Air Fryer Soup: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance, and you can even make soup in one! It's a quick and easy way to cook up a tasty, healthy meal. You can roast vegetables in an air fryer, then blend them with stock and seasoning to make a smooth, creamy soup. You can also make a soup with a chunkier texture by using an immersion blender. Air fryers can be used to make a variety of soups, including tomato, butternut squash, and potato.

Air fryer soup recipes

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook your favourite meals, including soup! Here are some delicious soup recipes you can make using your air fryer:

Air Fryer Roasted Tomato Soup

This creamy soup is made from fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic roasted in an air fryer. The vegetables are seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, and sugar, and then air-fried until softened. The roasted vegetables are then blended with chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder to create a smooth and creamy soup. This soup is perfect as an appetizer or side dish and can be paired with a wedge salad or grilled cheese sandwich.

Air Fryer Bean Soup

This bean soup is a quick and easy meal that requires only three ingredients: chili beans, vegetable broth, and your choice of soup toppings such as shredded cheese, avocado, or cilantro. The beans are blended with salsa and vegetable broth until smooth, then heated in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes. This soup is a great option for those following a vegan, low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet.

Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Soup

A comforting and creamy soup, perfect for cold winter days. This recipe uses air frying to cook the potatoes and bacon, while the rest of the ingredients are prepared on a stovetop. The potatoes are coated in olive oil and sea salt, then air-fried until crispy. The bacon can also be cooked in the air fryer with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for added spice. The soup is then finished on the stovetop by combining the potatoes, bacon, milk, cheese, and seasonings.

Air Fryer Tomato Vegetable Soup

A delicious and healthy soup made by roasting vegetables in your air fryer. This recipe includes carrots, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, seasoned with oil and herbs. The roasted vegetables are then blended with vegetable stock to create a smooth and creamy soup. This recipe is budget-friendly, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary preferences.

With these recipes, you can enjoy a warm and nourishing bowl of soup made right in your air fryer!

Air fryer soup ingredients

Air fryers are a convenient way to make soup, and you can use a variety of ingredients to make a delicious, healthy meal. Here are some ideas for air fryer soup ingredients to get you started.

Vegetables

Use a variety of vegetables as the base of your soup. Carrots, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes are great options. You can also add zucchini, leeks, potatoes, pumpkin, or broccoli. If you want to get creative, try using cauliflower, courgette (zucchini), sweet potato, butternut squash, or even chickpeas for added creaminess.

Oil

Choose a vegetable oil such as canola, sunflower, or avocado oil to coat your vegetables before roasting them in the air fryer. This will help them roast perfectly without drying out.

Stock

Use stock to blend with your roasted vegetables to create a smooth soup. Vegetable stock is a good vegan option, or you can use chicken or beef stock for a richer flavour.

Seasonings

Add dried herbs and spices to enhance the flavour of your soup. Oregano, thyme, paprika, and black pepper are great options for a Mediterranean aroma. For a spicy kick, try cayenne pepper, chipotle, or smoked paprika. Alternatively, go for an aromatic finish with rosemary and sage.

Dairy

For a creamier and more indulgent soup, add a splash of heavy cream or milk. You can also try using single cream or reduced-fat crème fraîche. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way.

Meat

If you want to make your soup a fuller meal, add some protein like cooked chicken, beef meatballs, or bacon.

With these ingredients and your air fryer, you can create a variety of delicious and healthy soups!

Air fryer soup preparation

Air fryers are a convenient way to make soup, with some recipes claiming to be the "easiest soup you'll ever make". They are also versatile, allowing you to cook a variety of soups, from roasted tomato to butternut squash, and even potato soup. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing soup in your air fryer:

Ingredients:

First, gather your ingredients. For a simple vegetable soup, you will need a variety of fresh vegetables such as carrots, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. You will also need some oil (canola, avocado, sunflower, or olive oil), stock (vegetable, chicken, or beef), and seasonings like oregano, thyme, paprika, and black pepper.

Preparation:

Chop your vegetables into small pieces. You can peel the carrots and onions, and deseed the bell peppers if you prefer. Leave the tomatoes whole but remove any stems. For potato soup, wash and lightly coat the potatoes with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 375-400°F. Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket, adding oil and seasonings as desired. For potato soup, place the potatoes in the air fryer and cook for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender. For other vegetable soups, air fry for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Blending:

Once the vegetables are tender, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a blender or food processor. Add the stock and blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. You can also use an immersion blender directly in the pot if you prefer a chunkier texture.

