Lately, my new air fryer has been doing some serious heavy lifting in the kitchen. I’ve been tossing everything into it, from air fryer roasted tomatoes to crispy, smoky air fryer tempeh bacon, and I’m not mad about it. It’s become my go-to for quick, low-effort meals that still feel a little fancy.
Honestly, the air fryer is clutch during these hot summer months. When the sun is blazing and the last thing I want is to turn my kitchen into a sauna, I just let the air fryer do its thing, no need to fire up the oven or stand over a hot stove.
Now, if you’ve been around here before, you know my all-time favorite meatless bacon is mushroom bacon (it’s rich, savory, and ridiculously good). But this tempeh version? It absolutely earns a spot in the rotation. It’s hearty, packed with protein, and perfect for those times when you want something a little more filling.
What makes air fryer tempeh bacon such a win? For starters, it’s budget-friendly, super simple to prep, and only takes about 20 minutes to cook from start to finish. We’re talking just 6 ingredients. No complicated shopping list or mystery items you’ll use once and forget in the back of the fridge.
Minimal ingredients. Maximum flavor!
Jump to:
What Is Tempeh
Soy tempeh is a fermented food made from whole soybeans that have been naturally bound and pressed into firm, compact cakes. This traditional plant-based protein originated in Indonesia, where it has been a staple for centuries, particularly on the island of Java. The word “tempeh” comes from the Javanese term “témpé,” reflecting its deep cultural and culinary roots.
Tempeh is a great way to pack more protein into a plant-based diet without relying on heavily processed options. A 100 gram serving of soy tempeh contains about 20.3 grams of protein, making it one of the most protein-rich whole food sources available to vegans and vegetarians. Along with protein, it provides essential nutrients like potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B6.
The flavor of tempeh is distinct, nutty, earthy, and slightly bitter, especially when raw. Its firm, chewy texture holds up well in stir fries, sandwiches, and bowls but softens nicely when steamed, simmered, or marinated. For the best flavor, try cooking it with your favorite sauces or spices to balance its natural boldness.
Where to Buy Tempeh
Tempeh can be found at a variety of stores, making it easy to add this nutritious, plant-based protein to your meals.
- Asian Grocery Stores: These stores often carry fresh or refrigerated tempeh, usually in the refrigerated tofu or fermented products section. Look for brands specializing in traditional tempeh or locally made varieties for the freshest options.
- Major Grocery Chains: Most large supermarkets stock tempeh in the refrigerated section near tofu, vegan, or mock meat products. Stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Safeway, and Walmart typically carry several brands and varieties, including organic and flavored options.
- Health Food Stores: Specialty health food stores and co-ops often have a wide selection of tempeh, including artisanal or locally produced options.
Why You’ll Love This
- It’s loaded with umami. To get that savory punch, we’re working with ingredients like soy sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to bring depth and richness to each slice of tempeh.
- Made with pantry-friendly, affordable ingredients. The marinade is simple and fuss-free, using staples you probably already have—no fancy or expensive stuff required.
- Big flavor on a budget. This air fryer tempeh bacon is perfect for layering into sandwiches, wrapping around breakfast plates, or tossing into bowls for a smoky, protein-packed bite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Tempeh: This is the star of the show. Tempeh’s firm texture makes it perfect for slicing into “bacon” strips that crisp up nicely and hold flavor well. If you don’t have tempeh, extra-firm tofu can work in a pinch,just press it well and know it’ll be softer and less chewy.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Soy sauce brings the salt and umami we need to mimic that savory bacon flavor. I prefer low-sodium to keep things balanced, but regular soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option) will work just fine. Coconut aminos can also be used if you want something a little sweeter and less salty.
- Ketchup: Ketchup gives us a hit of sweetness and tang, rounding out the smoky and salty notes. It also helps the marinade stick to the tempeh. No ketchup? A mix of tomato paste and a tiny splash of vinegar or maple syrup will do the trick.
- Smoked Paprika: This is where the smoky bacon flavor comes to life. Smoked paprika adds depth without needing liquid smoke, making it a pantry-friendly win. If you want to amp up the smokiness, a dash of liquid smoke can be added too.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper brings in a little heat and bite. It’s a small ingredient that makes a big difference. Adjust the amount based on how peppery you like your faux bacon.
- Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast adds a boost of umami and a slightly cheesy, savory flavor. It also helps create a more textured coating on the tempeh when it cooks. If you're out, it's okay to skip it, but you’ll miss a little extra flavor magic.
