Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon

This Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon is your new go-to for a smoky, savory plant-based bacon. Tempeh slices are tossed in tamari, maple syrup, and spices, then air-fried until crisp on the edges and packed with smoky and sweet flavor. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, or breakfast sandwiches!

It's salty, slightly sweet, and crisp around the edges with a chewy center that makes it perfect for layering into BLTs, crumbling over salads, or serving alongside tofu scramble.

Make a batch at the start of the week and keep it in the fridge for quick, flavor-packed meals anytime.

Ingredients

You're going to love this crisp and flavorful air-fried tempeh bacon.

It's a kitchen staple in my house! It adds a touch of savory, salty, and crispy goodness to breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Tempeh: Nutty and firm, tempeh crisps well in the air fryer and absorbs the marinade for bold flavor.

Seasonings: Nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper create a smoky, savory bacon-style flavor.

Tamari: Use tamari or soy sauce. Choose certified gluten-free if needed.

Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and helps balance the smoky, salty flavors.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make This Recipe

The full written recipe can be found in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.

Step 2: Cut the block of tempeh into ¼ inch slices and add it to the marinade and toss carefully to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Add the marinated tempeh to the air fryer basket and lightly spray with the avocado oil (or other neutral oil). You will probably need to do this in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry at 375F for 7 to 9 minutes or until crispy, and golden.

Step 5: Brush a small amount of leftover marinade on top of tempeh and enjoy!

No need to preheat but the second batch of tempeh bacon will cook quicker since the air fryer is hot- so cut the time by about 2-3 minutes.

Note: The tempeh bacon can go from perfectly golden brown to burnt pretty fast so I recommend monitoring it closely the first time you're making this recipe. Check on the bacon at the halfway point and during the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.

Serving Ideas

Here are some simple ways to enjoy tempeh bacon:

• Breakfast: Add tempeh bacon to your breakfast sandwiches, on top of avocado toast, or with a side of hash browns. Or alongside a stack of oat milk buttermilk vegan pancakes.
• Breakfast tacos: Try these smoky tempeh strips on a breakfast taco with scrambled tofu or Just Egg, pico de gallo, avocado slices, and hot sauce.
• Add to salads: Chop and add into your salad. My favorite is massaged kale tossed with a cashew caesar dressing, cucumbers, crunchy garlic and herb air fryer croutons, and red onions.
• Sandwiches or wraps: Upgrade your sandwiches or wraps by adding strips of tempeh bacon.
• Pasta: Use crispy tempeh bacon as a tasty topping for your favorite pasta.

Storage

Simplify your breakfast routine by preparing a batch ahead of time!

Store: Store leftover tempeh bacon in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Reheat: You can reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Tips & Tricks

Use a sharp chef's knife to slice the brick of tempeh into very thin slices, about ¼ inch thick.

The longer you marinate the tempeh, the better it'll be! Marinate it for at least 30 minutes but overnight is best.

Air fry the tempeh you are using immediately and save the rest in a container to continue to marinate for later.

Air fryers can vary. When attempting a new air fryer recipe, I recommend monitoring it closely. Check on the tempeh at the halfway point and during the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.

You might find that you need to slightly adjust the temperature and/or cook time for your particular air fryer. When the tempeh bacon is golden brown, take it out.

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