Why You’ll Love Nutritional Yeast Tempeh Recipe
This recipe is quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The nutritional yeast gives the tempeh a cheesy, savory coating, while the cornstarch helps create a crisp texture. It can be made in the oven or air fryer, making it flexible for busy meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 block tempeh, about 227g or 8oz
4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Heaping ¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Heaping ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Heaping ¼ teaspoon onion powder
3 to 4 teaspoons unsweetened, unflavored dairy-free milk, or water
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F or 220°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. For an air fryer, preheating is not necessary.
Break the tempeh into irregular bite-sized chunks and place them in a bowl. Avoid cutting it with a knife, as rough edges help create a better texture.
Sprinkle the nutritional yeast, cornstarch, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder over the tempeh. Toss gently to coat.
Drizzle 3 teaspoons of dairy-free milk over the tempeh and toss again. The coating should become slightly damp and stick to the pieces. Add 1 more teaspoon only if dry spots remain.
Spread the coated tempeh pieces on the prepared baking tray or in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
Bake for about 25 minutes, or air fry at 400°F or 200°C for about 15 minutes, until golden and crunchy.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 to 25 minutes
Total time: 20 to 30 minutes
Variations
Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Use chili powder or cayenne for a spicy version.
Add dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, or parsley for an herby coating.
Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, salad, noodles, wraps, or vegan ranch.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F or 175°C for 4 to 6 minutes, or in the oven at 375°F or 190°C until warmed and crisp again.
Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the tempeh crunchy.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry the coated tempeh at 400°F or 200°C for about 15 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Can I use water instead of dairy-free milk?
Yes. Water works, but unsweetened dairy-free milk helps the coating stick slightly better.
Does the dairy-free milk need to be unsweetened?
Yes. Sweetened or flavored milk can change the taste of the savory coating.
Can I cut the tempeh with a knife?
It is better to break it by hand. Irregular pieces create more texture and crisp edges.
Why is cornstarch used?
Cornstarch helps the coating crisp up during baking or air frying.
Can I make this oil-free?
Yes. This recipe does not require oil.
What does nutritional yeast taste like?
It has a savory, nutty, cheesy flavor that works well with tempeh.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use two blocks of tempeh and double all the coating ingredients.
How do I keep the tempeh crispy?
Spread the pieces out with space between them and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
What can I serve with nutritional yeast tempeh?
Serve it with grain bowls, salads, wraps, roasted vegetables, noodles, or dipping sauces.
Conclusion
Nutritional Yeast Tempeh is a simple, crunchy, and flavorful plant-based recipe that comes together with minimal ingredients. Whether baked or air fried, it makes a delicious protein-rich addition to everyday meals.
