Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh is as versatile as it is satisfying! Lightly seasoned with a golden-brown crunch, this air fryer tempeh recipe makes it easy to add a vegan protein option to your plant-based recipes.
What’s Included In This Post
As a registered dietitian, I’m constantly scouting for the best ways to make plant-based meals fast, flavorful, and filling. They need to taste great and keep me satisfied, and you’re likely no different! That’s where this crispy air fryer tempeh recipe comes in. It turns a humble soy food into a crave-worthy addition to salads, bowls, wraps, stir fries, and more.
In this post, I’ll break down what tempeh is, why it deserves a place on your plate (or in your bowl), and how to get crispy tempeh bites with minimal effort using an air fryer.
Let’s get started!
What is tempeh?
Tempeh originated in Indonesia. It’s made from whole soybeans that are fermented and pressed into a dense, firm block. This is typically how you’ll find it in the grocery store, vacuum sealed and ready to slice, cube, or crumble.
Although tempeh is also made from soy, it’s quite different than tofu. While tofu has a smooth texture, varying levels of firmness, and a mild flavor, tempeh is firm and chewy with a slightly nutty flavor, thanks to the fermentation process. Steaming before cooking can mellow out the flavor. Tempeh also works well with marinades and seasonings.
Tempeh is naturally high in plant-based protein and fiber since it’s made from the whole soybean. A 3.5-ounce serving provides about 15-18 grams of protein and 7-8 grams of fiber (depending on the brand). That’s pretty impressive, especially since so many people are looking for high-protein recipes but struggle to get enough fiber in their diet.
Each serving of tempeh also provides important vitamins and minerals. They include iron, calcium, riboflavin and niacin (B vitamins), magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. At the same time, tempeh is naturally low in fat and sodium.
Want to learn more about soy nutrition? Check out my posts on Tofu Nutrition and Facts on Soy and Cancer. Then try my Tempeh Sloppy Joes if you’re craving more recipe inspiration!
Why Cook Tempeh in the Air Fryer?
Tempeh is delicious pan-fried, baked, grilled, or roasted for sheet pan dinners. But air frying is hands-down one of the easiest ways to prepare it. Here’s why:
- Less oil needed: You get crispy edges with a fraction of the oil compared to deep frying.
- Even cooking: The hot air circulates around the cubes or slices for a consistent crunch.
- Quick cleanup: One basket, minimal mess.
In about 10–15 minutes, you can go from plain tempeh to golden, crispy bites ready to toss into your favorite meals.
Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh Ingredients
You’ll love how short and sweet this ingredient list is!
- Tempeh. The Lightlife brand is usually the easiest to find, in stores or online.
- Cooking oil, ideally with a neutral flavor and high smoke point like avocado oil or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil unless you’re OK with the flavor it will add to the tempeh.
- Your choice of seasonings and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or chili flakes.
If you’re making crispy tempeh for meal prep, stick with a general or all-purpose seasoning. This gives you plenty of options. But if you have a particular recipe in mind, you can tailor the seasoning or spice levels for what you plan to make.
And of course, you’ll need an air fryer to make crispy air fryer tempeh! A 6-Qt. capacity or larger will let you cook in one batch, while smaller air fryers may require two or more batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh
Start with this simple method, then customize with different flavors or seasonings so you never get bored.
- Preheat the air fryer basket so it’s hot and ready to go. This helps ensure a crispy, not steamed, texture.
- Prep the tempeh by cutting into bite-sized cubes. Add the tempeh to a large bowl.
- Toss the cubed tempeh with the cooking oil and your choice of seasonings.
- Spread the seasoning tempeh in a single layer in the basket of the preheated air fryer. Pop it back in and cook at 390 to 400 degrees F for about 10 minutes. Pause to shake halfway through, and adjust the cooking time as needed (up to 15 minutes).
You want the air fryer tempeh to be crispy and golden brown, but not burnt or scorched. Once finished, let the crispy tempeh cool slightly before adding it to your recipes.
Street Smart Nutrition Tip: The smaller the pieces, the crispier the tempeh. If you want a big crunch factor, cube it small to increase the surface area.
How to Serve Crispy Tempeh
Once you have a batch of nice crispy tempeh cubes, you’re ready to get creative! Here are a few ideas to start with:
- Grain bowls or nourish bowls, with a base of cooked grains, lentils, beans, or leafy greens. Pair with fresh or pickled vegetables for contrasting flavor, texture, and color.
- Wraps and burritos, rolled tightly with your favorite fillings or sauces. Try BBQ sauce or hot sauce, or even a small splash of liquid smoke for a savory, smoky flavor.
- A hearty stir fry, where the flavors of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and green onions complement the nuttiness of the tempeh.
- Bold salads, especially if they need a crunchy, protein-packed topping. This is a delicious way to make vegan or 100% plant-based salads more satisfying and balanced.
You can also add crispy tempeh to a snack plate along with fresh fruit, veggies, and hummus or other flavorful dips.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If making crispy air fryer tempeh for meal prep, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Eat the leftover tempeh within 3-4 days.
For best results, reheat tempeh using one of these methods:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the tempeh cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Heat for 8-10 minutes until warmed through, then use the broiler setting (optional) to restore some of the crispiness around the edges.
- Air Fryer: Preheat the basket to 350 degrees F. Add the tempeh, then cook 3-5 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure the tempeh crisps up evenly.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate or dish. Heat in short bursts of 30-45 seconds until warmed through. This method is speedy and convenient, but you’ll end up with a softer texture.
Street Smart Nutrition Tip: Storing freshly cooked tempeh can lead to condensation. Before reheating, use a paper towel to dab away excess water or moisture.
Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh
Ingredients
- 1 package tempeh, or 8 ounces
- 1/2 tbsp cooking oil, such as avocado or peanut oil
- 1 tsp seasonings of your choice, such as all-purpose seasoning, salt & pepper, or garlic powder and chili flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer basket so it's hot and ready to go. This helps ensure a crispy, not steamed, texture.
- Prep the tempeh by cutting into bite-sized cubes. Add the tempeh to a large bowl.
- Toss the cubed tempeh with the cooking oil and your choice of seasonings.
- Spread the seasoning tempeh in a single layer in the basket of the preheated air fryer. Pop it back in and cook at 390 to 400 degrees F for about 10 minutes. Pause to shake halfway through, and adjust the cooking time as needed (up to 15 minutes).
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you enjoy this flavorful air fryer tempeh recipe as much as I do! The air fryer method is easy and convenient, and the simple ingredients means I never have to think too hard about what’s for dinner. If you’re looking for a great way to enjoy more soy foods or plant-based protein, save this post!
As always, thanks for stopping by the Street Smart Nutrition blog. Cheers to more fearlessly nourishing meals!
