Air Fryer Soup: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient way to make soup, especially if you're short on time or want to reduce the amount of oil used in your cooking. This cooking method allows you to roast vegetables, giving them a unique smoky flavour, and then blend them with stock to create a creamy, healthy soup. It's a simple, budget-friendly process that can be adapted to suit your personal taste preferences.

Air fryer soup recipes

Air fryers can be used to make soup, and it's super easy! Here are some recipes to get you started.

Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

This soup is a light and delicious healthy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. It is made by "roasting" vegetables in your air fryer and then blending them with stock. You can use larger tomatoes or swap them for cherry/plum tomatoes. You can also add carrots to thicken the soup and for extra sweetness. For a creamier soup, you can add some single cream or reduced-fat creme fraiche.

• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Onion or shallots
• Red pepper
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Carrots (optional)
• Vegetable stock (or chicken stock for a richer flavour)
• Herbs such as dried basil or oregano (optional)

Instructions:

• Put the vegetables into a bowl with the oil, salt and pepper. Mix well.
• Line your air fryer with a liner or 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 Soup

This is a simple and creamy roasted tomato soup that is perfect for a rainy day. It only requires 4 basic ingredients and 35 minutes of your time. It is also vegan!

Ingredients:

• Fresh, whole tomatoes
• Vegetable stock
• Basil
• Garlic

Instructions:

• Cut the top off a whole garlic bulb, drizzle with oil and wrap in foil.
• Place the garlic and 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 the tomatoes are softened.
• Squeeze the roasted garlic into a pot and add the roasted tomatoes, basil, and vegetable stock. Blend until smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add some pesto if desired.

Tomato Vegetable Soup

This soup is a delicious and healthy meal that combines the rich and hearty flavour of tomatoes with the unique smokiness of roasted vegetables. It is also budget-friendly and perfect for using up any fresh veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Spanish onion
• Garlic
• Oil (canola, avocado, or sunflower)
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Tomatoes
• Vegetable stock (or chicken/beef stock)

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400F / 200C.
• Peel and chop the vegetables (except the tomatoes) and place them in a large bowl.
• Add the oil and other ingredients (except the stock) to the vegetables and toss well.
• Place the veggies in the air fryer basket, add the tomatoes on top, and cook at 400F / 200C for 20 minutes. Stir halfway through.
• While the vegetables are roasting, gently warm the stock on the stovetop.
• Once the vegetables are tender, remove them from the air fryer and place them into a blender with the warm stock.
• Blend on high power for a minute or two until you have a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Air fryer soup ingredients

Air fryer soup is a simple, tasty, and healthy meal that can be made with a variety of ingredients. The basic steps involve roasting vegetables in an air fryer, blending them with stock, and seasoning to taste. Here are some common ingredients used in air fryer soups:

Vegetables

The beauty of air fryer soup is that you can use almost any vegetables you have on hand. Common choices include carrots, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, leeks, potatoes, pumpkin, and broccoli. These vegetables provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, and roasting them in the air fryer gives them a unique smoky flavour.

Oil

A small amount of oil is necessary to prevent the vegetables from drying out during roasting. Vegetable oils such as canola, sunflower, avocado, or olive oil are good choices.

Stock

Stock is added to the blender along with the roasted vegetables to create a smooth soup. Vegetable stock is a popular choice for a vegan soup, but chicken or beef stock can also be used for a richer flavour.

Seasonings

Seasonings are essential for adding depth of flavour to the soup. Common choices include oregano, thyme, paprika, black pepper, dried basil, and Italian seasoning blends. For a spicy kick, add red chilli flakes, cayenne pepper, chipotle, or smoked paprika. Alternatively, go for an aromatic finish with rosemary and sage.

Optional Add-Ins

For a creamier soup, you can add single cream, reduced-fat crème fraîche, or even some grated Parmesan cheese. To make it spicy, add red chilli flakes or curry powder and blend with coconut milk.

Air fryer soup cooking times and temperatures

Air fryers are a great way to make soup, offering speed, flavour and convenience. Here are some tips for air fryer soup cooking times and temperatures.

Cooking Times

The cooking time for air fryer soup depends on the quantity and type of soup you are making. For example, a tomato and red pepper soup may take 25 minutes at 200°C, whereas a soup with root vegetables may take 35 minutes at the same temperature.

When cooking soup in an air fryer, it's important to keep an eye on it, as the cooking time can vary due to the efficient heat circulation. You may find that your soup cooks faster than expected, so be prepared to adjust the cooking time.

Cooking Temperatures

The ideal temperature for cooking soup in an air fryer is around 200°C. This temperature allows for even cooking and prevents the soup from overheating or burning.

When reheating soup, it is recommended to set the air fryer to a slightly lower temperature, such as 320°F to 350°F. This helps to heat the soup without drying it out or burning the outside.

