Vegan Air Fryer Bacon Recipe: A Crispy and Healthy
Creating a delicious vegan air fryer bacon recipe is easier than you think! This plant-based alternative to traditional bacon delivers the perfect balance of crispiness, smokiness, and savory flavor. Made using thinly sliced rice paper, tempeh, or even eggplant, this recipe combines a simple marinade of soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, and smoked paprika for that authentic bacon-like taste. Once coated, the slices are placed in the air fryer and cooked to golden perfection in just a few minutes. The air fryer not only ensures even cooking but also uses minimal oil, making this a healthier option for anyone craving bacon-style treats. Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a topping for salads and soups, this vegan air fryer bacon recipe is a must-try for vegans and non-vegans alike. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress your taste buds!
Vegan Air Fryer Bacon Recipe: A Crispy and Healthy Meat-Free Alternative
If you’re craving the savory, crispy satisfaction of bacon but want a plant-based version, vegan air fryer bacon is a fantastic solution. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe delivers the smoky, slightly salty flavor of traditional bacon without any animal products. Plus, using an air fryer ensures it’s crispy, healthier, and quick to prepare. Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a snack, this recipe will satisfy your cravings guilt-free.
Vegan Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Basting brush
- Baking Sheet (for drying tofu)
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
Instructions
Prepare the Tofu
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a clean towel and placing a heavy object on top for 15-20 minutes.
- Slice the tofu into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
Make the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
Marinate the Tofu
- Place the tofu strips in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a shallow dish.
- Brush both sides of the tofu strips with the marinade. Ensure each piece is well coated.
- Let the tofu marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. For best results, marinate for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Air Fry the Tofu Bacon
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil (optional).
- Place the marinated tofu strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through, until crispy and golden brown. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the tofu strips.
Serve
- Remove the tofu bacon from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy as a breakfast side, in sandwiches, salads, or as a snack.
Notes
Tips
- Pressing Tofu: Ensure to press the tofu well to remove as much moisture as possible. This helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Marinating: For deeper flavor, marinate the tofu overnight in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- Variations: Experiment with different seasonings like chili powder, cumin, or even a touch of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Why Make Vegan Air Fryer Bacon?
- Healthier Alternative: Vegan bacon is cholesterol-free, lower in saturated fat, and made with whole-food ingredients.
- Quick & Easy: The air fryer creates a perfect crispiness in less time compared to baking or frying.
- Customizable: You can adjust the smoky, salty, or sweet flavors to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Vegan Air Fryer Bacon
This recipe uses versatile, plant-based ingredients to recreate the taste and texture of bacon:
- Rice Paper: For a thin, crispy texture (or use thinly sliced eggplant or tempeh for a chewier option).
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: For the salty, umami flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and caramelization.
- Liquid Smoke: Creates that smoky, bacon-like flavor.
- Nutritional Yeast: Optional, for added umami and richness.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Helps with crisping and flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky depth of flavor.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Adds savory complexity.
Instructions: How to Make Vegan Air Fryer Bacon
- Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix the following:- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Prepare the Base:
If using rice paper, cut it into strips approximately 1–1.5 inches wide. For eggplant or tempeh, slice thinly. - Dip and Coat:
- Lightly dampen the rice paper strips to soften them.
- Dip each strip in the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Air Fry the Strips:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 4–6 minutes, checking halfway through to prevent burning. Adjust time based on your air fryer and desired crispiness.
- Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove and let cool slightly. Enjoy your vegan bacon as a side dish, in sandwiches, or crumbled over salads!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~50 (for rice paper version)
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 2g (from maple syrup)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on the base ingredient and marinade quantities.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.