I don't have an air fryer! Can I bake or fry tempeh instead?

You sure can! Simply place the cubes on a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet and bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes. Or, you can fry it in a pan with a little oil over medium heat for around 10 minutes. Make sure to turn the cubes over to brown on all sides.

What is the best way to eat tempeh?

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this fermented soy protein! Slice into strips and use in sandwiches, chop into cubes and serve with salad and/or rice, or crumble up and season and add to tacos or pasta. You can use tempeh in place of almost any protein in plant-based recipes.

Can you eat raw tempeh right out of the package?

Please don't! Tempeh needs to be cooked (either by baking or frying) before being eaten. Steaming the tempeh before cooking will also eliminate any bitter flavor, but this is optional.

How long does this marinated tofu last?

To store leftover air fryer tofu, 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.

Air Fryer Tempeh (Sweet, Savory & Crispy!)

Name: Air Fryer Tempeh
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
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)

If you’re looking for a tasty, protein-packed addition to your meals, air fryer tempeh is a must-try! Marinated tempeh becomes incredibly flavorful and crisp when cooked in the air fryer, making it a great option for quick lunches, dinners, or even a snack. The best part is that the air fryer locks in all that delicious marinade, so every bite is infused with flavor. Plus, air frying uses less oil than pan-frying, so you get a light yet satisfying dish that’s ready in minutes.

Preparing marinated tempeh for the air fryer is simple and flexible. Choose your favorite marinade, whether it’s smoky, spicy, or a sweet teriyaki, and let the tempeh soak up those flavors for at least 15–20 minutes. The air fryer does the rest of the work, cooking it to a perfectly crispy finish in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re tossing it into salads, veggie-packed wraps, or grain bowls, or enjoying it on its own, air fryer tempeh is a delicious way to add plant-based protein to your day.

If you’ve had tofu too many times this week, we highly recommend giving air fried tempeh a try!

Table of Contents

Why Air Fryer Tempeh is So Awesome

You don’t have to take our word for it, but air fryer tempeh is the best! Not only is the block unfailingly fun to cut into chunks, but the chewy quality is extremely satisfying. Want more reasons to enjoy this fermented food?

Crispy Texture Without Extra Oil. Air frying tofu creates a deliciously crispy outside without the need for deep frying or extra oil. This means you can enjoy that perfect crunch while keeping the recipe light and healthy.
Quick and Convenient. Using an air fryer cuts down on cooking time! No need to wait around; the air fryer cooks tofu in a fraction of the time compared to pan-frying or baking. It’s perfect for when you want a quick, delicious meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep. Air fryer tofu stays tasty and firm, making it ideal for meal prep. You can make a big batch, refrigerate it, and use it in different dishes throughout the week without it losing its great texture.
Versatile and Customizable. From spicy to sweet, air fryer tofu works well with any seasoning or marinade you like. It easily takes on the flavors you love, so you can enjoy it in stir-fries (like this tasty teriyaki stir fry), salads, collard green wraps, or rice bowls.
High in Protein, Low in Fuss. Tofu is packed with plant-based protein, and an air fryer makes it easy to add this nutrient-dense food to any meal. It’s a simple way to boost your protein intake without complicated prep.

What is Tempeh?

Originating in Indonesia, tempeh is a rectangular block (or patty) of fermented soybeans. The texture is firm, slightly crumbly, and has a white overcast (created from the fermentation process). Tempeh’s flavor is dry, nutty, and slightly bitter.

Key Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

Feel free to swap out an ingredient or two to help personalize this recipe and make it your own. The essential ingredients are listed at the top with some suggestions on items you can change underneath. If you feel adventurous with sauces, go for it! Here’s what you’ll need:

Tempeh: This isoflavone-rich food is a great source of protein, B-vitamins, iron, fiber, and calcium. It’s easy to find in most grocery stores and can be a savory sandwich filler.
Toasted Sesame Oil: A little goes a looong way! Be careful that you use toasted rather than plain sesame oil for this recipe. The flavor is completely different—the toasted element is essential.
Soy Sauce: If you’re gluten-intolerant or gluten-sensitive, swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This slightly spicy, slightly sweet condiment creates the most luscious glaze on the tempeh. It’s the perfect complement to the dry, crumbly texture of the tempeh.
Saucy Suggestions: Tempeh, like tofu, is extremely versatile when it comes to flavors. Other sauces that would go well with the air-fried tempeh include—peanut dipping, panang curry, sweet and sour, and homemade barbecue.

This recipe is so easy and full of flavor! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to create a bold dish that’s delicious and filling.

How To Cook Tempeh

Tempeh needs to be cooked before eating. Besides baking and pan frying, this nubbly and pleasant protein can also be air-fried. The best way to take out the bitterness of tempeh is to steam it first.

How long to cook tempeh? For baking, give the tempeh about 15-20 minutes to cook in a 350 degree oven. If you’re pan-frying, 10-12 minutes should work out well over medium heat in an oily skillet.

How To Air Fryer Tempeh

Step One: Start with a block of tempeh. Cut into ½-inch thick cubes. Steam the tempeh for about 10 minutes to help remove some of the bitterness. Allow to cool before marinating. Combine the marinade ingredients together in a plastic bag or container, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Marinate for 1 hour, or up to overnight, for the best flavor.

How To Serve Up Marinated Tempeh

This is the fun part! Once you have cooked and marinated your tempeh, there are endless ways to add it to your weekly meal plan:

For an Asian-inspired dish, serve with broccoli (steamed, baked, or air-fried), sticky rice, and/or peanut noodles.
If you’re in the mood for Mexican, swap out the sweet chili sauce for avocado or salsa. Then, plate up with homemade corn tortillas and a tomato-based, seasoned rice.
Lovers of Korean food will love this tempeh prepared with rice, kimchi, pickled veggies, bean sprouts, and cucumber salad.
Boost the protein in your everyday salad by adding tempeh! You’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed fresh and crisp or sauteed greens without it! (Also, once cooked, the tempeh can be thrown into your salad cold and it’s still really tasty.)
Tempting toppings can add even more depth and dimension. How about crushed red pepper, hot sauce, pickled ginger (or Asian-style pickled cucumbers), or wasabi?