If you’re looking for the best way to cook tempeh, this Easy Air Fryer Tempeh recipe is a game-changer. With two ingredients and 10 minutes, you'll have these perfectly crispy cubes for salads, grain bowls, and more! You may also like our air fryer tofu nuggets.
Made with only two simple ingredients and packed with plant-based protein, these crispy tempeh cubes are perfect for salads, stir fry, grain bowls, breakfast tacos, or served alongside sweet potatoes. Whether you’re new to cooking tempeh or a seasoned pro, this quick, gluten-free, vegan, Daniel Fast-compliant recipe is a delicious way to enjoy this fermented food. If you love using your air fryer, be sure to check out our air fryer falafel.
Why You'll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh
- Crunch without deep frying: The air fryer gives you crisp edges using no oil, avoiding a soggy or greasy texture.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: Just tempeh and a savory sauce make this dish work, with optional extras if you like more flavor.
- Fast & easy prep: No long marinades or complicated steps. Cut, toss, air fry = done.
- Versatile: Works well with sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast dishes, or eaten on its own. It’s a great alternative to air fryer tofu if you're looking to mix things up!
- Perfect for meal prep: Holds up well in the fridge. You can make a big batch and use throughout the week.
Health Benefits
- Tempeh is high in protein and fiber and good for heart health, gut health, weight management, and bone health.
- Fermentation of the tempeh improves digestibility and may support gut health.
- Because it's oil-free, this air fryer tempeh is low in fat, which helps keep calorie density down, making it great for weight management.
What You Need to Make This Air Fryer Tempeh
- Tempeh: Firm base; provides texture, chew, and nutty, savory flavor. The structure holds up well in the air fryer without turning mushy.
- Coconut Aminos: Adds savory, umami depth; caramelizes during air frying for slightly sweet, golden edges. Coconut aminos bring a mild sweetness; soy sauce gives deeper saltiness.
Refer to the recipe card below for the specific amounts used.
Substitutions and Variations
- No tempeh? Try our air fryer tofu nuggets.
- For a barbecue flavor, coat in our homemade vegan BBQ sauce for a bolder taste.
- Add in garlic powder for pungent and savory notes, smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or cayenne pepper for heat.
- For added sweetness, add in homemade date syrup for more caramelization.
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How to Make Air Fryer Tempeh
Step 1
Cute tempeh into strips or cubes, about ½ in thick.
Step 2
Put the cut tempeh into a mixing bowl and add coconut aminos. Toss to coat.
Step 3
Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the goodness to absorb.
Step 4
Dump the coated tempeh in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer.
Step 5
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy immediately!
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tempeh
- Preheat the air fryer if your model recommends it for even cooking.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your particular air fryer, so check it at 8 minutes.
- When you air fry tempeh strips, shake them at the halfway point to ensure even browning. The smaller cubes seem to brown evenly, so shaking is optional.
- Make a batch ahead of time for easy weeknight meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can certainly eat this cold on a salad, or reheat at medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes in the air fryer or microwave.
- After using the air fryer basket, soak it in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. The coconut aminos sauce that drains to the bottom of the air fryer basket cleans up easily.
Serving Suggestions
- Add to grain bowls with roasted veggies and peanut sauce, like the nourish bowl.
- Top our vegan Caesar salad or green goddess salad with these air fryer tempeh nuggets for a protein boost.
- Serve on mushroom avocado toast, or in a butternut squash breakfast hash, or a black bean breakfast burrito for a hearty breakfast.
- Could also use this on the vegan wedge salad instead of homemade vegan bacon.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, tempeh is excellent in the air fryer! Air frying gives tempeh a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside firm and chewy. It's one of the best ways to enhance tempeh’s nutty flavor without using oil. Plus, it cooks quickly, making it perfect for meal prep, grain bowls, stir fry dishes, or a vegan bacon alternative. Whether you're making crispy air fryer tempeh cubes or tempeh strips, the air fryer method delivers great texture and deep flavor every time.
Absolutely! A delicious marinade with maple syrup (or homemade date syrup), soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and a touch of liquid smoke or smoked paprika creates smoky tempeh or even air fryer tempeh bacon.
Not for this recipe! The air frying method gives it a great bite and brings out its nutty flavor.
Tempeh is made from whole soybeans and has more fiber and protein due to its fermentation process. It has a firm texture and a deeper flavor than tofu. Be sure to check out our tasty and easy air fryer tofu recipe.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw on the countertop or in the fridge, then reheat in the air fryer or microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
This easy Air Fryer Tempeh recipe is one of our favorite ways to enjoy this protein-rich, meatless option. Whether you're tossing it in a buffalo recipe, pairing it with roasted veggies, or using it as a topping for a salad, it’s a great addition to any meal.
Other Tempeh Recipes to Check Out
If you tried this Air Fryer Tempeh or any other recipe on our website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below! We love to get your feedback for improvement.
Easy Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 8- ounce package of tempeh
- 1 ½ Tablespoons coconut aminos (or 1 Tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari soy sauce)
Instructions
- Cut tempeh into ½-inch cubes or tempeh strips for more surface area and great texture.
- Add to a mixing bowl and toss with coconut aminos. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to soak up the umami goodness.
- Place the coated tempeh in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure a crispy texture.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your particular air fryer, so check it at 8 minutes. When you air fry tempeh strips, you’ll want to shake at the halfway point for even browning. The smaller cubes seem to brown evenly, so shaking is optional.
- Look for a golden brown color on the edges for best results.
- Enjoy immediately with a grain bowl, or allow the cooked tempeh to cool to room temperature if adding it to a cold salad.
Notes
- You'll need an air fryer for this recipe. I like the Corsi brand air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer if your model recommends it for even cooking.
- Make a batch ahead of time for easy meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw on the countertop or in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer or microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Clean up tip. After using the air fryer basket, soak it in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. The coconut aminos sauce that drains to the bottom of the air fryer basket cleans up easily.
Gigi & Sersie says
These nuggets are fast and easy to make. They make a great topping on a salad.