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.
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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, and vegan 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
Air frying is one of the best things to happen to tempeh. The air fryer method creates a crispy texture without deep frying, which uses too much oil. In fact, this oil-free recipe uses a quick toss in coconut aminos or soy sauce, and delivers flavorful tempeh with a nutty flavor and a firm texture—perfect for your favorite dishes.
Nutritionally, you'll love this recipe. Tempeh is high in protein and fiber and good for heart health, gut health, weight management, and bone health.
Ingredients
This recipe uses just two simple ingredients, but feel free to customize with your favorite marinade ingredients, such as maple syrup (use homemade date syrup if you’re doing the Daniel Fast), garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika, for more punch and a smoky flavor.
Tempeh
Look for it in the refrigerated section of health food stores or your local grocery store. Tempeh is made from whole soybeans through a fermentation process that gives it a nutty flavor and tons of plant-based protein. There are different tempeh brands. I use Lightlife, but any will work.
Coconut aminos (or reduced-sodium soy sauce)
This adds savory, umami depth to your tempeh. Coconut aminos offer a little sweetness and caramelize beautifully on the cooked tempeh. For spicy food lovers, try a splash of hot sauce or homemade vegan BBQ sauce for a bolder taste.
Optional Add-Ins
Garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast, curry powder, cayenne pepper, olive oil, avocado oil, or a simple maple glaze. You can also use liquid smoke, sesame oil, or rice vinegar to tweak the flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tempeh
- 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. Reheat at medium heat for a few minutes in the air fryer.
- 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.
How to Make Air Fried Tempeh
This method works in any particular air fryer and delivers crispy air fryer tempeh every time.
Step-by-Step Directions
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.
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 fridge and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This flavorful air fryer tempeh is super versatile:
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- Add to grain bowls with roasted veggies and peanut sauce, like the nourish bowl.
- Use in stir-fry dishes or big salads.
- 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.
It’s also a great alternative to air fryer tofu if you're looking to mix things up!
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 much oil. Plus, it cooks quickly—usually in under 10 minutes—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 deeper flavor than tofu. Be sure to check out our tasty and easy air fryer tofu recipe.
Final Thoughts
This 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
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to rate it on the recipe card below! We'd love to know your favorite way to use air-fried tempeh.
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.
- 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 fridge and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes.
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. Reheat at medium heat for a few minutes in the air fryer.
- 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
These nuggets are fast and easy to make. They make a great topping on a salad.