Marinated Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh

Air fryer tempeh cubes on top of a salad with a tahini dressing.

5 from 1 vote

Marinated Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh

This easy air fryer tempeh will make you fall in love with tempeh. Marinated in a simple maple, soy, tahini sauce then air fried for 15 minutes.

Prep Time20

Cook Time15

Total Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indonesian

Diet: Vegan

Servings:

Calories: 202kcal

Author: Maria

Equipment

Air fryer

Ingredients

8 ounces tempeh
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon oil
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cut the tempeh block in half and add it to a pot on the stove. Cover it with water or vegetable broth. Bring to a strong simmer and simmer for 15 minutes. This helps get rid of its bitter flavor and helps it to soak up the marinade better.
8 ounces tempeh
Mix all of the marinade ingredients together in a container with a lid. Stir well.
3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon oil, 2 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder
Once tempeh is done simmering, carefully take it out and set it on a cutting board. Cut it into 1" cubes. Add the tempeh cubes to the container with the marinade and stir well. Cover it with a lid and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, let it marinate in the fridge overnight.
Add the marinated tempeh to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Try not to crowd the tempeh cubes, or they won't cook evenly. Air fry at 390 degrees for 15 minutes. Shake about halfway through. Cook until the tempeh looks slightly golden brown and crispy.

Notes

Simmer or steam the tempeh before air frying. This is the secret to getting rid of tempeh's slightly bitter taste. It will also slightly soften the soy beans, giving it a great texture by making it more chewy.

Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer. Keep an eye on it when it has about 5 minutes left and take it out when it looks golden brown, caramelized and crispy.

If you want seriously flavorful tempeh, let it marinate in the sauce overnight before air frying. It will soak up all the flavors.

Baking directions:

1. Follow the directions for simmering, then marinating the tempeh.

2. Pre heat the oven to 420 degrees f. Lay the tempeh pieces out on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the the cooked tempeh looks crispy and golden brown.

Storing & reheating:

This recipe is great to meal prep for the week. It will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Store it in any leftover marinade you have then reheat it in the air fryer to crisp it up again.

Nutrition