Air Fryer Soup: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to make soup. You can make a variety of soups in an air fryer, such as tomato vegetable soup, tomato and red pepper soup, and roasted tomato soup. The process is simple: you roast the vegetables in the air fryer, then blend them with stock. This method is quicker than roasting vegetables in an oven and healthier than cooking them on a stovetop, as you use less oil. It's also budget-friendly, as you can use any vegetables you have on hand, and it's easy to adapt the recipe to your personal taste preferences.

Air fryer soup recipes

Air fryers can be used to make soup. The air fryer makes it super easy to prepare, with minimal time and effort. Unlike traditional soup recipes that require constant stirring and watching of bubbling pots, this recipe can easily be prepared with only the air fryer and a blender. Plus, it's great for meal prep and it's budget-friendly since it allows you to use up any fresh veggies you may have on hand, reducing food waste.

Tomato Soup

This recipe is truly one of the ultimate comfort foods and is vegan. It is utterly irresistible served with a super cheesy toastie.

Ingredients:

• 1kg fresh, whole tomatoes
• 200 – 300ml vegetable stock
• A small handful of basil, to blend
• Basil pesto (optional)

Instructions:

• Cut the top off a whole garlic bulb, drizzle liberally with oil and wrap in foil.
• Place the garlic, along with your fresh whole tomatoes into the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 175 degrees C for 15-20 minutes, or until the garlic is caramelised and gooey, and the tomatoes are blistered and softened.
• Squeeze the roasted garlic from its papery skin into a medium pot and add the roasted tomatoes. Sprinkle over the basil and pour in the vegetable stock, then blend until smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, and swirl through some pesto (if using).

Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

This soup is a light and delicious healthy meal. It takes less than 30 minutes and it's so easy to adapt with different vegetables too.

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Onion
• Red pepper
• Olive oil
• Salt and Pepper
• Carrots
• Stock
• Herbs (optional)
• Single cream or reduced-fat creme fraiche (optional)
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

• Put the vegetables into a bowl with the oil, salt and pepper. Mix well.
• Line your air fryer either with a liner or some parchment paper. Add the vegetables.
• Cook at 200°C for 25 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened. Stir halfway through cooking.
• Put the cooked vegetables into a blender and add the stock. Blend until smooth.

Tomato Vegetable Soup

This soup is a delicious and healthy meal. It is loaded with fresh veggies and can be served either as an appetizer or a main dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 small carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 bell peppers (deseeded and roughly chopped)
• 1 large Spanish onion (peeled and chopped into quarters)
• 4 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)
• 1 tablespoon oil (canola, avocado, sunflower etc)
• ½ tablespoon dried oregano
• ½ tablespoon dried thyme
• 2 large tomatoes (cut in half)
• 4 cups stock (vegetable, chicken or beef)

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400F / 200c.
• Peel and chop the vegetables (apart from the tomatoes) and place in a large bowl.
• Add the oil and all of the other ingredients (apart from the stock) to the vegetables and toss together well so evenly coated.
• Once preheated, place the veggies in the air fryer basket, place the tomatoes on top, cut side up, and set to cook at 400F / 200c for 20 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking.
• While the vegetables are roasting, gently warm the stock on the stovetop.
• Once the vegetables are tender, remove from the air fryer and place into a blender and add the warm stock.
• Blend on high power for a minute or two until you have a smooth consistency. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.

Air fryer soup ingredients

Air fryer soup is a great, flexible recipe that can be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary requirements. It's also a good way to use up fresh vegetables, reducing food waste.

Vegetables

• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Garlic
• Red peppers
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Courgette (zucchini)
• Sweet potato
• Butternut squash
• Chickpeas

Oils

• Olive oil
• Canola oil
• Sunflower oil
• Avocado oil

Stock

• Vegetable stock
• Chicken stock
• Beef stock

Herbs and Seasonings

• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Curry powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Chipotle
• Smoked paprika
• Rosemary
• Sage

Dairy

• Single cream
• Reduced-fat creme fraiche
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan
• Cheddar

Air fryer soup cooking times and temperatures

Air fryers circulate hot air around food, cooking it more quickly than traditional methods. This means that, when reheating soup, you should set the temperature lower than you might expect. For most foods, somewhere between 320°F and 350°F works well.

When cooking soup from scratch in an air fryer, the temperature and cooking time will depend on the type of soup you are making. For example, a tomato and red pepper soup cooked at 200°C for 25 minutes will be ready to blend, while a soup with roasted vegetables will take 20 minutes at 400°F / 200°C.

Air fryer soup serving suggestions

Air fryer soup is a great, budget-friendly option for a quick and easy meal. It's also highly adaptable, allowing you to cater to different dietary needs and personal preferences. Here are some ideas for serving your air fryer soup:

As a Starter or Main Course

This soup can be served as an appetizer or a main dish. If serving as a starter, consider making a smaller portion size, as air fryer soup can be quite filling due to its creamy texture and rich flavour. When served as a main course, it can be a satisfying and nourishing option, especially when paired with some side dishes.

With Bread or Salad

Soup and bread is a classic combination, and air fryer soup is no exception. For a simple option, serve it with a crusty bread or a warm pita bread. If you're feeling more adventurous, try making your own croutons by cutting bread into cubes, drizzling them with olive oil and herbs, and baking them in the oven until crispy. These croutons add a nice crunch to your soup. You could also pair your soup with a side salad, such as a cold asparagus and feta salad, to round out the meal.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich or Ultimate Cheese Toastie

For an indulgent treat, serve your air fryer soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or a super cheesy toastie. The melted cheese pairs perfectly with the soup, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. For an extra cheesy touch, you could even add some grated Parmesan to your soup before serving.

Add Proteins or Cream

To make your soup a heartier meal, consider adding some protein such as cooked chicken, seared tofu, chickpeas, or beef meatballs. If you're looking for a creamier texture and a more indulgent taste, add a splash of heavy cream or single cream to your soup. This will give it a richer flavour and a smoother consistency.

Customise with Seasonings and Vegetables

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and vegetables to customise your soup to your taste preferences. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chilli flakes for a spicy kick, or try rosemary and sage for an aromatic finish. Additionally, you can use various vegetables, such as zucchini, pumpkin, leeks, or broccoli, to create different flavour profiles.

Remember, air fryer soup is versatile, so don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Air fryer soup storage

Air fryer soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. It is important to let the soup cool completely before storing it in the fridge.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the soup by transferring it to freezer bags once it has fully cooled. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Frequently asked questions