Tempeh, a versatile and nutritious soy-based protein, has been gaining popularity among health enthusiasts and plant-based eaters. One of the most innovative and convenient ways to prepare tempeh is by using an air fryer. The air fryer not only makes cooking faster but also imparts a delightful crispiness to the tempeh while maintaining its natural flavors and nutrients.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of Tempeh Air Fryer Recipes. From appetizers to main courses and even desserts, we’ve curated a list of the top 27 recipes that showcase the incredible versatility of tempeh when paired with the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, these recipes will surely tantalize your taste buds and elevate your culinary experience.
Top 27 Tempeh Air Fryer Recipes
1. Crispy Tempeh Nuggets
- Ingredients:
- 1 block of tempeh, cubed
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Marinate tempeh cubes in your favorite sauce for an hour.
- In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat marinated tempeh cubes with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Air fry until golden brown and serve with a dipping sauce.
2. Tempeh Satay Skewers
- Ingredients:
- 1 block of tempeh, sliced into strips
- Satay marinade (peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic)
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water
- Instructions:
- Marinate tempeh strips in satay sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Skewer marinated tempeh strips onto bamboo sticks.
- Air fry until the edges are crispy.
- Serve with extra satay sauce for dipping.
3. Air-Fried Tempeh Tacos
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, crumbled
- Taco seasoning
- Taco shells
- Toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa
- Instructions:
- Toss crumbled tempeh in taco seasoning.
- Air fry until crispy and browned.
- Fill taco shells with seasoned tempeh and desired toppings.
- Enjoy a crunchy and flavorful taco experience.
4. Tempeh Bacon Strips
- Ingredients:
- 1 block of tempeh, thinly sliced
- Marinade: soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke
- Instructions:
- Marinate tempeh slices in the soy sauce, maple syrup, and liquid smoke mixture.
- Air fry until crispy, resembling the texture of bacon.
- Serve in sandwiches, salads, or as a breakfast side.
5. Air-Fried Buffalo Tempeh Bites
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Buffalo sauce
- Vegan ranch dressing for dipping
- Instructions:
- Toss tempeh pieces in buffalo sauce.
- Air fry until crispy and coated.
- Serve with vegan ranch dressing for a spicy and tangy appetizer.
6. Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir-Fry
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, cubed
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Ginger, minced
- Vegetables: broccoli, bell peppers, carrots
- Instructions:
- Marinate tempeh cubes in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced ginger.
- Stir-fry tempeh and vegetables in the air fryer until cooked.
- Serve over rice or noodles for a wholesome meal.
7. Sweet And Spicy Tempeh Drumsticks
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, cut into drumstick shapes
- Sweet and spicy glaze (agave syrup, sriracha, soy sauce)
- Instructions:
- Coat tempeh drumsticks in the sweet and spicy glaze.
- Air fry until caramelized and crispy.
- Enjoy as a flavorful and satisfying finger food.
8. Miso-Glazed Tempeh Steaks
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, sliced into steaks
- Miso paste
- Mirin
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Instructions:
- Mix miso paste and mirin to create a glaze.
- Coat tempeh steaks in the miso glaze.
- Air fry until golden and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
9. Cajun-Style Tempeh Fries
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, cut into fry shapes
- Cajun seasoning
- Instructions:
- Toss tempeh fries in Cajun seasoning.
- Air fry until crispy and seasoned.
- Serve as a unique and spicy alternative to traditional fries.
10. Stuffed Tempeh Mushrooms
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, crumbled
- Mushrooms, cleaned and stemmed
- Vegan cream cheese
- Garlic, minced
- Instructions:
- Mix crumbled tempeh, vegan cream cheese, and minced garlic.
- Stuff mushrooms with the tempeh mixture.
- Air fry until mushrooms are tender and tempeh is cooked.
11. Mediterranean Tempeh Skewers
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, cubed
- Mediterranean marinade (olive oil, lemon juice, oregano)
- Cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion
- Instructions:
- Marinate tempeh cubes and veggies in the Mediterranean mixture.
- Skewer and air fry until golden and flavorful.
- Serve with hummus or tzatziki for a complete experience.
12. Tempeh And Vegetable Spring Rolls
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, thinly sliced
- Rice paper wrappers
- Shredded carrots, cucumber, mint, and cilantro
- Instructions:
- Soften rice paper wrappers and fill with tempeh and veggies.
- Roll tightly and air fry until crispy.
- Dip in sweet chili sauce for a delightful appetizer.
