Make crispy tempeh in your air fryer! This Air Fried Tempeh is a quick and easy way to cook a block of tempeh for dinner in minutes. Air fryer tempeh is easily customizable and ready in just 15 minutes.
Simple and delicious, this air fried tempeh is a great way to get in that plant-based protein.
Step 1. Air fry the tempeh at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, until crisp.
Step 2. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Whisk the liquid aminos, maple syrup, garlic, and liquid smoke in a small bowl.
Step 3. When the tempeh is cooked, toss the tempeh in the sauce. Serve and enjoy!
The exact cook time for this recipe depends on the type of air fryer you own. If you are making this recipe for the first time, check the tempeh a few times throughout the cooking process to avoid burning.
In this recipe I used a NuWave Brio 14qt. air fryer - it's slightly larger than a standard air fryer and does take slightly longer to cook certain foods, but I have adjusted the recipe instructions for a standard air fryer.
I usually don't cook with oil - you don't need any! Especially when cooking in an air fryer.
An air fryer works similarly to a convection oven. It circulates hot air to cook all sides of the food at a rapid pace. Because of the quick cooking time the tempeh will not get stuck to the base of the air fryer.
The less moisture on the tempeh when it goes in the air fryer, the quicker it will cook. By adding the sauce after air frying, we make the cooking time significantly shorter.
Liquid aminos and liquid smoke are my go-to flavors when cooking tempeh, even when I just pan-fry it. But you don't have to make the sauce the same every time!
Whip up your favorite dressing or marinade and toss with the tempeh after air frying.
A nice coating of vegan honey mustard dressing or a drizzle of vegan aioli would be delicious!
Looking for more ways to cook tempeh? Try some of my favorites:
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Make crispy tempeh in your air fryer! This Air Fried Tempeh is a quick and easy way to cook a block of tempeh for dinner in minutes. Air fryer tempeh is easily customizable and ready in just 15 minutes.
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