Air-Frying Tomatoes: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to sauces and soups. They are also a healthy option, packed with antioxidants and vitamins. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook tomatoes, you may be wondering if you can use an air fryer. The good news is that it is possible to cook tomatoes in an air fryer, and it's a great alternative to roasting them in the oven. Air-fried tomatoes are juicy, tender, and packed with flavour. They can be served as a side dish or used in other recipes.

Air fryer tomatoes as a side dish

Air fryer tomatoes make a great side dish and are incredibly versatile and easy to make. They can be served with a range of meals, from a full English breakfast to grilled meats, seafood, or even as a pizza topping.

To make air fryer tomatoes, you will need an air fryer and some simple ingredients: tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs and spices. You can use any variety of tomato, but vine-ripened tomatoes or cherry tomatoes are recommended for their flavour. If using large tomatoes, slice them in half, keeping the skin on. Place the tomatoes in the air fryer basket, cut-side up, and spray or drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and your chosen herbs and spices. You can use any dried herbs you like, such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.

Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook the tomatoes for 10 to 12 minutes. If you prefer your tomatoes more well-done, you can cook them for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on the tomatoes to ensure they don't burn, especially if you are cooking a large batch.

Once cooked, remove the tomatoes from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed warm. Air fryer tomatoes can also be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 4 months, although the texture may change after freezing.

• Serve with a traditional pub meal like steak and chips, gammon and chips, or sausage and chips.
• Pair with grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken or beef.
• Accompany grilled or pan-seared salmon, shrimp, or other seafood.
• Toss with pasta, risotto, or oatmeal for a tasty addition to your meal.
• Include as a side dish with a BBQ or grilled meal.

Air fryer tomatoes in a sandwich

Air fryers are a great way to cook tomatoes, and they can be used in sandwiches to add a tangy sweetness to your meal. You can cook tomatoes in an air fryer in a variety of ways, and they make a great addition to a sandwich.

Firstly, you need to prepare your tomatoes. You can use a variety of tomatoes, including Roma, cherry, or vine-ripened tomatoes. If you are using larger tomatoes, cut them into slices or halves. For cherry tomatoes, you can leave them whole. You can also add seasonings to your tomatoes, such as olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. If you want a more crispy texture, you can air fry them for longer.

Once your tomatoes are prepared, place them in the air fryer basket. If you are cooking sliced tomatoes, place them skin-side down. Set the air fryer to 350°F to 400°F and cook for 6 to 12 minutes, depending on your preference for doneness. If you want your tomatoes to be more well-done, you can air fry them for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

Now, you can assemble your sandwich. Place the tomatoes on your bread of choice, such as sourdough, wheat, or rye. You can also add cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, to make a tomato melt sandwich. Spread a layer of mayonnaise, mustard, or pesto on the bread, and add any desired vegetables or meat.

Finally, place the sandwich in the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is crispy. You do not need to flip the sandwich during cooking. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Air Fryer Tomato Melt sandwich!

Air fryer tomatoes in pasta

Yes, you can cook tomatoes in an air fryer! This is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and healthy side dish. You can also add them to pasta for a tasty, simple meal.

Ingredients:

• 5.5 oz cherry or grape (baby plum) tomatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 tsp mixed dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated cheese (parmesan or cheddar)
• 3 tbsp double (heavy) cream

Method:

First, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Set your pasta to boil according to the package instructions.

Next, prepare the tomatoes. Wash the tomatoes and pat them dry. Cut the tomatoes in half, or into slices if you prefer. Place them in a large bowl and add the olive oil, garlic, herbs, and some salt and pepper. Toss to coat the tomatoes evenly.

Now, scatter the seasoned tomatoes into an 8-inch cake pan. Place the pan into the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn, and adjust the time as needed.

Once the tomatoes are browned and slightly jammy, remove the pan from the air fryer. Add the cheese and cream, along with a little more salt and pepper if desired, and mix well. Put the pan back into the air fryer for another 30 seconds to melt the cheese and help the sauce form.

Finally, mix the roasted cherry tomato cream sauce with your cooked pasta. You can also add a handful of baby spinach at the end, stirring it through until it wilts.

Tips and Variations:

• You can experiment with different types of tomatoes, such as cherry, grape, or heirloom varieties. Each type will have a unique flavor and texture.
• If your tomatoes are not great quality or are out of season, you can add a little sugar to enhance their sweetness.
• For a crispy cheesy topping, add some extra cheese on top of the pasta and put it back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
• Try adding other ingredients like sundried tomatoes, olives, or capers for extra flavor.
• If you want your tomatoes to be crispier, you can air fry them for longer than the recommended time.
• You can also add some shredded cheese to the cut side of the tomatoes before air frying for a cheesy twist.
• To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

Air fryer tomatoes in soup

Yes, you can cook tomatoes in an air fryer! In fact, air-frying tomatoes is a great way to prepare them for soup. Air-frying intensifies their flavour and makes them sweet and juicy.

To make air fryer roasted tomato soup, you'll need fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Some recipes also call for red bell peppers and aromatic vegetables, like rosemary. The fresher and more organic your tomatoes are, the more flavourful your soup will be. Choose tomatoes that are dense and heavy with a little give when squeezed.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and line the basket with parchment paper. Wash your tomatoes, then cut each one in half and lay them cut-side up in the basket. Add quartered onions and peeled garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are completely softened.

Once your vegetables are roasted, you can finish your soup. Squeeze the garlic from its papery skin into a pot and add the tomatoes. Pour in vegetable stock and add basil, then blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream.

This soup is delicious served with grilled cheese sandwiches, but it's also great on its own. Enjoy!

Air fryer tomatoes in salad

Air fryers are a great way to cook tomatoes, and they can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads. Here is a step-by-step guide to making air fryer tomatoes for a salad:

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes (any variety, but cherry tomatoes are recommended)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Herbs and spices of your choice (e.g. rosemary, thyme, Italian seasoning)
• Optional: cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, meat, etc.

Method:

Firstly, wash and dry your tomatoes. If you are using larger tomatoes, slice them in half, or into thick slices. If you are using cherry tomatoes, leave them whole. Place the tomatoes in the air fryer basket, cut-side down if they are halved. Drizzle or spray olive oil over the tomatoes, and sprinkle with salt and your chosen herbs and spices. You can also add other ingredients like garlic or chopped onion to the basket for extra flavor.

Cooking:

Set the air fryer to 350°F-375°F and cook the tomatoes for 6-12 minutes, depending on their size and your desired level of doneness. If you are cooking halved tomatoes with cheese, cook them for 8-10 minutes. If you want to add breadcrumbs, cook them for 6-8 minutes. Check the tomatoes regularly to prevent burning, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Once the tomatoes are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Meanwhile, prepare your salad ingredients. You can use any combination of leafy greens, vegetables, and proteins that you like. Some ideas include:

• Arugula, spinach, or mixed greens
• Cucumber, avocado, or bell peppers
• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon

Assembly:

Place your chosen salad ingredients in a bowl or on a plate, and top with the warm air-fried tomatoes. You can also add other toppings like crumbled feta or goat cheese, toasted nuts or seeds, or a vinaigrette dressing. Enjoy your salad while the tomatoes are still warm, as they will have the best flavor and texture.

Storage:

Air-fried tomatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 4 months. However, frozen tomatoes will have a softer texture, so they are best used as an ingredient rather than served whole. You can also blend the cooked tomatoes to make a pasta sauce, soup, or salsa.

Frequently asked questions