13. Teriyaki Tempeh Bowl
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, sliced
- Teriyaki sauce
- Brown rice or quinoa
- Steamed broccoli, carrots, and edamame
- Instructions:
- Coat tempeh slices in teriyaki sauce.
- Air fry until caramelized and serve over a bed of rice or quinoa.
- Top with steamed vegetables for a nourishing bowl.
14. Cheesy Tempeh Quesadillas
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, crumbled
- Vegan cheese
- Tortillas
- Salsa and guacamole for serving
- Instructions:
- Mix crumbled tempeh with vegan cheese.
- Fill tortillas with the tempeh and cheese mixture.
- Air fry until the tortillas are crispy and the filling is melted.
- Serve with salsa and guacamole for a cheesy delight.
15. Pesto-Stuffed Tempeh Mushrooms
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, cubed
- Vegan pesto
- Mushrooms, cleaned and stemmed
- Instructions:
- Toss tempeh cubes in vegan pesto.
- Stuff mushrooms with the pesto-coated tempeh.
- Air fry until mushrooms are tender and tempeh is golden.
16. BBQ Tempeh Sliders
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, sliced into slider-sized pieces
- BBQ sauce
- Slider buns
- Coleslaw for topping
- Instructions:
- Coat tempeh slices in BBQ sauce.
- Air fry until caramelized and place on slider buns.
- Top with coleslaw for a delicious BBQ sandwich.
17. Crispy Tempeh Caesar Salad
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, cut into crouton-sized pieces
- Romaine lettuce
- Vegan Caesar dressing
- Vegan parmesan cheese
- Instructions:
- Air fry tempeh pieces until crispy.
- Toss with Romaine lettuce, vegan Caesar dressing, and vegan parmesan.
- Enjoy a crunchy and protein-packed Caesar salad.
18. Chili-Lime Tempeh Skewers
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, cubed
- Chili-lime marinade
- Pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion
- Instructions:
- Marinate tempeh cubes and veggies in the chili-lime mixture.
- Skewer and air fry until charred and flavorful.
- Serve with a side of rice or in tacos for a zesty meal.
19. Peanut Tempeh Noodles
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, sliced
- Rice noodles
- Peanut sauce
- Bean sprouts, green onions, and cilantro for garnish
- Instructions:
- Cook tempeh slices and rice noodles separately.
- Toss tempeh with peanut sauce and serve over noodles.
- Garnish with bean sprouts, green onions, and cilantro.
20. Maple Mustard Glazed Tempeh
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, cut into triangles
- Maple mustard glaze
- Instructions:
- Coat tempeh triangles in maple mustard glaze.
- Air fry until golden and sticky.
- Serve as an appetizer or as a protein addition to salads.
21. Curry-Spiced Tempeh Wraps
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, crumbled
- Curry seasoning
- Tortillas
- Hummus and fresh veggies for filling
- Instructions:
- Mix crumbled tempeh with curry seasoning.
- Fill tortillas with tempeh, hummus, and fresh veggies.
- Air fry until wraps are crispy and the filling is heated.
22. Coconut Lime Tempeh Bites
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, cut into cubes
- Coconut milk
- Lime zest and juice
- Shredded coconut for coating
- Instructions:
- Marinate tempeh cubes in coconut milk, lime zest, and juice.
- Coat in shredded coconut and air fry until golden.
- Enjoy these tropical-inspired tempeh bites.
23. Lemon Herb Tempeh Skewers
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, cubed
- Lemon herb marinade
- Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and zucchini
- Instructions:
- Marinate tempeh cubes and veggies in the lemon herb mixture.
- Skewer and air fry until fragrant and golden.
- Serve with a side of couscous or quinoa.
24. Orange Glazed Tempeh Stir-Fry
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, sliced
- Orange glaze (orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic)
- Stir-fry vegetables
- Instructions:
- Coat tempeh slices in the orange glaze.
- Stir-fry with vegetables until cooked and glazed.
- Serve over rice or noodles for a citrusy delight.
25. Crispy Buffalo Tempeh Wrap
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, sliced
- Buffalo sauce
- Tortillas
- Lettuce, tomatoes, and vegan ranch dressing for filling
- Instructions:
- Coat tempeh slices in buffalo sauce.
- Air fry until crispy and assemble in tortillas with veggies and vegan ranch.
- Enjoy a spicy and satisfying wrap.
26. Chocolate-Dipped Tempeh Bites
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Vegan chocolate for melting
- Crushed nuts or coconut for coating
- Instructions:
- Air fry tempeh bites until crispy.
- Dip in melted chocolate and coat with crushed nuts or coconut.
- Indulge in these sweet and crunchy dessert bites.
