Super crispy, filling and flavorful Air Fryer Tempeh will become a meal time staple in no time! This Air Fried Tempeh could not be easier to make! Naturally gluten-free and vegan, with beautiful hints of garlic.
After playing around with tofu in the air fryer and growing hooked, I just had to give tempeh a go, too! The result? Super crispy and hearty tempeh—perfect for snacking all on its own or incorporating into your favorite meals. Air Fry Tempeh truly is a satisfying dish!
What is Tempeh?
Like tofu, tempeh (pronounced "tempei") is made from soybeans. But unlike tofu which is made from soy milk, tempeh is made from soybeans that have been fermented into compact cakes. Tempeh makes a great meat substitute in vegan and plant-based dishes and has a nice hearty and firm texture. It is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to check labels, as some brands make specialty tempeh products by incorporating other ingredients such as wheat. It has a slightly nutty taste.
Features
- Smoky and savory with a hint of garlic.
- A satisfyingly firm, chewy and crispy texture, with a special heartiness that makes it a great meat replacement in vegan and vegetarian dishes.
- Rich in protein, iron and calcium.
- Super easy to make.
- Can be enjoyed a variety of ways.
- Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, nut-free.
Ingredient Notes
Tempeh: Choose a nice fresh, firm block of tempeh for best results.
Coconut aminos: This adds a nice umami flavor to the tempeh. Soy sauce makes a suitable replacement, if need be.
Toasted sesame oil: This add a wonderful subtle smokiness to this tempeh. Make sure to use the toasted variety for best results.
Garlic powder: I tried a few different seasoning blends when testing, but good ol' garlic powder really does the trick here and greatly complements the other ingredients.
Salt and oil: Salt for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients used and oil for additional crispiness. If you are on a low-sodium or oil-free diet, either one can be omitted.
For full ingredients list and instructions, refer to the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.
Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 390F. Slice the tempeh into 1/2"-1" cubes. Place into a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add remaining ingredients. Toss to coat. Let sit and marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Place the marinated tempeh in one single layer in your air fryer basket or tray.
Step 4: Air fry and enjoy!
For full ingredients list and instructions, refer to the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.
How to Serve
This Air Fryer Tempeh tastes great on its own, as a healthy snack, or incorporated into dishes such as soup, curry, noodle bowls or wraps.
FAQ and Top Tips
How do I store and reheat air fried tempeh?
This tempeh tastes best straight out of the air fryer but will keep crisp for about 24 hours at room temperature. Any longer and I recommend storing in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheating in an air fryer or oven at 400F or until crisp and warmed throughout.
Can I change the seasonings in this recipe?
Yes! The seasonings used in this recipe are just what tasted best out of a few different combos that I tested, but you can omit or change any of the spices listed and use what you most prefer instead! The tempeh will still get crispy with or without them thanks to an air fryer!
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Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce package tempeh sliced into 1/2"-1" cubes
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or neutral oil of choice
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or pink salt or salt to suit personal preference
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Prepare tempeh by slicing into ½-1" cubes. Place tempeh cubes into a large mixing bowl.
- To the same bowl add avocado oil, coconut aminos, sesame oil, garlic powder and salt. Toss to coat. Let sit and marinate for 10 minutes.
- When marination has finished, place the tempeh in a single layer in your air fryer basket or tray. Air fry for 15 minutes or until tempeh is firm, crispy and golden.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Taylor says
Would like to make this, but don’t have an air fryer. Will it turn out just as good in the oven on a baking rack? Do I need to dial up the oven temp?
Kristen Wood says
You can make this in a 400F oven. Just spread evenly on a cookie sheet and bake for about 25 minutes, or until crispy. It works nearly as well. đŸ™‚
john says
You can deep fry them to get the same result. Actually better as everyone knows deep frying is great! Air frying is meant to replicate deep frying with less oil, and it comes close, but actual deep frying is tastier, but perhaps less healthy. If the oil is hot enough, the food won't absorb too much oil. that's the key. 375 degrees is good as the hot oil quickly sears the outside of the food sealing it from absorbing oil.
Sara Welch says
What a unique and unexpected dish! Adding this to my dinner line up for the week; looks too good to pass up, indeed!
Holley says
I love how flavorful and hearty these are! Great meat substitute!
Mariana says
Perfect to add it to my weekly menu, everyone at my house is going to love it.
Andrea says
This is perfect for my gluten free vegetarian kids! We can't wait to make this together.
