Air fryer Sun Dried Tomatoes

Did you know you can turn tomatoes into sun-dried magic in your air fryer in just a few hours?

Yep, that’s right—no more waiting days under the sun or using a slow oven.

If you’re looking for a new way to preserve those fresh tomatoes, this method is going to save you time, effort, and energy.

They aren’t just quicker—they actually retain more of that intense, rich flavor, and you control every ingredient.

No extra oil. No preservatives. Just pure, homemade goodness.

If you love adding a punch of flavor to salads, pastas, or sandwiches, or you want to try a healthier alternative to store-bought sun-dried tomatoes, this post is for you.

Maybe you’re someone who’s into meal prep or preserving seasonal produce.

Whatever your reason, this is the ultimate guide to help you nail perfect air fryer sun-dried tomatoes, right from your kitchen.

Ready to get started? 

Let’s go!

How to Choose the Right Tomatoes for Sun-Drying

When choosing tomatoes for sun-drying in an air fryer, the key is to pick the right type and quality to get the best results.

Start with Roma or plum tomatoes—these are ideal because they have fewer seeds and less moisture, which helps them dry faster and more evenly. If you want smaller, bite-sized sun-dried tomatoes, cherry or grape tomatoes work great too. Their sweetness intensifies as they dry, making them perfect for snacking or adding to salads.

Look for ripe but firm tomatoes. Overly soft tomatoes might turn mushy in the air fryer, while underripe ones won’t deliver that rich flavor you’re after. Also, choose tomatoes that are free from blemishes or bruises. A healthy, clean tomato will always give you better texture and taste when dried.

For the best quality, consider using organic tomatoes. They’re grown without pesticides and tend to have a more intense natural flavor, which makes a difference once they’re dried.

In short, go for tomatoes that are firm, ripe, and low in moisture. Whether large or small, make sure they’re at their peak ripeness for the tastiest air-fried sun-dried tomatoes.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Ingredients:

• 8–10 ripe Roma or plum tomatoes (or cherry/grape tomatoes for a smaller option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs like oregano or basil (optional)

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Paper towels
• Airtight container for storage

How to make sun dried tomatoes in Air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. For Roma or plum tomatoes, slice them in half lengthwise. If you’re using cherry or grape tomatoes, you can either slice them in half or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture
To ensure your tomatoes dry evenly, it’s important to remove as much moisture as possible. Use a paper towel to blot the cut surfaces of the tomatoes. This step helps speed up the drying process in the air fryer.

Step 3: Season the Tomatoes
Place the tomatoes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil (if using) and toss to coat them lightly. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any herbs you’d like to add for flavor. Be sure not to overdo it—just a pinch is enough to enhance the natural taste.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 135°F (or the lowest setting) if it has a dehydrator function. If your air fryer doesn’t go that low, set it to around 150°F. This low heat setting ensures the tomatoes will dry out slowly without cooking too fast.

Step 5: Arrange the Tomatoes in the Air Fryer
Place the tomatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Be sure not to overcrowd them, as air needs to circulate for even drying. If your air fryer has trays, you can rotate them halfway through the process to make sure all tomatoes dry evenly.

Step 6: Air Fry the Tomatoes
Set the air fryer to run for 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and thickness of your tomatoes. Check on them every hour to ensure they aren’t overcooking. The goal is to dry them out until they become leathery but not crispy.

Step 7: Check for Doneness
After about 3 hours, begin checking for doneness. The tomatoes should feel dry and leathery to the touch but still flexible. If any are still too soft, leave them in for a bit longer, checking every 15 minutes until they’re ready.

Step 8: Cool and Store
Once your tomatoes are dried, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container. You can also store them in olive oil for a rich, marinated flavor.

Tips for Cooking Air Fryer Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. Choose Smaller Tomatoes for Faster Drying
If you’re short on time, opt for smaller tomatoes like grape or cherry varieties. They dry quicker than larger Roma tomatoes, giving you sun-dried tomatoes in less time without sacrificing flavor.

2. Use a Cooling Rack for Better Airflow
To improve airflow, place your tomatoes on a cooling rack inside the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate from all sides, speeding up the drying process and ensuring even texture.

3. Flip Tomatoes at the 75% Mark
Instead of flipping halfway through, try flipping the tomatoes when they are 75% dried. At this point, they’ve already lost most of their moisture, so they’ll hold their shape better, ensuring a more even drying on the bottom without sticking.

4. Dry in Small Batches for Consistency
If you want every tomato to dry evenly, work in small batches. Overloading the air fryer can cause uneven drying because the hot air can’t circulate properly around each tomato. Small batches ensure consistency.

5. Rest Tomatoes After Cooking
Once the tomatoes are finished drying in the air fryer, let them rest for 10 minutes on a plate before storing. This helps any remaining moisture evaporate and allows the tomatoes to firm up to the perfect texture.

6. Avoid Using Too Much Oil During Drying
If you choose to coat your tomatoes with olive oil before drying, use it sparingly. Too much oil can make the tomatoes greasy and may prevent them from fully drying, impacting both the texture and shelf life.

7. Add a Final Blast of Heat
For extra crispness, give the tomatoes a final 5-minute blast at a higher temperature (around 200°F) right at the end of the drying process. This helps lock in the leathery texture without overcooking them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Air Fryer Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. Skipping Pre-Drying
One mistake people often make is not pre-drying the tomatoes with a paper towel. Tomatoes have a lot of moisture, and if you don’t blot them first, they can steam instead of dry, leading to soggy or uneven results.

2. Overloading the Air Fryer
Another common issue is overcrowding the air fryer basket. Tomatoes need space for air to circulate around them. When they’re packed too closely, they won’t dry evenly, and you’ll end up with some pieces being too soft while others become too hard.

