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My air fryer tempeh is perfectly seasoned and coated in a sweet and savory BBQ sauce. I’ll show you my secret to removing bitterness so you can enjoy this healthy plant-based protein any night of the week. Use air fried tempeh for quick vegan meals like stir fries, sandwiches, burritos, or salads. It’s great for meal prep and makes a satisfying, high-protein base.
🛒 Air Fryer Tempeh Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this recipe:
- 8 ounces tempeh (227g; any unflavored soy and/or grain variety)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- BBQ seasoning
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (plus more for serving, if desired)
Get a printable recipe card below!
Tempeh is a fermented soybean cake that originated in Indonesia and is especially popular on the island of Java, where it’s a staple protein. Traditional tempeh is made from soybeans and a fermentation starter called Rhizopus oligosporus. While classic tempeh is soy-based and may include grains, soy-free versions made from oats, barley, hemp, or other seeds and grains are also available.
In the United States, tempeh is sold in most health food stores, including Whole Foods. It can also often be found in the refrigerated section near the produce and tofu at many mainstream grocery stores.
When trying a new air fryer recipe, I recommend keeping a close eye on your food, as cooking times can vary between air fryer models.
➕ How to Air Fry Tempeh
Cut the block of tempeh into four triangles, then slice each triangle in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets.
In a small pot, bring vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the tempeh and gently simmer for 15 minutes.
Note: Do not skip this step! It helps remove bitterness from the tempeh.
Drain the tempeh and season both sides with BBQ seasoning. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly mist with cooking spray. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the tempeh in batches.
Air fry the tempeh for 5-7 minutes at 400F (200C). Then flip the tempeh, brush on the BBQ sauce, and air fry for 2-3 more minutes. Serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Leftovers
Store leftover tempeh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
Watch How to Make It!
Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces tempeh (227g; any unflavored soy and/or grain variety)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- BBQ seasoning
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (plus more for serving, if desired)
Instructions
- Cut the block of tempeh into four triangles, then slice each triangle in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets.
- In a small pot, bring vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the tempeh and gently simmer for 15 minutes.
- Drain the tempeh and season both sides with BBQ seasoning. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly mist with cooking spray.
- Air fry the tempeh for 5-7 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Then flip the tempeh, brush on the BBQ sauce, and air fry for 2-3 more minutes. Serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). One downside of vegan diets is that they eliminate most of the foods in the protein group. What’s left includes nuts and seeds, which are more fat than protein, and legumes, which tend to be high in carbs and not very protein dense. There are also ultra-processed meat substitutes, which aren’t ideal for everyone. Tempeh, along with other soyfoods like tofu and black soybeans, is one of my favorite plant-based protein options. These foods are high-quality, complete proteins and work well for high-protein vegan diets. Some types of tempeh also fit gluten-free or keto lifestyles. Nutrition information is for one serving and varies based on the specific ingredients you use.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
What’s your favorite way to use air-fried tempeh—in bowls, wraps, salads, or sandwiches?