If you’re craving a crunchy, savory snack that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor, you’re going to love this Easy Homemade Tempeh Chips Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to transform simple tempeh into a delightful treat that’s perfect for munching on its own or sharing with friends. Each chip comes out crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned just right to please your taste buds while keeping things wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl with two small handles sits on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, there is a thin layer of yellowish liquid oil, smooth and shiny with tiny bubbles around the edges. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, with its rounded head partly covered in the oil. The spoon handle extends outward diagonally, leading the eye from the liquid center to the bowl’s rim. The overall look is simple and clean, highlighting the oil's texture and color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Preparing this Easy Homemade Tempeh Chips Recipe is wonderfully straightforward because it relies on a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one is chosen to enhance the natural earthiness of the tempeh while adding crispness, balance, and a touch of savory goodness.

Extra virgin olive oil: This adds a subtle fruity richness that helps the chips crisp up beautifully without overwhelming the flavor.
Salt: Just the right pinch to bring out the natural umami in the tempeh and awaken the seasonings.
Garlic powder: Provides a gentle, aromatic depth that complements the nutty tempeh perfectly.
Onion powder: Adds a sweet and savory note to round out the seasoning profile.
Tempeh (8 ounces or about 250 grams): The star of the show—firm, protein-packed, and ideal for slicing into crunchy chips.

How to Make Easy Homemade Tempeh Chips Recipe

Step 1: Slice the Tempeh Thinly

Start by peeling the tempeh if you’d like, though it’s not necessary since the skin is edible. Using a sharp knife, slice the tempeh into thin pieces, about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices ensure each chip gets that perfect crunch once cooked, so take your time here to get them even and consistent.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. This trio is simple but powerful, providing a savory punch that will coat your tempeh slices evenly and enhance their natural flavor beautifully.

Step 3: Coat the Tempeh with Oil and Seasonings

Place the tempeh slices in a shallow dish or bowl. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil and toss gently to coat every piece. Then sprinkle your seasoning mix over the slices and toss again until each chip is evenly covered with flavorful seasoning. This step is where the magic starts—the oil helps the spices stick and crisps up the surface during cooking.

Step 4: Bake or Pan-Fry the Tempeh Chips

For baking, arrange the coated slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get golden and crispy. If pan-frying, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the slices in batches, turning frequently, until each side turns a deep golden brown and crisp—about 3 to 5 minutes per batch.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Once cooked, transfer the chips to a cooling rack or paper towels to let excess oil drip away and allow them to crisp up even more. Letting them cool slightly also helps the texture become satisfyingly crunchy, making them ready to indulge in right away.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Tempeh Chips Recipe

A large silver baking tray lined with brown parchment paper holds many triangular oat crackers. The oat crackers are light brown with a rough, grainy texture from the oats, and each cracker is thin and flat. They are arranged in a scattered, yet organized way, covering most of the tray in a single layer. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your tempeh chips with a little freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. A dusting of nutritional yeast can also bring a cheesy, savory finish that amps up their snack appeal.

Side Dishes

Easy Homemade Tempeh Chips make a wonderful companion to dips like guacamole, hummus, or a spicy sriracha mayo. They also pair beautifully alongside crisp salads or roasted veggies for a light yet satisfying snack or appetizer.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these chips in rustic bowls or small paper cones for a charming snack presentation at gatherings. For a fun twist, use them as crunchy toppings on grain bowls, soups, or even vegan tacos—adding both texture and a boost of protein.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, store the Easy Homemade Tempeh Chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their crunch for up to 3 days, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week without losing their crispness.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the chips in a sealed freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and re-crisp them briefly in a hot skillet or oven to bring back that delightful crunch.

Reheating

For the best experience, reheat the chips in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or in a dry pan over medium heat. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy instead of crisp.

FAQs

Can I use flavored tempeh for this recipe?

Absolutely! Flavored tempeh can add an exciting twist to your chips, but remember to adjust additional seasonings accordingly since some flavors may already be strong or salty.

Are these chips gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free spices and tempeh, this Easy Homemade Tempeh Chips Recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with sensitivities.

What oil is best for making tempeh chips?

Extra virgin olive oil is ideal because it adds flavor and promotes crispiness, but you can also use avocado oil or coconut oil depending on your taste preferences and smoke point needs.

Can I bake these chips instead of pan-frying?

Definitely! Baking is a convenient, hands-off method that yields crispy chips. Just remember to flip the slices halfway through baking to ensure even crispness on both sides.

How thin should I slice the tempeh for chips?

Slicing about 1/8 inch thick works best to achieve that perfect crispy texture without the chips becoming too brittle or chewy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about making your own crunchy snacks from scratch, and this Easy Homemade Tempeh Chips Recipe delivers on that promise beautifully. Simple, flavorful, and downright addictive, these chips are a wonderful way to enjoy tempeh in a whole new light. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover your favorite way to snack smart and deliciously.