3. Ignoring Tomato Variety
Using the wrong type of tomato can also be a mistake. Not all tomatoes dry the same way. Watery varieties like beefsteak tomatoes take longer to dry and can end up too soft. It’s better to stick with tomatoes that have less water, like Roma or cherry tomatoes, for the best texture.

4. Over-Seasoning
While seasoning adds flavor, too much can overpower the natural taste of the tomatoes. Heavy seasoning like excess salt or herbs can lead to an overly salty or bitter final product. A light touch is key to enhancing, not masking, the tomato’s flavor.

5. Not Rotating the Basket
Forgetting to rotate the air fryer basket halfway through the drying process can result in uneven drying. Air fryers can sometimes have hot spots, so turning the basket helps ensure all tomatoes are dried evenly from all sides.

Storing and Using Air-Fried Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Best Storage Methods

To keep your air-fried sun-dried tomatoes fresh, you have a few storage options. You can store them dry in an airtight container, which helps them last longer. For added flavor, you can store them in olive oil—this not only preserves the tomatoes but also infuses the oil with their rich taste, perfect for drizzling on dishes later. Another option is to vacuum-seal them if you want to keep them fresh for several months. You can also freeze them if you prefer, which keeps them usable for up to a year.

Shelf Life

The shelf life of sun-dried tomatoes depends on how you store them. If you store them dry in an airtight container, they can last for up to 6 months in a cool, dark place. When stored in olive oil, they can stay fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. Frozen sun-dried tomatoes can last up to 1 year without losing quality.

Using in Recipes

Air-fried sun-dried tomatoes are incredibly versatile. Add them to salads for a burst of flavor, mix them into pastas or sauces for a rich, tangy taste, or use them in sandwiches to elevate a simple meal. They also work wonderfully on pizzas or blended into pestos for an intense, savory note. Their concentrated flavor makes them a fantastic ingredient in both cold and hot dishes!

Different Variations of Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Different Seasonings and Flavors
You can easily change the flavor of your air-fried sun-dried tomatoes with different seasonings. Try adding garlic powder for a savory kick, red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or rosemary for a herby, earthy flavor. You can even experiment with a blend of Italian herbs for a Mediterranean twist. The possibilities are endless, and each combination brings out new layers of taste.

Sliced vs. Whole Tomatoes
Drying sliced tomatoes versus whole cherry or grape tomatoes can create very different textures. Sliced tomatoes dry faster and become more leathery, making them perfect for adding to sauces or blending into spreads. Whole cherry or grape tomatoes, on the other hand, retain a juicier center with a chewier texture, ideal for snacking or tossing into salads. The choice depends on how you plan to use them.

Using Other Types of Tomatoes
Different tomatoes offer unique flavors and textures. Heirloom tomatoes can add a burst of sweetness and complexity to your sun-dried tomatoes. Their varied shapes and sizes also create interesting textures when dried. Yellow tomatoes bring a milder, less acidic flavor, while green tomatoes add a tart, tangy note. Each variety gives your sun-dried tomatoes a distinct twist.

Nutritional Information (per 100g)

DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values may vary slightly depending on the size and type of tomatoes used.

FAQs About Air-Fried Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. How long does it take to make sun-dried tomatoes in an air fryer?
It typically takes 2 to 4 hours to make sun-dried tomatoes in an air fryer, depending on the size and thickness of the tomatoes.

2. Can I use any type of tomato for sun-drying in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use various types of tomatoes like Roma, cherry, grape, or even heirloom tomatoes. However, tomatoes with lower water content, like Roma, work best.

3. Should I add oil before drying tomatoes in the air fryer?
Adding a small amount of olive oil is optional. It enhances flavor but can slow down the drying process. Use it sparingly for the best results.

4. How do I store air-fried sun-dried tomatoes?
You can store them in an airtight container, vacuum-seal them, or place them in olive oil. For long-term storage, freeze them, and they’ll last up to a year.

5. How long do air-fried sun-dried tomatoes last?
Stored in an airtight container, they last about 6 months. If stored in olive oil, they should be consumed within 2 to 3 weeks.

6. Can I season sun-dried tomatoes before air-frying?
Yes, you can add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, or dried herbs for extra flavor. Just be careful not to over-season, as it can overpower the tomatoes’ natural taste.

7. Are air-fried sun-dried tomatoes healthy?
Yes, they are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to many dishes.

8. Can I freeze air-fried sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can freeze them. Store them in a freezer-safe bag, and they will stay fresh for up to 12 months.

9. How do I know when the tomatoes are done drying?
The tomatoes should be dry and leathery but still flexible. If they are too crispy, they have likely over-dried.

10. What are the best uses for air-fried sun-dried tomatoes?
They’re great in salads, pastas, pizzas, sauces, and sandwiches. You can also blend them into pestos or enjoy them as a snack.

Final Words

And there you have it—the easiest and quickest way to make your own sun-dried tomatoes in an air fryer.

Not only are they healthier and tastier than store-bought options, but they’re also versatile.

Now it’s your turn to give it a try!

Before you go, make sure to share this post with your friends or family who love cooking or experimenting with their air fryer.

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our email list for more delicious air fryer recipes and tips.

Two quick questions for you:

1. What recipe are you excited to try using your air-fried sun-dried tomatoes?
2. Have you ever tried making your own dried tomatoes before? How did it go?

Let’s chat in the comments below!

And remember, if you found this guide helpful, sharing it will help others discover the magic of these sun-dried tomatoes too.

Meet the Author

Arsalan Khan

See author's posts