Making Chicken Soup Using An Air Fryer

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple due to their ability to create crispy dishes with little oil. But can they be used to make chicken soup? The answer is yes! While air fryers are typically used for crispy creations, they can also be used to make delicious soups. Making soup in an air fryer is not only possible but also convenient and tasty, and it comes with several benefits.

Chicken soup ingredients

Chicken soup is a hearty and nourishing meal, and it can be made in an air fryer. The ingredients you will need are simple and can be easily adapted to suit your taste.

Firstly, you will need chicken. It is recommended to use chicken breast, with two boneless, skinless breasts for poaching. However, you could also use chicken thighs if you prefer. Poached chicken is a healthy and easy way to cook the meat.

Next, you will want to add vegetables. Carrots are a popular choice, as they help to thicken the soup and add a touch of sweetness. You could also add celery, leeks, onion, and garlic. Some recipes also call for parsnips, which, like carrots, add a sweet flavour that works well with the other ingredients. If you want to add extra vegetables, try tomatoes, peppers, courgette (zucchini), cauliflower, sweet potato, or butternut squash. You could even add chickpeas for a creamy texture.

To add extra flavour, use some herbs. Fresh thyme and tarragon are a great combination and give the soup a unique taste. You could also add rosemary, or dried herbs if fresh are not available.

Finally, you will need a good stock. A vegetable stock will work, but for a richer flavour, chicken stock is the way to go.

Air fryer settings

To make chicken soup in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to the temperature specified in your recipe. If your air fryer does not have a specific soup setting, you can opt for a medium to high temperature. For example, you can set the temperature to 200°C or 400°F, depending on the recipe you are following.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can prepare your ingredients and load them into the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure to leave enough room for the soup to expand during cooking, as overcrowding can hinder proper air circulation and lead to uneven cooking.

When air-frying your ingredients, consider using a liner or parchment paper to make cleanup easier. You can also add a dash of olive oil or cooking spray to the ingredients before placing them in the air fryer. Air fry the ingredients until they develop a nice golden-brown colour.

After air-frying, transfer the ingredients to a separate pot or bowl and add your choice of broth or liquid base. If you prefer a smooth and creamy soup, you can use a blender or food processor to blend the ingredients before adding the broth.

Finally, return the soup mixture to the air fryer basket or tray, being careful not to overfill it. Set the air fryer to a lower temperature suitable for simmering, and cook until your soup is ready.

Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving. Enjoy your homemade chicken soup!

Air fryer soup prep

Air fryers are a great way to cook soup. They are quick, efficient, and require less oil than traditional stovetop methods. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing soup in your air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for your recipe. If your air fryer does not have a specific soup setting, opt for a medium to high temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

While your air fryer is heating up, prepare your soup ingredients. This includes chopping or dicing your vegetables, meat, or poultry, and seasoning them with herbs and spices. You can also use frozen vegetables or meat if you prefer.

Step 3: Air Fry the Ingredients

Place your prepared ingredients in the air fryer basket or tray. You can add a dash of olive oil or cooking spray at this stage if you wish. Air fry the ingredients until they are golden brown. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Broth

Once your ingredients are air-fried, transfer them to a separate pot or bowl. Add your choice of broth or liquid base, such as vegetable stock, chicken broth, or water. If you prefer a smooth and creamy soup, you can use a food processor or blender to blend the ingredients before adding the broth.

Step 5: Air Fry the Soup

Return the soup mixture to the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring you do not overfill it. Set the air fryer to a lower temperature suitable for simmering.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your soup is ready, carefully remove it from the air fryer and taste it. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You can garnish your soup with toppings such as croutons, grated cheese, bacon bits, or chopped herbs to add extra flavour and texture.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Serve your freshly made soup with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.

Tips and Tricks:

• Avoid overfilling the air fryer container to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Do not add dairy products too early, as they may curdle or separate due to the high heat.
• Stir your soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Add liquids gradually to avoid splattering and mess.
• If you are making canned soup, cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Blending the soup

Choosing a Blender:

Select a suitable blender or food processor for your soup. It should be able to handle hot liquids and have a capacity large enough to accommodate the batch of soup you are making.

Temperature Considerations:

Before blending, be cautious of the soup's temperature. If it is too hot, it can cause your blender to crack or malfunction. Allow the soup to cool down a bit before blending if needed.

Blending Process:

Place the cooked ingredients into the blender. For chicken soup, this may include cooked vegetables, meat, or poultry. Add enough broth or stock to achieve the desired consistency. Secure the blender lid tightly to avoid spills. Start blending at a low speed and gradually increase as needed. Blend until you reach your preferred consistency. You may prefer a completely smooth soup or a slightly chunkier texture.

Seasoning and Flavour Adjustments:

Taste the blended soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add salt, pepper, herbs, or spices to enhance the flavour. If you want a creamier soup, consider adding ingredients like single cream, reduced-fat crème fraîche, or grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients will not only add creaminess but also a delicious depth of flavour.

Safety Precautions:

Always exercise caution when handling hot liquids. Avoid overfilling the blender to prevent spills or overflow. Make sure the blender lid is securely locked in place before turning it on.

Storage and Reheating:

If you have leftover soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup in freezer bags. When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop until it is fully heated through.

Air fryer soup serving suggestions

Air fryer soups are a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a warm and comforting meal with less hassle and mess. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup-making experience:

Classic Pairings:

Soup and bread is a timeless combination. For a classic experience, serve your air fryer soup with crusty bread or buttered toast. You can also offer an assortment of crackers on the side for dipping.

Crunchy Croutons:

Take your soup experience up a notch by making your own crunchy croutons. Cut stale bread into 1-inch cubes, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano. Bake them in the oven until crispy, and then float them on top of your soup for added texture and flavour.

Cheesy Goodness:

For a heartier meal, try pairing your soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The melted cheese and toasty bread create a perfect complement to the warm and savoury soup. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of your soup just before serving for an extra layer of indulgence.

Fresh and Healthy Sides:

If you're looking for something lighter to accompany your soup, consider preparing a fresh side salad or some air fryer frozen sweet potato fries. These options provide a crisp and refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.

Warm Breads:

Explore different types of bread to serve with your soup. From pita bread and flatbreads to garlic focaccia, there are various options to choose from. These breads can be used for dipping or to soak up every last drop of your delicious soup.

Creative Toppings:

Get creative with your toppings to add extra flavour and texture to your soup. Chopped herbs, bacon bits, or even avocado slices can take your soup to the next level. You can also offer a variety of garnishes on the side, allowing your guests to customise their bowls.

Remember, air fryer soups are versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and serving suggestions to find your perfect combination. Enjoy your homemade soup creation!

Frequently asked questions