Oh my gosh, you have to try this air fryer tempeh bacon vegan recipe—it’s seriously life-changing! I remember the first time I made it, my kitchen smelled like a cozy diner at breakfast time. That perfect smoky aroma had my husband peeking in asking, “Wait…is that real bacon?” Nope! Just magical little strips of marinated tempeh getting crispy in the air fryer.
What I love most is how ridiculously easy this is compared to traditional bacon. No grease splatters everywhere, no babysitting a skillet—just toss those thin tempeh slices in a quick marinade, pop them in the air fryer, and boom! You’ve got crispy, protein-packed vegan bacon ready in under 15 minutes. The texture? Absolute perfection. That satisfying crunch with just the right chewiness underneath? *Chef’s kiss*
Trust me, once you try this air fryer tempeh bacon vegan style, you’ll be putting it on everything—sandwiches, salads, even crumbling it over avocado toast. It’s become my secret weapon for adding that smoky umami punch to meals without any meat. And the best part? Leftovers (if you have any!) stay crispy when stored right. Game. Changer.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon Vegan Recipe
This isn’t just another vegan bacon substitute—it’s a total game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Crazy quick: From marinade to crispy perfection in under 15 minutes (no more waiting for oven bacon!)
- That smoky magic: Liquid smoke gives that authentic campfire bacon flavor without any meat
- Perfect crunch: Thin slices get irresistibly crispy while staying slightly chewy inside
- Protein powerhouse: 8g per serving keeps you full way longer than regular bacon
- No grease mess: Air fryer means no stovetop splatters—just easy cleanup
Seriously, once you taste that crispy, smoky goodness, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon Vegan
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this smoky, crispy magic happen:
- 8 oz tempeh – sliced super thin (about 1/4-inch thick – this is key for crispiness!)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – or tamari if you’re gluten-free
- 1 tbsp maple syrup – the real, pure stuff, not pancake syrup (trust me, it matters)
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke – this is our secret weapon for that authentic bacon flavor
- 1 tbsp olive oil – helps everything get beautifully crispy
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika – doubles down on that smoky goodness
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder – just enough to add depth without overpowering
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you’ve got it
See? Nothing fancy – just simple ingredients that work magic together. Now let’s get slicing!
How to Make Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon Vegan
Okay, let’s get down to business! Making this tempeh bacon is so easy you’ll laugh—but the results will seriously impress you. Here’s exactly how I do it every time for perfect crispy strips:
Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Tempeh
First, grab your sharpest knife—thin slices are everything here! I aim for about 1/4-inch thick strips (think bacon slice thickness). Too thick and they won’t crisp up properly. While you’re slicing, whisk together that glorious marinade—soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, olive oil, and spices. It’ll smell amazing already!
Now the fun part: dunk those tempeh slices in the marinade, making sure each piece gets fully coated. Let them soak up all that smoky-sweet goodness for about 10 minutes—just enough time to preheat your air fryer!
Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat that air fryer to 375°F—this helps get that initial crisp we want. Arrange your marinated tempeh strips in a single layer (no overlapping or they’ll steam instead of crisp). Cook for about 5 minutes, then flip each piece—you’ll see them starting to darken beautifully.
Give them another 3-5 minutes until they’re deeply golden and crispy at the edges. Pro tip: they crisp up more as they cool, so don’t overdo it! That’s it—you’ve just made vegan bacon magic in minutes.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon Vegan
Want restaurant-quality tempeh bacon every time? Here are my hard-earned tricks:
- Watch your air fryer model: Mine takes 8 minutes, but some run hotter—start checking at 6 minutes to avoid burning!
- Parchment is your friend: A liner prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze (just trim it to fit your basket).
- Crispier = thinner: Can’t get enough crunch? Slice those tempeh strips even thinner—they’ll crisp up like potato chips!
- Storage smarts: Keep leftovers in an airtight container—they’ll stay crispy for 3 days (if they last that long!).
Oh, and don’t skip that flip halfway through—it makes all the difference for even browning!
Ingredient Substitutions
Ran out of something? No worries—this recipe is super flexible! Here are my favorite swaps that still give amazing results:
- Soy sauce alternative: Tamari works perfectly if you’re gluten-free, or try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter twist
- Maple syrup hack: Agave nectar or even brown rice syrup can stand in for maple syrup in a pinch
- Oil options: Any neutral oil works—I’ve used avocado oil when I’m out of olive oil with great results
The only thing I wouldn’t skip? That liquid smoke—it’s what gives our tempeh bacon its signature smoky magic!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon Vegan
Oh, the possibilities! This tempeh bacon is so versatile—I’ve literally put it on everything. My absolute favorite? Piled high on avocado toast with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. It’s also killer in BLT-style sandwiches (with juicy tomato slices and crisp lettuce), crumbled over salads for that smoky crunch, or even mixed into vegan mac and cheese for a next-level comfort food twist. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner—this stuff makes every meal better!
Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon Vegan Nutrition
Let’s talk nutrition—because this tasty treat actually loves you back! Each serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) packs roughly 120 calories with a solid 8g of plant-based protein to keep you full. We’re talking just 6g of fat (mostly the good kind from olive oil and tempeh), 10g carbs, and 3g of fiber. Tempeh brings all those gut-friendly probiotics too! Of course, exact numbers vary slightly depending on your precise ingredients, but one thing’s certain—it’s way kinder to your body than traditional bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this tempeh bacon instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! Just spread the marinated tempeh on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F. Flip halfway through—it’ll take about 15-20 minutes to get crispy. The air fryer gives that perfect crunch faster, but oven-baked works great too!
How long does air fryer tempeh bacon keep?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays crispy for 3 days in the fridge. Pro tip: if it softens, just pop it back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to revive that crunch!
Can I freeze vegan tempeh bacon?
You bet! Freeze cooked slices between parchment paper for up to a month. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer—they’ll crisp right back up in minutes.
Why is my tempeh bacon chewy instead of crispy?
Two likely culprits: slices were too thick (aim for 1/4-inch!) or your air fryer needed more preheating time. Next batch, slice thinner and let that air fryer get fully hot first!
I’d love to hear how your air fryer tempeh bacon turns out—drop me a comment with your favorite way to serve it! Nothing makes me happier than seeing your crispy, smoky creations.
Print
“Crispy 15-Minute Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon Vegan Miracle”
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy, smoky air fryer tempeh bacon—a vegan alternative packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz tempeh, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Slice tempeh into thin strips.
- Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Coat tempeh slices evenly with marinade.
- Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Arrange tempeh slices in a single layer.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Remove when crispy and browned.
Notes
- Cut tempeh thin for crispier texture.
- Adjust cooking time based on air fryer model.
- Store leftovers airtight for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American