Got mushrooms? Check out our vegan mushroom bacon recipe!
Step by Step Recipe
- Prep the Tempeh and Marinade: Start by steaming or simmering the tempeh for a few minutes to remove bitterness and soften the texture. While that’s happening, mix your marinade using soy sauce, ketchup, smoked paprika, black pepper, and nutritional yeast. Taste and tweak it. If you like it sweeter, add a touch of maple syrup or more ketchup.
- Slice and Marinate: Once the tempeh is cool enough to handle, slice it into thin, bacon-like strips. Use a pastry brush to coat each side with the marinade, then let the strips soak up the flavor for at least 30 minutes. Don’t toss any leftover marinade—you’ll want it for later.
- Cook Until Crispy: Arrange the marinated strips in a single layer in your air fryer. Cook at 325°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with more marinade if you’d like a stronger flavor. The smoked paprika gives them that rich, reddish-brown bacon look—no liquid smoke needed.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon
For the best air fryer tempeh bacon, start by steaming or simmering the tempeh to mellow out its natural bitterness and help it soak up more flavor. Slice it thin for crispy edges and even cooking, and don’t skip the marinating time, about 30 minutes or more lets those smoky, savory flavors really settle in. For extra bold flavor, brush on more marinade during cooking, and if you like it crispier, let it go a minute or two longer in the air fryer (just keep an eye on it to avoid burning).
What to Serve with Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon
Tempeh bacon is versatile and pairs well with a variety of comforting, plant-based meals. Serve it alongside a warm tofu scramble or savory oats for a hearty, protein-packed breakfast. It also makes a great addition to whole wheat pancakes, stacked sandwiches, crisp salads, creamy mashed potatoes, or a bowl of vegan mac and cheese—adding a smoky, savory bite to any dish.
More Air Fryer Recipes
How To Store
Store cooked tempeh bacon in a reusable silicone bag or air-tight container.in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the air fryer, oven, or a skillet for a few minutes until warmed and crispy again. It also freezes well, just separate layers with parchment paper for easy grab-and-reheat portions.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, tempeh bacon is a nutritious, plant-based protein rich in fiber, vitamins, and probiotics. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, with less saturated fat and no cholesterol.
Tempeh is a fermented soy product made by culturing cooked soybeans into a firm, cake-like form. It’s popular in vegetarian and vegan diets for its high protein content and nutty flavor.
Some people may find tempeh hard to digest due to its high fiber and fermentation. Additionally, it may cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to soy.
Tempeh is typically cooked before eating to improve flavor and digestibility, though it can be eaten raw if thinly sliced. Cooking also helps eliminate any bitterness and enhances texture.
Tempeh has a nutty, earthy flavor with a slightly chewy texture. It readily absorbs marinades and seasonings, making it versatile in many dishes.
Tempeh is generally firmer and has a stronger flavor than tofu, plus it contains more protein and fiber. However, tofu is softer and more neutral, which can work better in certain recipes.
Air fry tempeh bacon for about 10 minutes until it’s crispy and golden. Adjust timing slightly depending on your air fryer model and thickness of slices.
More Recipes with Soy
Did you try out this air fryer tempeh bacon? Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it, or tag a picture @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and hashtag it #plantbasedandbroke. Show off that creation with us!
Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces tempeh
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Fill a pot with about two inches of water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the salted water to a boil, then add the whole block of tempeh and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, flipping the tempeh halfway through.
- Remove the tempeh from the pot and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. While it cools, combine soy sauce, ketchup, smoked paprika, black pepper, and nutritional yeast in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Once cooled, slice the tempeh into thin strips, being careful not to break them. Place the strips in a large, shallow bowl or container and evenly coat or brush both sides with the marinade. Let them marinate for 30 minutes.
- After marinating, remove the tempeh strips from the dish and reserve the extra marinade. Arrange the slices on an air fryer tray and cook at 325°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. When done, optionally brush the tempeh bacon with any leftover marinade before serving.
Notes
- If your air fryer is on the smaller side, work in batches. Or, cut the recipe in half to make a little over 1 serving of tempeh bacon.
- To bake instead, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the tempeh bacon pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- To pan-fry, warm a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Spray with non-stick spray or add a touch of oil. Fry for 3-6 minutes on each side. This alternative won’t be oil-free but uses minimal oil.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, switch out the soy sauce for coconut amino or tamari. Coconut amino has some sweetness, so you can forgo/reduce the ketchup or use tomato paste.
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