Irresistibly Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh with Sweet & Savory BBQ Glaze

Transform your kitchen into a hub of flavor with this incredible air fryer tempeh recipe. Perfectly seasoned and enveloped in a luscious sweet and savory BBQ sauce, this plant-based protein is a game-changer for healthy, quick, and satisfying meals. We’ll unveil the simple secret to eliminate any bitterness, ensuring every bite of your air fried tempeh is purely delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, this recipe is designed for ease and maximum enjoyment.

This versatile tempeh preparation is ideal for an array of quick vegan meals. Toss it into vibrant stir-fries, layer it in hearty sandwiches or wraps, stuff it into burritos, or crown your favorite salads with its chewy, protein-rich goodness. It’s also fantastic for meal prep, providing a robust and healthy base that’s ready to elevate any dish throughout your busy week. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy tempeh!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe

• Effortlessly Delicious: Achieve restaurant-quality crispy tempeh with minimal effort in your air fryer.
• Bitterness-Free Guarantee: Our proven method ensures your tempeh is wonderfully mild and ready to absorb all the delicious flavors.
• Sweet & Savory Perfection: The homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce creates an irresistible glaze that coats every piece.
• High-Protein & Plant-Based: A fantastic source of complete protein, perfect for vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian diets.
• Incredibly Versatile: Use it in countless dishes – from hearty salads and wraps to stir-fries and bowls.
• Quick & Easy Meal Prep: Whips up in minutes, making it ideal for prepping healthy meals for the week ahead.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the crispy texture and delicious BBQ flavor!

🛒 Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Tempeh

Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering air fryer tempeh:

• Tempeh: 8 ounces (227g) of any unflavored soy or grain variety. This is the star of our dish, providing a firm, nutty base.
• Vegetable Broth: 3 cups. Essential for simmering the tempeh and removing any natural bitterness, enhancing its flavor absorption.
• BBQ Seasoning: A generous amount to taste. Choose your favorite blend – smoky, spicy, or sweet – to infuse deep flavor.
• Cooking Spray: A light mist helps achieve that irresistible crispiness without excessive oil.
• BBQ Sauce: 2 tablespoons for glazing, plus extra for serving if desired. A good quality BBQ sauce will add a sweet and tangy finish.

Find a complete, printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions further down the page!

What is Tempeh and Why is it Good for You?

Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian fermented soybean cake, particularly celebrated on the island of Java where it forms a staple protein source. Unlike tofu, which is made from coagulated soy milk, tempeh is crafted from whole, cooked soybeans that are bound together by a fermentation starter, typically the fungus Rhizopus oligosporus. This fermentation process creates a firm, dense cake with a distinct, slightly nutty flavor and a meaty texture, making it an excellent meat alternative.

While classic tempeh is primarily soy-based and may incorporate grains like rice or barley, the market has expanded to offer diverse soy-free versions. These innovative varieties can be made from oats, hemp seeds, black beans, chickpeas, or other grains and seeds, catering to various dietary needs and preferences, including those avoiding soy or gluten. Always check the label if you have specific dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Powerhouse

Tempeh stands out as a nutritional powerhouse, offering a wealth of benefits:

• High in Protein: It’s an excellent source of complete plant-based protein, vital for muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily functions.
• Rich in Fiber: Being made from whole soybeans, tempeh is packed with dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and supports gut health.
• Probiotic Benefits: As a fermented food, tempeh contains beneficial bacteria that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, potentially boosting immunity and nutrient absorption.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Tempeh is a good source of several important nutrients, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins, particularly B12 (though levels can vary and may not be sufficient for vegans without supplementation).
• Easily Digestible: The fermentation process breaks down anti-nutrients like phytic acid, making the nutrients in tempeh more bioavailable and easier for your body to absorb.

