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An asymmetrical, ceramic bowl holds browned tempeh "nuggets." It rests on a white surface.
4.34 from 6 votes

20-Minute Air Fryer Tempeh Nuggets

Author - Gena Hamshaw
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces tempeh (225g)
  • 2 cups vegan no-chicken broth (480ml; substitute vegetable broth)
  • 2 tablespoons tamari
  • 2 teaspoons paprika (sweet paprika or smoked paprika—it's up to you—or use 1 teaspoon of each)
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1-2 teaspoons avocado oil (or avocado oil spray, as needed for a light coating)

Instructions

Prepare the the tempeh

  • Lay your rectangular block of tempeh out on a small cutting board or work surface.
    A rectangular block of tempeh rests on a small, pink cutting board.
  • Cut the tempeh into 3/4-1 inch cubes (32 cubes per 8oz/225g block of tempeh).
    A small, pink cutting board has been used to cut a block of tempeh into cubes.
  • Place the broth, tamari, mustard, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a 2 or 3qt saucepan. Whisk or stir them together to combine.
    A dark brown marinade is being mixed in a small, gray saucepan,
  • Bring the liquid mixture to a simmer over medium high heat.
    Cubes of tempeh and a marinade are in a small, gray saucepan.
  • Add the tempeh cubes. Turn the heat to low. Simmer the tempeh, uncovered, for 10 minutes. 
    Cubes of tempeh have been simmered in a deep brown colored marinade.

Air fry the tempeh

  • Drain the tempeh cubes. Coat them lightly with the avocado oil. You can do this by adding them back to the empty cooking pot, adding a teaspoon or two of avocado oil, and lightly stirring. You can also add the nuggets to the basket or tray of your air fryer, then spray them lightly with avocado oil spray. The oil, while not a lot, helps the nuggets to become crispy.
    The black basket of an air fryer holds seasoned tempeh nuggets, prior to air frying.
  • Transfer the nuggets to your air fryer. Air fry the tempeh for 8-10 minutes at 400F, or until they're crispy and browning. Shake the basket once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  • Store these nuggets for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze them for up to 6 weeks.
    A small, rectangular blue storage container holds recently cooked, lightly browned air fryer tempeh nuggets.

Oven instructions

  • If you don't have an air fryer, begin by preheating your oven to 400F. Lightly rub or spray a baking sheet with oil, or use a nonstick baking sheet. 
  • Bake the tempeh cubes for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and browning. Flip the cubes on the sheet once, halfway through baking.