Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

Did you know air-frying tomatoes can make them even tastier than oven-roasting?

This guide is here to show you exactly how.

Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or an air fryer pro, you’ll find all the steps, tips, and tricks for perfect roasted tomatoes every time.

Shall we begin?

Alright, Let’s start!

Why I Love This Recipe

Last year, I decided to try my hand at growing tomatoes in my little backyard garden, and it turned into such a fun and rewarding project. There’s something really special about watching those tiny green tomatoes grow and slowly ripen under the sun. Every time I pick one, it feels like I’m enjoying the fruits of my hard work—literally!

When the tomatoes started coming in, I had more than I knew what to do with. That’s when I came across this recipe, and it quickly became my favorite. It’s simple, but it brings out all the natural sweetness of the tomatoes in such a perfect way. Whether you grow your own or grab them from the store, this recipe is an easy way to enjoy their fresh flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast: Minimal prep and quick cooking time.
• Versatile: Perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish.
• Healthy: No need for too much oil.
• Packed with Flavor: Roasting intensifies the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

Ingredients & Equipment Needed

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized Roma tomatoes (you can also use cherry tomatoes)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried basil (or Italian seasoning)

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or a spatula

How To Select Tomatoes
For this recipe, Roma tomatoes are ideal because they hold their shape while roasting and have a meatier texture. If you want something quicker or bite-sized, cherry tomatoes work too. Just make sure to pick ripe but firm tomatoes, as overly soft ones can become too mushy when cooked.

Seasoning
I like to keep the seasoning simple so that the natural flavors of the tomatoes shine. A drizzle of olive oil, along with sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a bit of dried basil, works perfectly. If you’re in the mood to tweak the flavors, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or even a dash of balsamic vinegar to add a tangy sweetness. The key here is to coat the tomatoes well without drowning them in oil.

How to Make Tomatoes in Air Fryer

1. Prep the Tomatoes: Start by washing your tomatoes and drying them gently. If you’re using Roma tomatoes, slice them in half lengthwise. For cherry tomatoes, you can leave them whole or cut them in half depending on how crispy you want them.
2. Marinate: Toss the tomatoes in a mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and basil. I like to use my hands to mix, making sure each tomato is evenly coated. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Pat Dry Before Cooking: After marinating, pat the tomatoes lightly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps them roast more evenly and prevents them from becoming too soft during cooking.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures the tomatoes cook evenly and helps them get that nice roasted texture.
5. Arrange the Tomatoes: Place the tomatoes cut-side up in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer and not too crowded. This allows the air to circulate around them, roasting them evenly.
6. Use Parchment Liner: Place a parchment paper liner in the bottom of the air fryer basket. This not only makes for easier cleanup but also keeps the tomatoes from sticking to the basket, especially if they release juices as they cook.
7. Cook the Tomatoes: Air fry the tomatoes for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, check on them and gently shake the basket or use tongs to flip the tomatoes, ensuring an even roast on all sides. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.
8. Check for Doneness: When the skins are blistered and the tomatoes have slightly shrunk, they’re ready. If you prefer a deeper caramelized flavor, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Cooking Time & Temperature

Flavor & Diet Variations

• Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan before air frying for a cheesy crust.
• Herb Variation: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a lovely aromatic touch.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for extra heat.

Advanced Tips & Tricks for Air Frying Tomatoes

1. Sprinkle salt on tomatoes and let them sit for 5-10 minutes to remove extra moisture. This helps them crisp up and avoids sogginess.

2. Place a wire rack inside the air fryer basket and set the tomatoes on top for even roasting and less sticking.

3. After cooking, let tomatoes sit in the basket for 2-3 minutes to keep their juices and enhance flavor.

4. Begin cooking at 400°F for 2-3 minutes, then reduce to 375°F for the rest of the time. This seals the skin for a deeper taste.

5. Brush tomatoes with a tiny bit of honey or balsamic glaze for a subtle sweetness and caramelized finish.

6. Turn the entire air fryer basket halfway through cooking to distribute heat evenly.

7. Add whole sprigs of herbs, like rosemary or thyme, on top of tomatoes while cooking. They’ll infuse flavor, and you can remove them easily afterward.

8. Dust a tiny bit of flour or cornstarch on tomatoes before cooking to add a subtle crisp layer.

9. Cook some tomatoes for the usual time and others slightly longer to get a mix of juicy and lightly dried textures.

10. Lightly spray tomatoes with a mix of water and white wine vinegar before cooking. This adds freshness and boosts flavor.

These tips will bring out the best in your air fried tomatoes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Preheat Step:
Even if it feels like an extra step, preheating ensures tomatoes cook evenly. Without it, they might cook unevenly, with some spots overdone and others undercooked.

2. Overcrowding the Basket:
Air fryers need space for airflow. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, making tomatoes mushy instead of crisp.

3. Using Cold Tomatoes Straight from the Fridge:
Room-temperature tomatoes cook more evenly and develop a deeper flavor. Cold tomatoes can result in a less flavorful, softer texture.

4. Forgetting to Dry Tomatoes After Washing:
Excess moisture prevents a proper roast. Pat them dry after washing for better caramelization and a less watery result.

5. Ignoring the Resting Period Post-Cooking:
Letting the tomatoes sit in the basket for a minute or two allows the flavors to settle and the skins to firm up, preventing them from being too soft when served.

Avoiding these small mistakes can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your air fried tomatoes!

How to Store and Reheat Tomatoes in the Air Fryer

Store

If you have leftover air-fried tomatoes, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to line the container with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture, which helps keep the tomatoes from getting too soft.

Reheat

1. Air Fryer Method:
   To bring back that roasted texture, reheat the tomatoes in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes. This is my favorite way since it crisps them up a bit without drying them out.
2. Stovetop Method:
   Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a tiny drizzle of olive oil. Add the tomatoes and warm them for about 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally. This method is gentle and keeps them juicy, making it perfect if you want to add them to dishes without overcooking.

These methods keep the tomatoes tasting fresh and save time!

Serving Suggestions

These roasted tomatoes are incredibly versatile! You can toss them into salads, mix them with pasta, or serve them on top of crusty bread for a quick snack. I sometimes add them to a sandwich for a burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information

Final Words

I hope you’re ready to turn your air fryer into a flavor powerhouse with these roasted tomatoes!

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I’d love to hear from you:

Have you tried roasting other vegetables in the air fryer?

Or, what’s your favorite way to use roasted tomatoes in your meals?

Let’s keep the conversation going

Meet the Author

Arsalan Khan

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