Air Fryer Tempeh
Servings:2 servings
This Air Fryer Tempeh recipe is so easy, delicious, and versatile! Coated in a smoky, maple-soy marinade, then air fried for 10 minutes, you'll love this tempeh on salads, grains, sandwiches, and as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces tempeh
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce - or tamari for gluten-free
- 1½ tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil - such as avocado oil; for oil-free, omit or sub 1 tablespoon tahini
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt - or more to taste
- 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, and insert the rack. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, arrange the tempeh in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure it is above the water line.
- Air fry 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 doesn't burn. The edges should be caramelized and golden brown. Serve hot.
Video
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 it's 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 tempeh is freezer-friendly.
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 0mg
