Air fryer Tempeh

This air fryer tempeh is a very satisfying crunchy vegan main with its delicious umami and tangy flavour. Super easy to make, it pairs so well with stir fried veggies.

Air fried tempeh is an absolute winner. It is vegan and dairy free. Perfect high protein option for vegans and vegetarians.

Its fermented taste is something that may be a hit and miss for some people. I absolutely loved it.

I can even have it just as a filling snack. Super healthy too.

You may also like: air fryer teriyaki tofu, Kung pao tofu, vegan tandoori tofu

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What is Tempeh?

Tempeh is made by fermenting soybeans. Though, there are variations that are made from other beans and whole grains as well.

It is a powerhouse of nutrients including protein and fibre.

It is available in a brick like form. One can also get varieties that are pre marinated with sauces and herbs.

Tempeh has even more protein than tofu. It is perfect for vegans and vegetarians. It is also a probiotic that is gut healthy hence it is a very nutritious food.

How to cook tempeh

After cutting it into cubes, you can marinate tempeh with sauces or seasoning rubs of choice.

I typically marinate it for 10 minutes. You can then cook it on a skillet in some oil till crispy. Or you can air fry it. 

Then have it as is as an appetiser or serve it with roasted vegetable or salad. 

Ingredients

Tempeh: it comes in the form of a brick. You can cut it into ½” cubes to stir fry or air fry.

Marinade: I have used Sriracha sauce and soy sauce along with garlic powder and salt for marinating the tempeh. If you don’t like heat, you can skip Sriracha sauce or use less of it.

Oil: I have used olive oil. You can also air fry without oil. Tempeh does get crispy even otherwise.

Variations

This recipe is already vegan, dairy free and vegetarian.

To make it gluten free, ensure that you use gluten free Sriracha and soy sauce.

Serving suggestions

Serve with stir fried or roasted vegetables or a cucumber tomato salad. You can also toss it into this curry. 

I also sometimes add tempeh done in in air fryer to my fried rice, wraps or tacos.

Instructions

Take tempeh that comes in the form of a flat brick. Cut it into ½” cubes.

Now assemble your marinade ingredients and toss tempeh cubes in them. Keep aside for 10 minutes so that tempeh can soak in the flavours.

Preheat air fryer at 390F or 200C for 5 minutes.

Lay marinated tempeh cubes in one row ensuring that they are not overlapping.

Air fry at 390F or 200C for 6-8 minutes till they look crispy and have started browning.

Remember they will continue to crisp up even after you take them out, so account for that before stopping air frying.

Take them out hot and serve with some sautéed or air fried veggies, in a salad, sandwich or wrap.

Storage

You can store tempeh in air tight container in fridge for up to 4 days. Then air fry at 390F or 200C for 3 minutes to gently reheat them. 

It is not recommended to freeze air fried tempeh.

Tips

1. Tempeh continues to get crisper after air frying. So you can take it out even if does not feel very crispy.
2. Any sauce can be used for marination as per taste like Hot sauce, Sriracha, soy sauce, Thai chilli sauce etc.
3. Cut tempeh into ½” cubes so that they air fry evenly.
4. While air frying, make sure that there is enough room around tempeh cubes to let the air circulate.
5. If you don’t have an air fryer you can stir fry on a skillet after adding a little oil.
6. You can also use premarinated tempeh available in the market.

Here's the recipe card:

📖 Recipe Card

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