Serving:

Pour the blended soup into a pot and heat over medium-low heat until it simmers. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, and feel free to add toppings or sides such as freshly ground pepper, fresh herbs, a splash of cream, or a cheese toastie for dipping.

Tips:

You can make this soup your own by using different vegetables, such as zucchini, pumpkin, leeks, or broccoli. Additionally, you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper, or for a smoky flavour, try smoked paprika.

Make-Ahead Option:

This soup can also be made ahead of time. Simply roast the vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to finish the soup. The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Air fryer soups are a convenient, tasty, and healthy option, perfect for a quick lunch or a cosy dinner. With minimal preparation and clean-up, you can enjoy a warm and nourishing bowl of soup any time of the day.

Air fryer soup serving suggestions

Air fryer soups are a convenient, tasty, and healthy meal option. They can be served as an appetizer or a main dish, paired with sides, or enjoyed on their own. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your air fryer soup experience:

Appetizer or Main Dish

Air fryer soups are versatile and can be served as a starter or the main event. If serving as an appetizer, consider smaller portions, perhaps in cups or bowls, to whet your guests' appetites without filling them up. For a main dish, a larger bowl of soup will be more satisfying, especially when paired with complementary sides.

Pair with Bread or Salad

Soup and bread are a classic combination for a reason. Try dipping a crusty baguette, a warm garlic breadstick, or a cheesy toastie into your air fryer soup. For a lighter option, serve your soup with a fresh side salad, such as a cold asparagus and feta salad, to balance out the meal.

Make It a Full Meal

To make your air fryer soup a heartier meal, add some protein. Cooked chicken, seared tofu, chickpeas, or beef meatballs can be great additions to your soup, making it a more substantial and filling option.

Customize with Toppings and Sides

Get creative with toppings and sides to elevate your soup. A drizzle of crème fraîche or plain yogurt, a sprinkling of roasted pepitas or chopped chives, or a side of pizza dough garlic balls can add texture and flavor to your bowl of soup.

Batch Cooking and Storage

Air fryer soups are excellent for batch cooking and can be made ahead of time. Store your soup in a closed container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy your soup now and later, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Adapt to Your Taste

The beauty of air fryer soup is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, spices, and herbs to create a soup that suits your taste preferences. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper. For a smoky twist, try smoked paprika. The possibilities are endless!

Air fryer soup benefits

Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to make soup, offering several benefits over traditional stovetop methods. Here are some advantages of using an air fryer for soup preparation:

Time Efficiency

Air fryers significantly reduce the time required to make soup. For example, the viral air fryer red pepper soup recipe by Nathan Anthony takes only 20 minutes to prepare, earning it the title of "the easiest soup you'll make in your life." The ability to air fry vegetables and then blend them with other ingredients in the same appliance streamlines the cooking process, making it ideal for quick and easy meals.

Ease of Use

Air fryers are simple to operate and require minimal preparation. For instance, the Air Fryer Roasted Tomato Soup recipe involves adding tomatoes, onions, garlic, and seasonings to the air fryer basket and roasting them. This method eliminates the need for constant stirring and monitoring, as is typical with traditional stovetop soup recipes.

Versatility

Air fryers allow for a wide range of soup variations. You can experiment with different vegetables, seasonings, and additional ingredients to create soups tailored to your taste preferences. For example, the Air Fryer Bacon and Cheesy Potato Soup recipe offers a comforting and indulgent option, while the Air Fryer Tomato Vegetable Soup provides a healthy and nutritious choice.

Health Benefits

Air fryer soups can be a healthy and nutritious option. By roasting vegetables in the air fryer, you can enhance their flavour without adding excessive amounts of oil or unhealthy ingredients. For instance, the Air Fryer Tomato Vegetable Soup is touted as a low-calorie option packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh veggies. This cooking method also reduces food waste by enabling you to use various vegetables available in your kitchen.

Convenience

Air fryers offer the convenience of preparing soup with minimal cleanup. The ability to cook the soup and any side dishes, such as cheese toasties, in the same appliance saves time and effort in the kitchen. Additionally, air fryers are generally easy to clean, making the overall cooking experience more enjoyable and less tedious.

Frequently asked questions