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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Tempeh

    Published: Feb 17, 2021 by Kristen Wood - This post may contain affiliate links.

    Skip to Recipe Pin Recipe

    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.

    a white bowl filled with crispy tempeh pieces

    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!

    Table Of Contents
    • What is Tempeh?
    • Features
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step by Step
    • How to Serve
    • FAQ and Top Tips
    • More Air Fryer Recipes You Might Enjoy
    a hand reaching for a bowl of air fryer tempeh

    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.

    a hand holding a white bowl filled with air fried tempeh

    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.
    a bowl filled with crispy tempeh

    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.

    a hand reaching for a piece of tempeh in a white bowl

    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.

    a white bowl of tempeh on a marbled background

    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!

    a white bowl of crispy air fryer tempeh with pieces spilled to the side

    More Air Fryer Recipes You Might Enjoy

    35 Plant-Based Air Fryer Recipes

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    Air Fryer Tofu

    two arms stretched to hold a bowl of air fried tempeh there is a black spiral tattoo on the inside of the right wrist of the right arm

    Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh

    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.
    4.51 from 321 votes
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!
    Course: Entrées, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: Indonesian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Author: Kristen Wood

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    This tempeh will continue to crisp as it cools.
    Please refer to the full post above on this page for more valuable information!
    If you like this Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh, you will also love our Air Fryer Tofu Recipe!
    Also see: The Best Oils for an Air Fryer.
    Also see: Air Fryer Popcorn.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2ounces | Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 376mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

    Recommended Products

    Air Fryer
    Coconut Aminos
    Toasted Sesame Oil
    Have you tried this recipe?Please Rate + Comment Below!
    Mention on Instagram!@moon.and.spoon.and.yum

    More Gluten-Free Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes

    • Air Fryer Falafel
    • Easy Air Fryer Squash (Summer Squash)
    • Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
    • Air Fryer Parsnips
    • Share

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Taylor says

      September 02, 2022 at 7:53 am

      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?

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        September 03, 2022 at 1:10 pm

        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™‚

        Reply
      • john says

        December 09, 2022 at 11:48 am

        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.

        Reply
    2. Sara Welch says

      May 23, 2022 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      What a unique and unexpected dish! Adding this to my dinner line up for the week; looks too good to pass up, indeed!

      Reply
    3. Holley says

      May 23, 2022 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      I love how flavorful and hearty these are! Great meat substitute!

      Reply
    4. Mariana says

      May 23, 2022 at 3:00 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect to add it to my weekly menu, everyone at my house is going to love it.

      Reply
    5. Andrea says

      May 23, 2022 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      This is perfect for my gluten free vegetarian kids! We can't wait to make this together.

      Reply
    6. Mirlene says

      May 23, 2022 at 1:43 pm

      5 stars
      A great tasting meal. Crispy and savory tempehs are just great with rice or salads when having a meatless dinner!

      Reply
    7. Colin Upham says

      May 06, 2022 at 8:54 am

      5 stars
      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™‚

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        May 06, 2022 at 9:28 am

        So happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing. đŸ™‚

        Reply
    8. Christy says

      May 02, 2022 at 3:07 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    9. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

      February 19, 2022 at 1:25 am

      5 stars
      I've not tried tempeh before but thi looks so crispy and delicious that I need to get some!

      Reply
    10. Ieva says

      February 19, 2022 at 1:07 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    11. Healthy Seasonal Recipes says

      February 18, 2022 at 7:21 pm

      5 stars
      The air fryer really enhances this recipe and makes everything come together easily! The recipe is so flavorful, too.

      Reply
    12. Mariana Garavito says

      February 18, 2022 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    13. Kristen says

      February 03, 2022 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        February 03, 2022 at 11:38 pm

        I'm so happy to hear that!! Thank you for sharing. đŸ™‚

        Reply
    14. Rob says

      January 29, 2022 at 5:15 pm

      Very nice! Followed someone else’s lead and added cauliflower while doubling the seasonings. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        January 29, 2022 at 6:21 pm

        So good to hear! Thank you for sharing. đŸ™‚

        Reply
    15. Tara says

      January 19, 2022 at 8:17 pm

      5 stars
      Oh wow! I love how you made the tempeh using the air fryer. That crispy texture looks fantastic and such wonderful flavors too.

      Reply
    16. Teodora Grujic says

      December 29, 2021 at 6:41 am

      5 stars
      Yum! This looks great! Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe!

      Reply
    17. Dannii says

      December 29, 2021 at 2:30 am

      5 stars
      We are always looking for new ways to use our air fryer and this tempeh looks amazing.

      Reply
    18. Savita says

      December 29, 2021 at 2:06 am

      5 stars
      This looks so easy and delicious. I can't wait to try it out.

      Reply
    19. Vidya Narayan says

      December 28, 2021 at 10:35 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    20. Laurie Camelio says

      December 26, 2021 at 1:14 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        December 26, 2021 at 3:05 pm

        Boiling is not necessary at all! I hope this helps. đŸ™‚

        Reply
    21. MG says

      December 20, 2021 at 2:26 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        December 21, 2021 at 11:54 am

        Oh, that makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for taking the time to share. đŸ™‚

        Reply
    22. Matthew Green says

      August 28, 2021 at 2:21 am

      5 stars
      Definitely 5 stars! Tempeh can be a tricky food to get right, but this recipe does the trick every time. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        August 29, 2021 at 11:44 am

        I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share. đŸ™‚

        Reply
    23. Lia says

      June 21, 2021 at 6:26 pm

      4 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        June 27, 2021 at 2:15 pm

        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™‚

        Reply
    24. Eoghan says

      May 28, 2021 at 2:11 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        May 28, 2021 at 12:39 pm

        I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you! đŸ™‚

        Reply
    25. MKG says

      April 15, 2021 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious! I doubled the marinade and mixed in Brussels sprouts..made me finally like tempeh! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        April 15, 2021 at 4:04 pm

        I'm so happy to hear that! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and share. đŸ™‚

        Reply
    26. Jenny says

      April 07, 2021 at 1:16 am

      Should I shake the air fryer while the tempeh is in there or let it cook through all the way?

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        April 07, 2021 at 7:43 am

        You can if you would like, but I find it isn't necessary with this recipe (but it certainly doesn't hurt!).

        Reply
    27. Robbie says

      March 06, 2021 at 11:06 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        March 06, 2021 at 11:38 am

        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!

        Reply

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    kristen wood

    About Kristen Wood

    Hi, I'm Kristen! A mama, food writer, photographer, recipe developer, and cookbook author. I enjoy sharing both wildly creative and ridiculously practical gluten-free vegetarian recipes that are approachable for all. Welcome!

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