Tips for Optimal Cooking

• Use an oven-safe dish such as a ceramic bowl, glass container, or metal pan to hold the soup.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Cover the dish with aluminium foil to prevent splattering and retain moisture.
• Stir the soup halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heating and create a consistent texture.
• Allow the soup to cool before blending or transferring to avoid cracking the blender.
• Season generously with salt and pepper, and add herbs for extra flavour.
• For a creamy soup, add single cream or reduced-fat crème fraîche.
• For a curried soup, add curry powder and coconut milk.

Air fryer soup serving suggestions

Air fryer soup is a great, flexible dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup and impress your guests.

Appetizer or Main Course

First, consider serving size and purpose. Air fryer soup can be served as either an appetizer or a main dish. As an appetizer, a small cup of soup can whet your guests' appetites before the main course. Or, serve a larger bowl as a filling and satisfying main course.

Bread on the Side

Soup and bread is a classic combination. For a simple option, serve your soup with a crusty baguette or some warm pita bread. For something more indulgent, try an ultimate cheese toastie or a grilled cheese sandwich—the perfect pairing for a comforting bowl of soup.

If you're feeling creative, make your own crunchy croutons. Cut some stale bread into cubes, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan or cheddar cheese, and dried oregano, then bake in the oven until golden. These cheesy, herby croutons will add a delicious crunch to your soup.

Salad Sides

For a lighter option, serve your soup with a fresh side salad. Try a cold asparagus and feta salad or a Mediterranean-inspired chopped salad with fresh herbs.

Add-Ins and Toppings

To make your soup even more filling, consider adding some protein. Cooked chicken, seared tofu, chickpeas, or beef meatballs can be added directly to the soup for a heartier meal.

For a creamier soup, finish it with a splash of heavy cream or reduced-fat crème fraîche. Grated Parmesan cheese also adds a strong flavour and a little goes a long way.

For some spice, add red chilli flakes to your soup while cooking or sprinkle on top just before serving. A pinch of sugar can also balance out the bitterness of tomatoes if you're making a tomato-based soup.

Leftovers

If you have any leftover soup, don't worry—it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer-term storage. Simply defrost at room temperature and reheat on the stovetop until hot all the way through.

Leftover soup can be served in a variety of ways. Use it as a pasta sauce or serve it with some air fryer potato peels for a crunchy topping.

Air fryer soup storage and reheating instructions

Storage

Air fryer soups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

An air fryer can be used to reheat soup, offering several benefits over traditional methods such as a stovetop or microwave. It provides even heating, flavour and texture preservation, convenience, energy efficiency, and moisture retention.

• Choose the right container: Select an air fryer-safe container, such as glass, ceramic, or metal, ensuring it fits comfortably in the air fryer basket. Avoid plastic or other materials that cannot withstand high heat.
• Transfer the soup: Pour the desired amount of soup into the chosen container. If the soup has thickened, add a little broth or water to adjust its consistency.
• Cover the container: Use aluminum foil or an air fryer-safe lid to prevent moisture loss and ensure even heating.
• Preheat the air fryer (optional): Some models work best when preheated to around 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
• Place the container in the air fryer: Ensure the container is stable and not at risk of tipping over.
• Set the temperature and time: Heat the soup at a moderate temperature, typically around 300°F (150°C) to 350°F (175°C). The time will depend on the amount and type of soup, ranging from 5 to 12 minutes. Start with shorter intervals and adjust as needed.
• Stir and check: Midway through the reheating process, open the air fryer, remove the cover, and stir the soup to ensure even heating. Check the temperature and continue heating if necessary.
• Serve: Once the soup reaches your desired temperature, carefully remove the container from the air fryer using oven mitts and stir well before serving.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Use a heat-safe container: Opt for glass or ceramic bowls that can withstand high temperatures.
• Prevent drying: Add a splash of broth or water to the soup before reheating to retain moisture.
• Cover the container: Tightly cover with aluminum foil or an oven-safe lid to trap steam and prevent evaporation.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat to minimize temperature fluctuations and ensure consistent heating.
• Reheat in small batches: For large quantities of soup, reheat in smaller portions for better temperature control and consistency.
• Stir frequently: Periodically remove the container and gently stir the soup to distribute heat evenly.
• Avoid overcrowding: Ensure proper air circulation by leaving enough space around the container.
• Avoid using the wrong container: Do not use plastic containers or those with non-stick coatings, as they may melt or release toxic fumes.

What Not to Reheat in an Air Fryer

While air fryers are versatile, certain types of soup may not be suitable for reheating in them. These include:

• Thin or broth-based soups: These can easily evaporate and become overly concentrated or dry.
• Cream-based soups: High heat and air circulation may cause these soups to separate or develop a grainy texture.
• Soups with fragile ingredients: Delicate ingredients like seafood or tender vegetables may overcook or become tough.

For these soups, alternative reheating methods such as a stovetop or microwave may be preferable to maintain control over the heating process and prevent undesirable changes in texture and consistency.

Frequently asked questions