Air fryer recipe · Starters
Maple Tempeh Bites
Sticky-sweet, nutty tempeh cubes with a smoky edge and caramelized corners.
- 26 minTotal time
- 190°CAir fryer
- 4Serves
- VegetarianDiet
Nutrition per serving
- 155kcal
- 13.5 gprotein
- 13.1 gcarbs
- 6.9 gfat
- 0.3 gfibre
Per serving, about 4 servings. Figures are estimates from standard ingredient databases, not medical, dietetic, or nutritional advice.
Ingredients
- Tempeh250 g
- Maple syrup2 tbsp
- Soy sauce2 tbsp
- Smoked paprika1 tsp
- Apple cider vinegar1 tbsp
Method
Steam to soften
Cut the tempeh into bite-sized cubes and steam them for eight minutes to mellow the slight bitterness. This quick step also opens the tempeh up to absorb the marinade.
Whisk the marinade
Stir together the maple syrup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. The balance of sweet, salty, and sharp is what gives the bites their addictive glaze.
Marinate the cubes
Add the steamed tempeh to the marinade and let it soak for at least fifteen minutes, tossing once or twice. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavor reaches into each cube.
Drain and arrange
Lift the cubes out with a slotted spoon, reserving the marinade, and spread them in a single layer. Keep the leftover marinade for brushing on later.
Air-fry and glaze
Air-fry the tempeh at 190C for 16 minutes, shaking and brushing with reserved marinade twice, until the cubes are deep brown with sticky caramelized edges and a firm chew.
