Air Fryer Tempeh

Print Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Quick, easy, and tantalizing tempeh in under 30 minutes! It’s a scrumptious substitute for tofu, too. It’s as simple as cutting into cubes, marinating, and allowing the air fryer to do its thing. A delicious, Asian-inspired dish that has satisfying elements of sweet, savory, and umami. You’ll love it!

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Steaming (optional)10

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer or Snack, Lunch or Dinner

Cuisine: asian

Diet: Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 157kcal

Author: Michelle Cehn

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

1 8-ounce block of tempeh plain
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce tamari or coconut aminos
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 large scallion finely sliced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds black or white

Instructions

Advanced Instructions: Steaming (optional) & Marinating

Cut the block of tempeh into ½-inch cubes.
Place the cubes in steaming insert, cover, and steam over boiling water for 10 minutes.
Once at room temperature, place the tempeh cubes into a container or a zip bag. Pour in the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, pepper, and smoked paprika and shake or mix. Make sure every piece is coated, and then cover the container or seal the bag. Let marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight (for deeper flavor).

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the air fryer (if your air fryer model requires preheating).
Carefully scoop out your marinated tempeh, allowing any excess marinade to drip off, and add it to the air fryer basket.
Cook at 350 for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Transfer the air fried tempeh to a serving bowl, drizzle with the sweet chili sauce, and mix well. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Savory Sides: This air fryer tempeh is perfect served with steamed rice, noodles, and/or with a mixture of roasted, air fried, or fresh vegetables.
How to Store Leftovers: Let it cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to help it get crispy again.

Nutrition