27. Blueberry Balsamic Tempeh
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh, sliced
- Blueberry balsamic glaze
- Fresh blueberries for garnish
- Instructions:
- Coat tempeh slices in the blueberry balsamic glaze.
- Air fry until caramelized and garnish with fresh blueberries.
- Serve as a unique and flavorful main dish.
Exploring the world of Tempeh Air Fryer Recipes opens up a realm of possibilities for those seeking delicious, healthy, and plant-based alternatives. From savory appetizers to hearty main courses and even sweet treats, these recipes showcase the incredible adaptability of tempeh when paired with the efficiency of an air fryer.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes provide a diverse range of flavors and textures, ensuring that there's something for everyone. Embrace the creativity and versatility of tempeh, and let your air fryer take your culinary adventures to new heights.
Incorporating these Tempeh Air Fryer Recipes into your meal rotation not only adds variety to your diet but also contributes to a sustainable and plant-forward lifestyle. So, don't hesitate to experiment, customize, and savor the delightful fusion of tempeh and the magic of the air fryer in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Top 10 Global Flavors
In recent years, the air fryer has emerged as a revolutionary kitchen appliance, transforming the way we cook and consume our favorite dishes. Among the plethora of culinary possibilities it offers, tempeh enthusiasts have discovered a new realm of creativity in crafting delectable and nutritious meals.
1. Indonesian-Inspired Rendang Tempeh
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh cubes
- Rendang paste
- Coconut milk
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Lemongrass
- Instructions:
- Marinate tempeh in rendang paste and coconut milk.
- Air fry until golden, adding kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass for an authentic touch.
2. Mediterranean Lemon Garlic Tempeh
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh strips
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic cloves
- Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- Instructions:
- Toss tempeh in olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Air fry until crispy, sprinkling Mediterranean herbs for a burst of freshness.
3. Mexican Chipotle Tempeh Tacos
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh crumbles
- Chipotle sauce
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Corn tortillas
- Instructions:
- Mix tempeh with chipotle sauce, cumin, and paprika.
- Air fry until a smoky flavor develops, perfect for stuffing into warm corn tortillas.
4. Japanese Teriyaki Glazed Tempeh
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh slices
- Teriyaki sauce
- Mirin
- Soy sauce
- Sesame seeds
- Instructions:
- Glaze tempeh with a mixture of teriyaki sauce, mirin, and soy sauce.
- Air fry until a glossy finish is achieved, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
5. Indian Spiced Tikka Tempeh
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh cubes
- Tikka masala paste
- Yogurt
- Garam masala
- Cilantro
- Instructions:
- Coat tempeh in a mixture of tikka masala paste and yogurt.
- Air fry until the edges are charred, garnishing with garam masala and fresh cilantro.
6. Thai Basil Lemongrass Tempeh
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh triangles
- Thai basil
- Lemongrass
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Instructions:
- Infuse tempeh with Thai basil and lemongrass, adding a splash of fish sauce and lime juice.
- Air fry until a fragrant, Southeast Asian-inspired dish emerges.
7. Greek Souvlaki Tempeh Skewers
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh cubes
- Greek marinade (olive oil, lemon, oregano)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Instructions:
- Marinate tempeh in a Greek-inspired mixture of olive oil, lemon, and oregano.
- Skewer with cherry tomatoes and red onion, air frying for a taste of the Mediterranean.
8. Brazilian Feijoada Tempeh Stew
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh chunks
- Black beans
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Orange zest
- Instructions:
- Create a hearty stew by combining tempeh, black beans, smoked paprika, and cumin.
- Air fry until flavors meld, finishing with a sprinkle of orange zest for a Brazilian twist.
9. Korean Gochujang Tempeh Bites
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh cubes
- Gochujang sauce
- Sesame oil
- Scallions
- Sesame seeds
- Instructions:
- Toss tempeh in a fiery mix of gochujang sauce and sesame oil.
- Air fry until a caramelized coating forms, garnishing with scallions and sesame seeds.
10. Middle Eastern Za’atar Tempeh
- Ingredients:
- Tempeh slices
- Za’atar spice blend
- Lemon zest
- Tahini
- Pomegranate seeds
- Instructions:
- Coat tempeh with za’atar spice blend, lemon zest, and a drizzle of tahini.
- Air fry until a golden crust develops, then top with pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness.
My Favorite Air Fryer Recipe
Among the myriad of tempting tempeh creations, one recipe stands out as a personal favorite – the Spicy Peanut Satay Tempeh Skewers. This blend of Indonesian and Thai influences creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- Tempeh cubes
- Peanut satay sauce
- Sriracha
- Coconut milk
- Crushed peanuts
- Lime wedges
Instructions
-
Marinate Tempeh:
- Coat tempeh cubes in a mixture of peanut satay sauce, a dash of Sriracha for heat, and a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.
