Marianne Martinez
Cooking tempeh in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious plant-based protein. With a cook time of around 10 minutes, you can enjoy crispy, golden brown tempeh cubes or strips that are perfect for adding to salads, stir-fries, grain bowls, wraps, or simply snacking on straight out of the fryer. The air fryer method yields tempeh with a delightful texture that is crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. You can also marinate the tempeh in a variety of sauces and glazes, such as teriyaki, gochujang, or honey mustard, to add even more flavour to this versatile dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 8-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Texture | Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle |
| Sauce | Teriyaki, Thai peanut sauce, barbecue sauce, stir fry sauce, vegan honey mustard dressing, vegan aioli, etc. |
| Marinade | Maple syrup, honey, sriracha, liquid smoke, ginger, avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder |
| Gluten-free | Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce |
| Storage | Store leftover tempeh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut tempeh for the air fryer
When preparing tempeh to be cooked in an air fryer, it is important to cut it into pieces that are not too thin, or they will dry out and become too crispy. Aim for pieces that are at least 1/4-inch thick. You can cut the tempeh into strips, or cubes of around 1-inch.
To cut tempeh into strips, use a sharp knife to slice the block of tempeh lengthwise into even pieces. For cubes, first cut the block of tempeh into slices, then stack a few slices and cut them into batons, before finally cutting the batons into cubes.
If you are planning to marinate the tempeh before cooking, you may prefer to cut the tempeh into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for the marinade to coat. Alternatively, you can thinly slice the tempeh, but be aware that this will reduce the cooking time.
Once you have cut the tempeh to your desired size, you can toss the pieces with oil, salt, and pepper, or with a marinade or sauce of your choice.
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How to season tempeh before air frying
To season tempeh before air frying, you can steam it for 10-15 minutes to reduce its natural bitterness. You can then slice the tempeh into cubes or strips, making sure they are not too thin to avoid drying out. Next, toss the tempeh with oil and season with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice. You can also add garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavour. If you want to marinate the tempeh, you can do so before frying, but make sure it is drained well before placing it in the air fryer. You can marinate the tempeh in olive oil, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar for 10 minutes to 30 minutes, or even overnight. Alternatively, you can make a smoky maple-soy glaze by mixing maple syrup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a bit of water. This sauce can be poured over the fried tempeh and stirred until reduced.
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How long to cook tempeh in an air fryer
The cooking time for tempeh in an air fryer varies depending on the type of air fryer you own and the size of the tempeh pieces. Most recipes recommend cooking tempeh in an air fryer for around 10 minutes, but this can range from 7 to 15 minutes.
When cooking tempeh in an air fryer, it is important to cut the tempeh into pieces that are neither too thick nor too thin. Thick pieces may not cook evenly, while thin pieces may dry out and become too crispy. It is recommended to cut the tempeh into cubes or strips that are at least 1/4 inch thick.
Once the tempeh is cut into the desired size, it is time to prepare the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, which is typically between 350°F and 400°F. Some recipes recommend a temperature of 390°F for cooking tempeh, while others suggest a lower temperature of 350°F.
After preheating the air fryer, arrange the tempeh pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure that the pieces are not touching each other and work in batches if necessary. Set the timer for the desired cooking time, usually around 10 minutes, and cook the tempeh until it is golden brown and crispy.
It is important to keep an eye on the tempeh while it is cooking in the air fryer. Check on it at the halfway mark and during the final 2-3 minutes to ensure that it does not burn. The tempeh is done when it is sizzling hot and has browned bits on the edges.
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What sauces and marinades to use with air-fried tempeh
Air-fried tempeh is a versatile dish that can be paired with various sauces and marinades to enhance its flavour and texture. Here are some ideas for sauces and marinades to use with your air-fried tempeh:
Sauces
- Teriyaki sauce: A classic choice that pairs well with the nutty flavour of tempeh. You can opt for a store-bought version or make your own by combining soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.
- Thai peanut sauce: A creamy and flavourful option that can be served as a dipping sauce or drizzled over the tempeh.
- Barbecue sauce: A tangy and sweet option that adds a smoky flavour to the tempeh.
- Stir-fry sauce: A versatile sauce that can be used to coat the tempeh before or after air-frying.
- Gochujang glaze: A spicy and sticky Korean paste made from fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and chilli flakes. Combined with snow peas, it makes for a delicious and simple vegan dish.
Marinades
- Maple balsamic marinade: A blend of maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, oil, tamari, and garlic creates a sweet and tangy flavour that pairs well with the earthiness of tempeh.
- Spicy marinade: For a kick of heat, combine chilli with maple syrup, or use a blend of spices like coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chilli powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
- Peanut marinade: Marinate the tempeh in peanut sauce for a rich, nutty flavour.
- Coconut aminos: Similar to soy sauce but slightly sweeter and gluten-free. Combine with maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch for a savoury sauce.
Remember, tempeh is a versatile ingredient that easily absorbs flavours. You can experiment with different sauces and marinades to find your preferred taste and texture. Additionally, you can choose to add the sauce before or after air-frying, depending on your desired result.
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How to store leftover air-fried tempeh
Air-fried tempeh is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat the tempeh, you can use the air fryer again or a skillet on the stovetop. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also brush the tempeh with additional barbecue sauce or any sauce of your choice before reheating for added flavour.
Leftover tempeh can also be frozen for up to three months. However, it is recommended to consume it within seven days for optimal freshness and taste. When freezing, make sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent odours and moisture from altering the taste and texture of the tempeh.
When storing leftover tempeh, it is important to let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains food safety. Additionally, always label and date your containers to keep track of how long the leftovers have been stored.
To enhance the shelf life of leftover tempeh, it is advisable to store it in portion sizes. This way, you can easily take out the required amount from the freezer without having to thaw and refreeze the entire batch. When reheating frozen tempeh, ensure that it is thoroughly heated before consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 8-10 minutes to cook tempeh in an air fryer.
Set your air fryer to around 390-400°F.
Slice the tempeh into cubes or strips. You can marinate the tempeh before frying, or add sauce after it has been fried.
You can use a variety of sauces and marinades such as teriyaki sauce, Thai peanut sauce, barbecue sauce, stir-fry sauce, vegan honey mustard dressing, or vegan aioli. You can also make your own sauce by combining coconut aminos (or soy sauce), maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.
You can add air-fried tempeh to salads, stir-fries, grain bowls, wraps, tacos, lettuce cups, or sandwiches. It can also be served on its own as a snack or appetizer.
