This air fryer tempeh is crispy, filling, and easy to make. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, with a light garlic flavor that works well in bowls, salads, or simple sides.
A Note From Kristen
After getting totally hooked on how crispy tofu turns out in the air fryer, I knew I had to give tempeh the same treatment. I’m so glad I did. This version comes out smoky, savory, and lightly garlicky, with a firm, chewy crispness that makes tempeh a satisfying plant-based swap for meat. It’s hearty enough to snack on straight from the basket, and it also works beautifully in bowls, wraps, and easy weeknight meals. It’s packed with protein, iron, and calcium, simple to make, and naturally gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free. Happy eating!
~Kristen
5-Stars From Our Readers
“Definitely 5 stars! Tempeh can be a tricky food to get right, but this recipe does the trick every time. Thank you!”
— Matthew Green
What is Arroz con Coco?
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.
Ingredient Notes
Please keep in mind that this is just a quick overview. Visit the full recipe for amounts and instructions!
How to Air Fry Tempeh
- Heat the air fryer to 390°F. Cut the tempeh into 1/2- to 1-inch cubes and add them to a bowl.
- Pour in the remaining ingredients, stir to coat, and let the tempeh rest for about 10 minutes.
- Spread the cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray.
- Cook until crisp, then serve. Enjoy!
Serving Ideas
- Enjoy as a simple snack as is, or with a favorite dipping sauce.
- Top off soups and stews.
- Stir into curries for some protein power.
- Toss into noodle and grain bowls.
- Use as a filling for wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions
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!
More Air Fryer Recipes You Might Enjoy
Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe
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!
Can’t stop eating them!
This is the best kind of comment! I’m so happy you like this recipe. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Actually for a quarter of a package, there are 5 g of protein. Other than that, your recipe was fabulous. Thanks!
I’m so glad to hear it! Thanks so much for taking the time to share.
Do you think I can mix the sauce and the tempeh and carry to the office in a zippy bag or something? Then refrigerate there and cook it there? I bought the cutest little air fryer because I need quick meals. Suggestions? Thanks!
Hi, Suzy! Yes, most definitely! In fact, it will probably be even tastier, marinating for bit. I hope this helps and I hope you enjoy the recipe!
awesome recipe, love it on my salads
So happy to hear it! Thanks so much for taking the time to share here! 🙂
First time cooking with tempeh. I made the accident of trying it fresh out of the packaging, do not recommend. It has a funky fermented taste. This recipe was delicious. I mixed the air fried tempeh with veggie and siracha.
Yes, haha! Thanks so much for sharing! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe. 🙂
I loved the recipe, but it came out dry tasting, and I felt it needed some kind of dipping sauce. Can you suggest anything?
If you like spice, this is great: https://moonandspoonandyum.com/sriracha-aioli/, otherwise, this is my go-to for nearly anything: https://moonandspoonandyum.com/spicy-turmeric-tahini-sauce-vegan-gluten-free/. The air fried tempeh is also delicious incorporated in noodles, stir-fries, rice bowls, etc. Sometimes I air fry it and then add it to the last few minutes of cook time in a curry as well. I hope this helps!
This recipe converted me to a tempeh person! The air fryer makes it extra crispy and so delicious.
I have a hard time getting my family to eat tempeh, but everyone LOVED this dish. And I really love how easy it is!!
This was spectacular! I was so pleased at how well it crisped up. I added a little ginger to the marinade, as well. The crispy tempeh was scrumptious added into a Mandarin Orange Salad. Thanks for the recipe!
That was the first time I made tempeh in the air fryer, which was very delicious. I am new to air fryer but love everything I have used it for so far.
Loooove tempeh! The AF is perfect for getting those crispy edges too!
This looks amazing!! Looking forward to cooking and eating. The block of tempeh I have is 3 serves, can I keep it marinating till the next meal? Or is it better to cook all at once?
Hi, Brenda! Thank you for stopping by. You absolutely can marinate it until you are ready. Enjoy!
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?
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. 🙂
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.
What a unique and unexpected dish! Adding this to my dinner line up for the week; looks too good to pass up, indeed!
I love how flavorful and hearty these are! Great meat substitute!
Perfect to add it to my weekly menu, everyone at my house is going to love it.
This is perfect for my gluten free vegetarian kids! We can’t wait to make this together.
A great tasting meal. Crispy and savory tempehs are just great with rice or salads when having a meatless dinner!
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 🙂
So happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
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.
I’ve not tried tempeh before but thi looks so crispy and delicious that I need to get some!
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!
The air fryer really enhances this recipe and makes everything come together easily! The recipe is so flavorful, too.
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.
This was my first time air frying tempeh and let’s just say, I think I found my go to recipe! Yum! 😋 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.
I’m so happy to hear that!! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Very nice! Followed someone else’s lead and added cauliflower while doubling the seasonings. Thanks!
So good to hear! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Oh wow! I love how you made the tempeh using the air fryer. That crispy texture looks fantastic and such wonderful flavors too.
Yum! This looks great! Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe!
We are always looking for new ways to use our air fryer and this tempeh looks amazing.
This looks so easy and delicious. I can’t wait to try it out.
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.
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?
Boiling is not necessary at all! I hope this helps. 🙂
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!
Oh, that makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for taking the time to share. 🙂
Definitely 5 stars! Tempeh can be a tricky food to get right, but this recipe does the trick every time. Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share. 🙂
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.
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. 🙂
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!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you! 🙂
This was delicious! I doubled the marinade and mixed in Brussels sprouts..made me finally like tempeh! Thank you!!
I’m so happy to hear that! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and share. 🙂
Should I shake the air fryer while the tempeh is in there or let it cook through all the way?
You can if you would like, but I find it isn’t necessary with this recipe (but it certainly doesn’t hurt!).
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!
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!