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    Home » Air fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Vegan Recipes

    Air fryer Tempeh

    Published: Jan 8, 2023 by Rachna ·

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    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

    Air fried tempeh cubes on a white plate.
    Jump to:
    • What is Tempeh?
    • How to cook tempeh
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • Serving suggestions
    • Instructions
    • Storage
    • Tips
    • 📖 Recipe Card
    • 💬 Reviews

    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. 

    Close up of crispy air fried tempeh

    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.

    Close up of crispy air fried tempeh

    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.

    Tempeh cut into cubes and marinated in sauces and seasonings.

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

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

    Marinated tempeh cubes laid out in air fryer basket ready for air frying.

    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.

    Air fried tempeh cubes in air fryer basket.

    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

    Air fried tempeh cubes served on a white plate.

    Air fryer Tempeh

    Rachna Parmar
    This tempeh marinated in simple sauces and air fried is a delicious high protein and vegan main. Great as an appetizer or main.
    5 from 35 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Cook Time 14 mins
    Total Time 16 mins
    Course Main
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 129 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air fryer

    Ingredients
     

    • 8 oz or 200 gm tempeh or use pre marinated tempeh
    • 1 tsp. Sriracha sauce
    • 1 tsp. Soy sauce
    • 1.5 tsp. Olive oil
    • ½ tsp. Garlic powder
    • ½ tsp. Salt

    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.
    • 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.

    Notes

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 129kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 11gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 346mgPotassium: 245mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let me know on Instagram @rachna.parmar or tag #rachnacooks
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    If you liked this recipe, I request you to give it a star * rating. Thanks.

    More Air Fryer Vegan Recipes

    • Air fryer Portobello Mushrooms
    • Air fryer Potato Chips
    • Bread Pakora Recipe
    • Masala Peanuts Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. kushigalu says

      January 08, 2023 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      Love this air fryer version. SO simple and delicious.

      Reply
    2. Nancy says

      January 09, 2023 at 12:36 am

      5 stars
      I love these crispy bites. So delicious and healthy too

      Reply
    3. Tara says

      January 09, 2023 at 2:44 am

      5 stars
      Oh wow! I just got an air fryer and will have to try this. I love that the recipe is vegan and dairy free.

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        January 09, 2023 at 8:15 am

        Yes, it is quite delicious. I hope you like it.

        Reply
    4. Wanda says

      January 09, 2023 at 3:23 am

      5 stars
      Don't have an air fryer yet but bookmarking this recipe as it's on the list to get one this month! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        January 09, 2023 at 8:14 am

        I hope you like it.

        Reply
    5. Jen says

      January 09, 2023 at 4:20 am

      5 stars
      This is a great air fryer recipe! The tempeh was very tasty!

      Reply
      • Rachna says

        January 09, 2023 at 8:14 am

        Thank you so much, Jen!

        Reply

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    Recipe Rating




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    Hi and welcome!

    I am Rachna, a Certified Nutritionist and Health Coach. I help you eat healthy. I specialize in healthy recipes especially Air fryer recipes.

    I offer Health and Nutrition Coaching aimed at helping you achieve fat loss, healthy eating habits and more stamina and flexibility.

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    Hi and welcome!

    I am Rachna, a Certified Nutritionist and Health Coach. I help you eat healthy. I specialize in healthy recipes especially Air fryer recipes.

    I offer Health and Nutrition Coaching aimed at helping you achieve fat loss, healthy eating habits and more stamina and flexibility.

    More about me →

    HEALTHY RECIPES

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