Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe

How to make tempeh in the air fryer. Marinate it in an awesome black bean sauce and them air fry it in minutes. This is a very easy vegan protein recipe

I want to let you know that I am writing this post under duress!

Ok, that’s a little dramatic, I know. I have never liked tempeh and I still don’t like it.

It’s one of those ingredients that I despise with a passion!!!

So, why am I posting a recipe for it today?

Tempeh recipes have been widely requested by readers like you. I love you all so much and that’s why I am caving!

Tips for making this air fryer tempeh

• The only way you will get me to eat tempeh is by marinating it! I will even marinate it overnight so that the flavors sip into EVERY nook and cranny of the tempeh. This way, I don’t have to taste it.
• Cut the tempeh thinly, so that you can make them crispy in the air fryer.
• For this recipe, I am marinating the tempeh in my black bean sauce. This sauce is very easy
• My black bean sauce has oil in it. Omit the oil when you are marinating the tempeh. The oil makes it harder to marinate the tempeh.
• The wax paper is not necessary, but, I am now in the habit of putting it in my air fryer basket every time. It makes for a stress free cleanup.
• Preheating the air fryer is not necessary. I find that it cooks just as well without preheating.
• Personally, I prefer my tempeh to be softer not crispier. So, I keep it for a little less time.
• To safe it for future recipes, wrap the cooked tempeh in wax paper and place it in a zip lock bag. Save it for up to a week.

What is tempeh

Tempeh is soy beans that are fermented and them pressed together to form a block. It orignated from Indonesia, but now used cuisines all over the world.

The fermentation process goes on for 24-36 hours. The main fungi used in the process is Rhizopus Microsporus. This fermentation process has been passed down for generation.

Nutrition info

Packed with protein

Of all the foods in the world that a vegan get protein from, tempeh is, by far, the best source!

Just one serving of this Tempeh (about 3oz) has 18g of good protein. 3oz Tofu, on the other has, 8g of protein

This makes tempeh the better source of protein

Source: Prevention.com

Good source of magnesium

Many vegans have been known to have low levels of magnesium. Lucky for us, we can get a good amount from our tempeh.

One serving of tempeh has 18%-20% of the RDA.

Source: Diet and Fitness Today

High in fiber

Fiber is important to vegans and meat eaters. It’s a great way to feed the bugs in the stomach.

Can you believe that 1 serving of tempeh has 8g of fiber!?

Make your gut bacteria happy by feeding them this high quality fiber.

This also means that the net carbs in tempeh is just 2g!! (10g of carbs subtract 8g of fiber)

Source: BBC Good Food

How to serve tempeh

• Put it into soups and stews
• Add it to a Buddha bowl
• It’s perfect for filling up your sandwiches
• Burritos will taste incredible with tempeh in them
• Use it as a pizza topping
• Serve it over cilantro lime cauliflower rice or a side to cauliflower steaks.

Ask me a question

Are you fan of tempeh? Or are you like me and you would rather have tofu over tempeh?

Don’t be shy, chime in below in the comments. Let me hear your opinion on tempeh or on this recipe.

Sharing is caring

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Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe

Rini

How to cook tempeh in your air fryer. Marinate it in an easy black bean sauce and then air fry it for 12 minutes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 35 mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 people

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

• COSORI Air Fryer

Ingredients

  

For the sauce:

• 2 Tbsp black bean paste with garlic
• 1 Tbsp coconut aminos see notes #1
• 1 tsp mirin or rice vine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic minced
• ¼ red chili pepper adjust to taste
• 1 tsp ginger minced
• 1 tsp oil I used avocado oil, but, you can use coconut oil too
• 2 Tbsp water see notes #2

For the tempeh

• 1 block tempeh I used Lightlife Tempeh, Original flavor

Instructions

 

• In one bowl, mix all the ingredients for the sauce
• Set aside the sauce for 20 minutes
• Cut the tempeh into about 1/4″ thick slices, length wise
• Place the cut tempeh in a pan or casserole dish
• Pour the black bean marinade sauce on the tempeh
• Cover the tempeh dish and marinate for 30 minutes. If you can marinate overnight, do that.
• Remove the air fryer tray and place the wax paper in the tray.
• Very lightly butter the wax paper so that the tempeh doesn’t stick to it.
• Place the tempeh on the parchment paper and place the tray back into the air fryer
• Set the air fryer to 320 and air fry it for 12 minutes. If you like it crispy, fry it for 15 minutes
• Let it cool for a couple minutes and then, remove the tempeh

Serve immediately or save it for a future recipe.

Video

Notes

CALORIES INFORMATION IS APPROXIMATE.  CONSULT A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.

Notes

#1 Feel free to use soy sauce if you don’t have coconut aminos

#2 I prefer my stir fry sauce to be a little more on the liquid side.  If you prefer a more dense sauce, use less or omit the water. 

 

TIPS

• Marinate the tempeh overnight for best results
• Cut the tempeh thinly, so that you can make them crispy in the air fryer.
• The wax paper is not necessary, but, I am now in the habit of putting it in my air fryer basket every time. It makes for a stress free cleanup.
• Preheating the air fryer is not necessary. I find that it cooks just as well without preheating.
• Personally, I prefer my tempeh to be softer not crispier. So, I keep it for a little less time.
• To save it for future recipes, wrap the cooked tempeh in wax paper and place it in a zip lock bag. Save it for up to a week.

Keyword Air Fryer Recipes, air fryer tempeh recipes, easy vegan recipes