Air Fryer Tempeh and Eggplant Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Discover this air fryer tempeh and eggplant satay recipe with spicy peanut sauce. A unique, flavorful vegan dish for your next meal! Try it now!
Recipe Overview
Discover this air fryer tempeh and eggplant satay recipe with spicy peanut sauce. A unique, flavorful vegan dish for your next meal! Try it now!
Ingredients
- • tempeh: 8 ounces, cut into 1-inch cubes
- • eggplant: 1 medium, cut into 1-inch cubes
- • soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
- • maple syrup: 1 tablespoon
- • garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- • ginger: 1 inch, grated
- • sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
- • wooden skewers: 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- • peanut butter: 1/2 cup
- • coconut milk: 1/2 cup
- • lime juice: 2 tablespoons
- • sriracha: 1 tablespoon
- • crushed peanuts: 2 tablespoons, for garnish
- • fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 1 Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and a beautiful char on your satay skewers.
- 2 In a large bowl, combine tempeh and eggplant with soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- 3 Thread the marinated tempeh and eggplant onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating pieces to ensure a mix of flavors in each bite.
- 4 Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the tempeh is crisp and the eggplant is tender.
- 5 While the skewers are cooking, prepare the spicy peanut sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, and sriracha until smooth and heated through. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- 6 Serve the hot skewers with a drizzle of spicy peanut sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- • These tempeh and eggplant satay skewers are perfect as a standalone appetizer or as part of a larger meal. Serve them over a bed of jasmine rice to soak up the delicious peanut sauce, or pair them with a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of air-fried sweet potatoes or a crisp Asian slaw. The fresh crunch of the slaw complements the richness of the peanut sauce beautifully. To elevate your dining experience, pair this dish with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or an iced jasmine tea. The light, floral notes of the beverage will complement the bold flavors of the satay.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. If you wish to freeze the satay, it's best to do so before adding the sauce. Freeze the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To maintain the quality of the peanut sauce, store it separately in a sealed container. Stir before serving and adjust the consistency with a bit of water if it thickens too much in the fridge.