- Allow the tempeh to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the rich flavors.
-
Skewer Tempeh:
- Thread the marinated tempeh cubes onto skewers, creating a visually appealing presentation.
-
Air Fry to Perfection:
- Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced for optimal air circulation.
- Air fry until the tempeh achieves a golden brown exterior and a tender, succulent interior.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the skewers with crushed peanuts for added crunch and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty kick.
- Serve these Spicy Peanut Satay Tempeh Skewers as an appetizer or as the star of a flavorful main course.
Tips And Tricks For Successful Air Fryer Cooking
Mastering the art of air frying tempeh requires a combination of technique and creativity. Here are some invaluable tips and tricks to elevate your Tempeh Air Fryer Recipes to new heights.
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
- Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that the tempeh cooks evenly and achieves that perfect crispiness.
2. Marinate For Maximum Flavor
- Tempeh is a sponge for flavors, so marinate it for an extended period to allow the ingredients to penetrate and enhance its taste.
3. Invest In A Quality Air Fryer
- Choose an air fryer with adjustable temperature settings and a reliable fan system for consistent and precise cooking.
4. Use Cooking Oil Wisely
- While air frying is known for its low-oil approach, a light coating of oil on tempeh can enhance its texture and flavor.
5. Experiment With Different Tempeh Cuts
- Tempeh can be sliced, cubed, or crumbled to achieve diverse textures in your recipes. Experiment to discover your preferred style.
6. Optimize Basket Space
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as it can hinder proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
7. Monitor Cooking Time
- Keep a close eye on the cooking time, as tempeh can go from golden brown to overly crispy quickly. Adjust as needed for your desired texture.
8. Add Fresh Herbs And Citrus Zest
- Elevate the flavors by incorporating fresh herbs and citrus zest just before serving. The brightness they bring enhances the overall dining experience.
9. Serve With Dipping Sauces
- Create tantalizing dipping sauces that complement the tempeh, such as a soy-ginger glaze or a spicy tahini dip.
10. Combine Cooking Methods
- Experiment with combining air frying and other cooking methods, like baking or grilling, to achieve a delightful fusion of textures.
Time-Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks
In the fast-paced world we live in, time-saving strategies in the kitchen are invaluable. Here are some efficient techniques to streamline your Tempeh Air Fryer Recipe preparations, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal without sacrificing precious time.
1. Prep Ahead Of Time
- Cut and marinate tempeh in batches during the weekend, storing them in airtight containers for quick and easy access during the week.
2. Freeze Marinated Tempeh
- Freeze tempeh cubes or slices in marinade, allowing for even longer storage and a quicker cooking process when needed.
3. Utilize Pre-Made Sauces
- Opt for high-quality pre-made sauces and pastes to save time on creating intricate marinades without compromising flavor.
4. Batch Cooking
- Prepare larger quantities of air-fried tempeh and store leftovers in the refrigerator for convenient meal prep throughout the week.
5. Invest In Time-Saving Kitchen Tools
- Use kitchen tools like a food processor for quick chopping and a citrus zester for effortlessly adding citrus zest to your dishes.
6. Multi-Tasking Cooking
- While the tempeh is air frying, use the time to prepare side dishes or set the table to maximize efficiency.
7. Create Versatile Marinades
- Develop a repertoire of versatile marinades that can be used for various Tempeh Air Fryer Recipes, saving time on individual preparations.
8. Pre-Cut Vegetables And Herbs
- Wash, chop, and store vegetables and herbs in advance, reducing the time spent on prep work when cooking.
9. Plan A Weekly Menu
- Plan your weekly menu in advance, incorporating tempeh recipes to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand.
10. Delegate Tasks
- If possible, involve family members or friends in the cooking process, making it a collaborative effort that also saves time.
Conclusion
The realm of Tempeh Air Fryer Recipes opens up a world of possibilities for both culinary enthusiasts and busy individuals seeking quick, flavorful, and wholesome meals. From Indonesian-inspired rendang to Brazilian feijoada, the global flavors explored in this article showcase the incredible versatility of tempeh when combined with the efficient cooking method of air frying. With a multitude of tips, tricks, and time-saving strategies, you can embark on a delicious journey that satisfies both your taste buds and your busy schedule. Experiment, savor, and enjoy the delightful experience of crafting Tempeh Air Fryer Recipes that elevate your culinary repertoire.