In the United States, tempeh is widely available. You can typically find it in the refrigerated section of most health food stores, such as Whole Foods, often alongside tofu and other plant-based proteins. Many mainstream grocery stores also stock it, usually near the produce or dairy alternatives. When buying, look for tempeh with a firm texture and a fresh, mushroom-like aroma. Avoid any packages that appear slimy or have a strong, ammonia-like smell.

A Quick Note on Air Fryer Variability: Air fryers can differ significantly in cooking times and temperatures. Always keep a close eye on your food when trying a new recipe or using a different air fryer model. Adjust cooking times as needed to achieve your desired level of crispness and doneness.

➕ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Air Fry Tempeh

1

Prepare the Tempeh

Begin by cutting the block of tempeh. First, slice it into four equal triangles. Then, carefully slice each triangle horizontally through the middle, creating thinner cutlets. This increases the surface area, allowing for maximum crispiness and better absorption of seasoning.

Simmer to Remove Bitterness

This is a crucial step you absolutely should not skip! In a small pot, bring 3 cups of vegetable broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, carefully add the prepared tempeh pieces. Let them gently simmer for 15 minutes. This process effectively removes any inherent bitterness from the tempeh, making it more palatable and allowing it to better absorb subsequent seasonings and sauces. The broth also infuses a subtle savory flavor.

Expert Tip: Simmering tempeh not only removes bitterness but also hydrates it, preventing it from drying out in the air fryer and allowing it to soak up more flavor from the seasoning and BBQ sauce. If you don’t have vegetable broth, plain water can be used, but broth adds an extra layer of flavor.

Air Fry and Glaze

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Air fry the seasoned tempeh for 5-7 minutes. After this initial cook time, carefully flip each piece of tempeh. Then, brush a generous layer of your favorite BBQ sauce onto both sides of the tempeh. Return the glazed tempeh to the air fryer and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and the tempeh is gloriously crispy and heated through. Serve immediately, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

Crispy BBQ Air Fryer Tempeh

Recipe by Summer Yule

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Meal Prep Ideas

This crispy air fryer tempeh is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Here are some delicious ways to incorporate it into your diet:

• Tempeh Bowls: Combine with quinoa or brown rice, roasted vegetables (like broccoli, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes), and a drizzle of your favorite dressing for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Sandwiches & Wraps: Slice the tempeh into thinner strips and layer it with fresh greens, tomatoes, pickles, and a creamy vegan mayo in a whole-grain wrap or sandwich.
• Stir-fries: Add the air-fried tempeh to your favorite vegetable stir-fry during the last few minutes of cooking for added protein and texture.
• Tacos & Burritos: Crumble or dice the tempeh and use it as a flavorful filling for plant-based tacos or burritos, topped with salsa, avocado, and shredded lettuce.
• Salad Topper: Elevate any green salad with a generous portion of this crispy tempeh for a protein boost and irresistible flavor.
• Side Dish: Simply serve it alongside grilled corn, coleslaw, or baked beans for a delicious vegan BBQ plate.
• Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta and a rich tomato sauce for a hearty and comforting vegan dinner.

Effortless Meal Prep

Air fryer tempeh is a meal prep superstar! Cook a larger batch at the beginning of the week and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It reheats beautifully, making it easy to assemble quick, healthy meals in minutes. Its robust texture holds up well, ensuring you have delicious, protein-packed components ready for any meal inspiration that strikes.

👩🏻‍🍳 Discover More Vegan Air Fryer Recipes

If you loved this air fryer tempeh, you’re in for a treat! Explore our other exciting vegan air fryer recipes:

• Oyster Mushroom Jerky Recipe: A savory, chewy snack or topping that’s surprisingly delicious and easy to make.
• Air Fryer Tofu Bowl: Crispy tofu served in a vibrant bowl with a zesty ginger-lime aioli – perfect for a light yet filling meal.
• Air Fryer Granola (No Oil): A healthier twist on classic granola, made without added oil for a perfectly crunchy breakfast or snack.

Additionally, don’t miss our entire collection of Vegan Recipes for more plant-based inspiration and culinary adventures!