Vegan bacon bits are a fantastic vegan alternative to traditional bacon bits, offering that smoky, savory crunch without the meat. They're super easy to make and perfect for sprinkling over salads, soups, baked potatoes, or any dish you'd like to add a bacon-like flavor.
2tablespoonssoy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
1tablespoonsmaple syrup
1tablespoonapple cider vinegar
1tablespoonvegetable oil
1teaspoonliquid smoke
½teaspoonsmoked paprika
½teaspoongarlic powder
⅛teaspoonblack pepper
¼teaspoonsaltadjust to taste
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Instructions
Rehydrate TVP: In a bowl, combine the TVP granules with the boiling water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the TVP has absorbed all the water and softened.
Add Flavor: Add the soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, vegetable oil, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the TVP granules are evenly coated with the seasoning. Let it sit while you preheat your air fryer.
Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/175°C. Spread the seasoned TVP evenly on the grate of the air fryer basket. Make sure to keep them in a single layer for even cooking. Air fry the TVP bits for about 5 minutes (see notes*). Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through to ensure all sides get crispy. If they aren't as crispy as you like, you can air fry them for a few additional minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Cool: Let the bacon bits sit for about 10 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Serve: Once cooled, use immediately or store in an airtight container. See the post for serving suggestions.
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Notes
*When I manage to get most of the bacon bits on the grate, they crisp up in about 5 minutes. However, if I remove the grate and let them cook on the bottom of the air fryer, it takes longer, about 10-12 minutes. I find cooking times in air fryers vary, so check your bits often to ensure they are not burning. And shake the basket often to ensure even cooking.If the holes in your air fryer grate are too big, try lining it with parchment paper with a few small holes throughout, or use an air fryer liner to keep the vegan bits from slipping through.The bits come out somewhat chewy, but as they cool, they crisp up. It's really about personal preference. I prefer them crispy like croutons, while my husband enjoys them chewier. If you undercook them slightly, they'll crisp up just a bit but stay mostly chewy. So, adjust the cooking time to get your ideal texture.For skillet-made TVP bacon bits, heat the marinated TVP in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until crispy, about 10 minutes.To make vegan bacon bits in the oven, spread the marinated TVP on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy.Traditional store-bought bacon bits are pretty salty. Adjust the salt to your preference, or leave it out entirely.Nutritional information is only an estimate based on the entire batch made in this recipe.