Tempeh in the Air Fryer
Air fryer tempeh turns the firm, nutty block into crisp-edged strips and cubes with a chewy middle, in about 12 minutes. The dry heat gives the marinade a sticky, caramelized finish with very little oil. This guide covers the basic recipe, how to remove bitterness, and the changes for tempeh bacon and crumbles.
- Temperature
- 375°F190 °C
- Total time
- 37min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 2
- Per serving
- 320kcal
Why the air fryer works for tempeh
Tempeh is a block of fermented soybeans held together by a firm, white mycelium. That structure browns well and stays chewy, which makes it a good match for the dry heat of the air fryer. The surface dries and crisps while the inside stays tender, and the marinade caramelizes into a glaze instead of soaking away like it does in a pan.
Tempeh absorbs flavor, but it also tastes plain on its own. That is why the marinade and a short simmer matter. Soy sauce brings salt, maple syrup adds sweetness and helps browning, and a little vinegar balances the fermented flavor. This air fryer tempeh recipe makes plenty for two, and you can scale it up by cooking in batches of one block at a time.
How to make tempeh in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Simmer (optional) Cut the tempeh block into ½-inch strips. For a milder flavor, simmer the strips in a pot of water for , then drain and pat them dry. This removes the slight bitterness that some brands have.
- Marinate Whisk the soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, rice vinegar, paprika and garlic in a shallow dish. Add the tempeh and turn to coat. Let it sit for at least , or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 375 °F for .
- Cook Lift the strips out of the marinade, letting extra liquid drip off, and arrange them in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for , flipping after , until the edges are dark golden and crisp.
- Glaze and serve Brush the strips with the remaining marinade during the last , then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice, in sandwiches or on top of salads.
Times and temperatures
| Tempeh | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Strips, ½ inchFlip after 6 min | 375 °F (190 °C) | 12 min |
| Cubes, 1 inchShake twice | 375 °F (190 °C) | 10–12 min |
| Tempeh bacon, ¼ inch | 375 °F (190 °C) | 6–8 min |
| CrumblesShake every 3 min | 375 °F (190 °C) | 8–10 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Cut for the result you want. Thin ¼-inch slices become tempeh bacon, ½-inch strips stay chewy, and cubes work in bowls.
- Pat it dry. After simmering or marinating, a dry surface browns better than a wet one.
- Do not crowd the basket. A single layer with small gaps lets the crust crisp on all sides.
What to serve with tempeh
Serve the strips over rice with steamed broccoli and a drizzle of sesame oil, or put them on a sandwich with lettuce, tomato and avocado, like a BLT. They also work in grain bowls and salads. For a quick side, try broccoli, green beans or chickpeas in the same air fryer.
Storing and reheating
Cooked tempeh keeps for 4 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator, which suits meal prep. Reheat it in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3 to 4 minutes to bring back the crisp edges. Unopened tempeh can be frozen for up to 3 months. Once cooked, it is best eaten within the week.
Variations
- Tempeh bacon: Slice the block ¼ inch thick and marinate with 1 tbsp liquid smoke, 1 tbsp maple syrup and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes.
- BBQ: Replace the marinade with ¼ cup barbecue sauce, and brush it on in the last 3 minutes.
- Gochujang: Mix 1 tbsp gochujang with the soy sauce and maple syrup for a spicy, sweet glaze.
- Crumbles: Grate the block, toss with taco seasoning and oil, and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking every 3 minutes.
If it does not turn out right
- The tempeh tastes bitter
- Simmer it in water for 10 minutes before marinating. This helps especially with older blocks or darker, strongly fermented brands.
- The marinade burns
- Maple syrup and soy sauce brown fast. Let the excess drip off, and brush on the remaining marinade only in the last 2 minutes.
- The tempeh is dry and hard
- It was cut too thin or cooked too long. Keep slices at ½ inch, and shorten the time by 2 to 3 minutes if you like it soft.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook tempeh in the air fryer?
12 minutes at 375 °F for ½-inch strips, flipping halfway. Cubes of 1 inch need 10 to 12 minutes and thin bacon-style slices of ¼ inch need 6 to 8.
What temperature is best for air fryer tempeh?
375 °F crisps the outside without burning the marinade. If your air fryer runs hot, use 350 °F and add a couple of minutes.
Do you need oil to cook tempeh in the air fryer?
No. It cooks without oil, but a tablespoon in the marinade helps with browning and flavor.
Can you cook frozen tempeh in the air fryer?
Thaw it in the refrigerator first, since a frozen block is hard to slice and will not absorb marinade. Then cook as in the recipe.
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