This sweet, smoky and savory Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon is made simply by using an air fryer and adds a flavorful, high-protein addition to salads, sandwiches, or a plant-based breakfast taco.
A blend of tamari, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne is whisked together to create a smoky, salty, and sweet marinade for tempeh.
The tempeh strips are marinated for at least 30 minutes and then air fried to crispy, golden perfection in under 10 minutes.
Brush a little additional marinade over the top of the air-fried tempeh strips and enjoy over salads, in wraps, on breakfast sandwiches, and more!
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What is Tempeh?
Tempeh, originating in Indonesia, is a plant-based food that is made from fermented soybeans.
The soybeans undergo cooking and fermentation before being compressed into a block.
The white stuff that forms between the soybeans is actually mold, but not the scary type. It is entirely safe to eat.
Tempeh is readily available in most grocery stores and health food stores.
For more tips and tricks about preparing tempeh, refer to my Guide to Cooking Tempeh.
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: Tempeh is nutty and chewy in texture and absorbs flavor beautifully. When air-fried, it gets incredibly crisp and delicious!
Seasonings: Nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper are added to bring additional flavor to the vegan bacon.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tanginess.
Tamari: You can use low-sodium tamari or soy sauce. If you're gluten-free, look for one certified gluten-free.
Maple Syrup: This marinade includes maple syrup which helps the tempeh take on a subtly sweet maple flavor, reminiscent of bacon.
See recipe card for quantities.
Helpful Equipment
This is an air fryer recipe so you'll need an air fryer.
I use the Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer XL and it's incredible!
Please note that results vary depending on the brand of air fryer so adjust the timing as needed by checking on the tempeh bacon every few minutes.
If you don't have an air fryer, you can still enjoy this recipe. Scroll to the tips and tricks section to read baking and pan-frying instructions.
How to Make This Recipe
If you're craving a vegan breakfast sandwich or a protein-packed topping for a Caesar salad or grain bowl, this Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon is for you!
Let the tempeh strips soak in a simple marinade, absorbing the classic smoky and maple flavors, then air fry them until crispy and chewy perfection.
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.
Substitutions & Variations
Tempeh: The cook time in the air-fryer will vary but you can substitute the tempeh with tofu.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Feel free to use the vinegar that you have on hand. White vinegar or rice vinegar will work.
Maple Syrup: Agave syrup will work just fine but you'll miss out on that maple flavor, keep that in mind.
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.
Breakfast tacos: Try these smoky tempeh strips on a breakfast taco with scrambled Just egg, pico de gallo, avocado slices, and hot sauce.
Add to salads: Toss chopped tempeh bacon into your salad for an extra crunch and flavor. My favorite is massaged kale tossed with a cashew caesar dressing, cucumbers, croutons, and red onions!
Sandwiches or wraps: Upgrade your sandwiches or wraps by adding strips of tempeh bacon. Make a vegan BLT!
Pasta: Use crispy tempeh bacon as a tasty topping for your favorite pasta. I love it on top of my Vegan Cashew Alfredo Pasta Sauce.
Storage
Simplify your breakfast routine by preparing a batch of tempeh bacon 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.
I recommend only cooking the tempeh that you plan to use and leave the remaining bacon in the fridge to continue to marinate.
Freeze: You can freeze this tempeh bacon for up to 2-3 months. Please note that it tastes best when fresh.
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.
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.
Use the cooking method that is best for you! The air fryer has been my latest obsession and it makes the crispiest, most delicious tempeh the quickest.
Baking Instructions: Place the tempeh on to a parchment lined baking tray and bake at 400F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Stovetop Instructions: Heat a pan on medium heat and brown each side of marinaded tempeh bacon in a bit of olive oil. Once golden and crispy, add in remaining marinade and cook until absorbed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, I left it out for this tempeh bacon recipe and used smoked paprika instead.
Soy sauce contains wheat, simply substitute it with a gluten-free tamari. Something else to look out for is the tempeh. It can sometimes contain grains so be sure to check the ingredients.
No, tempeh bacon does not taste like bacon but it is a good substitute for bacon. It's smoky and very flavorful which is why it's a good replacement in sandwiches, salads, or wraps. The texture of tempeh has a crispy exterior with a more nutty chewy interior.
More Tempeh Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Don't forget to leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating down below if you try this recipe! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Instagram for more recipes and updates.
Recipe
Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce Package of Tempeh cut into thin strips
- 3 tablespoons Low-Sodium Tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 teaspoons Nutritional Yeast
- Pinch of Cayenne Pepper optional
- Pinch of Kosher Salt
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Spray Avocado Oil for cooking
Instructions
- Cut the block of tempeh into ¼ inch slices.
- 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.
- Place the tempeh into the marinade and toss carefully to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 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.
- Air Fry at 375F for 7 to 9 minutes or until crispy, and golden. 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: Keep in mind that all air fryers are different so be sure to check the tempeh bacon often to make sure it's not burning. It can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!
- Brush a small amount of leftover marinade on top of tempeh and enjoy!
Notes
Disclosure: This page contains some affiliate links. Please know that I may receive a percentage or commission from a link included on this page, at no extra cost to you. I will only ever recommend a product that I have used and believe has substantial value to my readers.
Shelly says
FYI you don't have liquid smoke listed in the ingredients section.
Liv says
Oh! Good catch. Thank you so much! Will update 🙂
Joyce says
Used this recipe with a few tweaks (to reduce my own sodium intake) to make a BLT, it was soo good! I have tried the recipe with marinating 30 mins- 1 hour and I totally agree overnight yields the best flavor in my humble opinion. Great recipe, Thanks!
Grant says
I can’t remember what real bacon tastes like but this stuff is so good I assume it’s close. Been making it for a couple of weeks now and it’s brilliant for breakfast with some tofu scramble
Liv says
Thank you for sharing! I really appreciate you leaving this review. Glad you are enjoying the tempeh bacon 🙂
Sheila says
Excellent make ahead meal to eat for breakfast or with a salad later on. Marinating this 'bacon' overnight is the key - and doing so, makes it even more convenient for a quick meal even a few days later. Marinating it for longer won't hurt.
When making the marinade I swapped out liquid smoke for a 2/3 teaspoon of smoked paprika which made it more to our liking.
Liv says
I sometimes just use smoked paprika too! Glad you are enjoying have meal prepped tempeh bacon 🙂