Vegan bacon nails that smoky, salty, crispy hit — and the air fryer is perfect for it. Make it from rice paper for shatter-crisp strips, or tempeh for something meatier. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make vegan bacon in an air fryer?
A: Marinate rice paper or tempeh strips in a smoky-savoury sauce and air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 6–9 minutes, until crisp.
Q: What gives the bacon flavour?
A: Smoked paprika, soy, maple and a little liquid smoke.
Two ways
- Rice paper — layer two sheets with marinade between, cut into strips; crisps shatteringly.
- Tempeh — slice thin, marinate, and air fry for a meatier, chewier bacon.
The recipe
Air Fryer Vegan Bacon
Ingredients
- Rice paper or 200g tempeh
- 2 tbsp soy, 1 tbsp maple
- Smoked paprika, liquid smoke
- 1 tsp oil
Method
- Mix the smoky marinade.
- Coat the rice paper or tempeh strips.
- Single layer; air fry at 180°C for 6–9 min.
- Watch closely near the end.
Tips
- Rice paper crisps fast — watch it closely.
- Tempeh gives a meatier, chewier result.
- Smoked paprika is key to the flavour.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make vegan bacon in an air fryer?
Marinate rice paper or tempeh strips in a smoky-savoury sauce and air fry at 180°C for 6–9 minutes until crisp, watching closely as rice paper crisps fast.
What's vegan bacon made from?
Commonly rice paper for shatter-crisp strips, or tempeh, tofu or mushrooms for something meatier — flavoured with smoked paprika, soy and maple.
What gives vegan bacon its smoky flavour?
Smoked paprika, soy, maple syrup and a little liquid smoke recreate the smoky, salty-sweet taste of bacon.