Mirlene says
A great tasting meal. Crispy and savory tempehs are just great with rice or salads when having a meatless dinner!
Colin Upham says
This was a very good recipe and very tasty. it came out a little to crisp when I had it in the air fryer for 15 minutes. I will need to adjust the time next time and there will be a next time đŸ™‚
Kristen Wood says
So happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing. đŸ™‚
Christy says
Super delicious and easy! Thanks for the recipe. I made strips so we could dip them in a pot sticker dipping sauce I had leftover.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
I've not tried tempeh before but thi looks so crispy and delicious that I need to get some!
Ieva says
Tempeh has been my new favourite vegan thing for a while now but this was the first time I cooked it in an air-fryer. Definitely recommend! Great seasoning too!
Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
The air fryer really enhances this recipe and makes everything come together easily! The recipe is so flavorful, too.
Mariana Garavito says
I like to make easy and fast recipes to share with my family when they come to visit. I did this awesome Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh and they love it I’m going to make it again for sure.
Kristen says
This was my first time air frying tempeh and let's just say, I think I found my go to recipe! Yum! đŸ˜‹ Even the hubby loved it! Used 3/4 tbsp avocado oil, coconut aminos and just a dash of garlic salt instead of the 1/2tsp salt.
Kristen Wood says
I'm so happy to hear that!! Thank you for sharing. đŸ™‚
Rob says
Very nice! Followed someone else’s lead and added cauliflower while doubling the seasonings. Thanks!
Kristen Wood says
So good to hear! Thank you for sharing. đŸ™‚
Tara says
Oh wow! I love how you made the tempeh using the air fryer. That crispy texture looks fantastic and such wonderful flavors too.
Teodora Grujic says
Yum! This looks great! Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe!
Dannii says
We are always looking for new ways to use our air fryer and this tempeh looks amazing.
Savita says
This looks so easy and delicious. I can't wait to try it out.
Vidya Narayan says
I have been meaning to try Tempeh since quite some time. This is just the recipe I need! Thanks a lot. The step-wise pics are quite helpful.
Laurie Camelio says
I am going to make tempeh recipetonight. I always heard you should quickly boil the tempeh to get out the bitterness. Is this step necessary?
Kristen Wood says
Boiling is not necessary at all! I hope this helps. đŸ™‚
MG says
I have Crohn's disease, and as a vegetarian finding delicious foods that don't trigger a flare can be tricky. Tofu, though I love it, was causing some reactions but my nutritionist suggested tempeh as it is a lot easier on the digestive system. I tried this recipe, omitting the salt and used a low sodium soy sauce and WOW! It was amazing! Thank you so much, I will be using tempeh as a staple now!
Kristen Wood says
Oh, that makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for taking the time to share. đŸ™‚
Matthew Green says
Definitely 5 stars! Tempeh can be a tricky food to get right, but this recipe does the trick every time. Thank you!
Kristen Wood says
I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share. đŸ™‚
Lia says
Easy & savory; awfully salty, though. We used 1/4-inch slices instead of cubes, and served with soy yogurt to cut the saltiness. I’ll omit the salt next time.
Kristen Wood says
Hi, Lia! I appreciate the feedback and I'm sorry you found it too salty! I actually usually write for others to salt to taste for this reason, as I know personal preferences here can vary greatly, haha! I will update the recipe card and I'm glad you were still able to enjoy the recipe. đŸ™‚
Eoghan says
Made this but was missing garlic powder:( used every other ingredient exactly as recipe says. Mixed in with mexican rice for a quick energy boost and was delicious, thanks!
Kristen Wood says
I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you! đŸ™‚
MKG says
This was delicious! I doubled the marinade and mixed in Brussels sprouts..made me finally like tempeh! Thank you!!
Kristen Wood says
I'm so happy to hear that! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and share. đŸ™‚
Jenny says
Should I shake the air fryer while the tempeh is in there or let it cook through all the way?
Kristen Wood says
You can if you would like, but I find it isn't necessary with this recipe (but it certainly doesn't hurt!).
Robbie says
Can this be cooked in the oven? I don't have an air fryer. I've also never eaten tempeh so I'm not familiar with the taste or texture. Thanks!
Kristen Wood says
Hi Robbie - yes, after marinating, you can bake it in a 400F oven for about 25 minutes. Tempeh has a dense chewy texture that becomes delightfully lighter and crispier when baked or air-fried. I hope this helps!