegan BLT With Tempeh and Carrot Bacon
    • Easy Peanut Tempeh

    Recipe Video

    I hope you enjoy this sticky, sweet, and smoky air fryer tempeh as much as we do! If you try the recipe be sure to leave a comment below to let us know.

    📖 Recipe

    side view of crispy and sticky tempeh in a black bowl.

    Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe

    Author: Lori Rasmussen, My Quiet Kitchen
    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.
    Servings: 2 servings
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share by Text
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 10 mins
    Marinating time: 30 mins
    Total Time: 45 mins

    Equipment

    • air fryer

    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 Tbsp 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
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    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.
    • 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. 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, checking on it at the halfway point and during the last couple of minutes to make sure it isn't burning. The tempeh is done when piping hot and caramelized around the edges. Serve hot.

    Notes

    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 and has yummy browned bits on the edges you'll know it's done.
    Baking Instructions
    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
    Arrange the marinated tempeh in a single layer, and bake for 20 to 24 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.

    Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

    Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 23gFat: 15g

    Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific products and ingredients used. We calculate this information using the online calculator cronometer.com.

    Tried the recipe?I love hearing from you! Share your feedback below!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lauren

      October 21, 2022 at 10:18 pm

      Fantastic recipe! We love it! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

      Reply
    2. Rachel

      June 19, 2022 at 6:21 pm

      The tempeh turned out awesome! I was skeptical of the added water, but followed the directions - I think it did help to keep it moist while also crispy. Thanks for an easy and delicious way to prepare tempeh in the air fryer 🙂

      Reply
    3. LouAnn

      March 25, 2022 at 8:23 am

      Was your air fryer difficult to clean after making this??

      Reply
      • Lori

        March 25, 2022 at 8:31 am

        Hi LouAnn,
        No, I wouldn't say it was difficult at all. The non-stick surface goes a long way to help with that, and it's not like you're dumping a lot of sauce on the surface. All air fryers are built differently, though, so that could play into it. Hope that helps!

        Reply
    4. Sherri Hall

      March 22, 2022 at 6:24 pm

      My husband and I tried this last night and loved it! However, I forgot to get the liquid smoke, so I doubled the smoked paprika and it was amazing! We served it with roasted potatoes and I put the few pieces we had leftover on my salad for lunch today with some balsamic. Not only was it delicious, but very easy to make and loved saving the steaming step by adding the water to the air fryer. 🙂

      Reply
      • Lori

        March 23, 2022 at 9:19 pm

        Great! I'm so glad you enjoyed the tempeh, Sherri. Thank you for taking a moment to let us know!

        Reply

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    Lori Rasmussen, Owner/Creator

    Hi, I'm Lori. Welcome to My Quiet Kitchen where I share easy vegan recipes with a healthier twist. Many are special diet-friendly or easily adapted. I also have a passion for veganizing classic desserts, and sometimes even those get a healthy-ish makeover.

    Learn more about me →

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