Air-Fry Cherry Tomatoes: Is It Possible?

Air fryer cherry tomatoes are a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold and can be added to pasta, soups, salads, dips, and more. They are easy to make and only take about 10 minutes to cook. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes is enhanced by the air fryer, resulting in a burst of flavour. The recipe typically includes olive oil and herbs such as Italian seasoning, rosemary, or thyme, but it can also be made without oil for a healthier option.

How to roast cherry tomatoes in an air fryer

Roasting cherry tomatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a versatile dish that can be served as a side or added to a variety of recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast cherry tomatoes in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes (around 2 cups or 10 ounces)
• Olive oil (extra virgin or regular)
• Salt (sea salt, table salt, or Himalayan pink salt)
• Black pepper (ground or freshly ground)
• Garlic (optional)
• Fresh or dried herbs (basil, rosemary, Italian seasoning, or oregano)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or 204 degrees Celsius). Some air fryers may not have a preheat function, so you can skip this step if yours doesn't.
• Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes. You can leave them whole or cut them in half, depending on your preference. Halving the tomatoes will help them cook faster.
• In a bowl, toss the tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings or herbs, such as garlic or Italian seasoning, to enhance the flavor.
• Place the tomatoes in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. For extra juicy tomatoes, use a tray or basket without holes, or line the bottom of the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper.
• Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and cook the tomatoes for around 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Once they are blistered, juicy, and lightly browned, remove the tomatoes from the air fryer.
• Toss the roasted tomatoes with chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, and serve.

Serving suggestions:

Roasted cherry tomatoes can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a side dish or appetizer
• On toast or bruschetta
• In salads
• Added to pasta dishes, soups, or dips
• As a topping for hummus or crostini
• Mixed into risotto or polenta

Storage:

Roasted cherry tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 6 months.

How long to roast cherry tomatoes in an air fryer

Roasting cherry tomatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to elevate the flavor of tomatoes. The roasting process brings out their intense and robust flavor, making them a delicious addition to various dishes. Here's a guide on how long to roast cherry tomatoes in an air fryer:

Preparation:

First, wash and cut the cherry tomatoes into halves. If you are using larger varieties like Roma tomatoes, cut them into quarters to ensure even cooking. The small size of cherry tomatoes makes them ideal for roasting, as they cook quickly and have a naturally sweet flavor.

Air Frying:

If your air fryer has a preheat setting, preheat it to 400°F (204°C) before adding the tomatoes. Place the cut tomatoes in the air fryer basket or tray, spreading them evenly in a single layer. This ensures that each tomato gets enough cooking time to caramelize and break down the skin, resulting in a tangy and sweet flavor.

For extra juicy tomatoes, use a tray or basket without holes, or line the bottom of the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch the juices. Sprinkle the tomatoes with olive oil and sea salt, or other desired seasonings.

Cooking Time:

Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook the tomatoes for about 10 minutes. However, it's important to note that cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer and your preferred doneness. Keep an eye on the tomatoes around the 7-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Serving:

Once the tomatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer and season with additional salt or other herbs if desired. These roasted cherry tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Try them in appetizers, main courses, salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta dishes, dips, and more!

Storage:

Roasted cherry tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply drizzle a bit of olive oil on top and warm them up in the microwave or air fryer. They can also be frozen for up to 6 months.

What to serve with air-fried cherry tomatoes

Air-fried cherry tomatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Appetizers and Snacks

Air-fried cherry tomatoes can be served as a tasty pre-meal bite or a snack on their own. Their intense and robust flavour makes them a perfect stand-alone treat. You can also serve them with some fresh basil as a simple yet delicious snack.

Breads

Try spreading these juicy tomatoes on crusty bread or toast, perhaps with some ricotta or goat cheese. You can also use them in homemade tomato-flavoured bread or as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in bread recipes such as tomato basil bread.

Salads

Air-fried cherry tomatoes are an excellent addition to salads. Their intense flavour and juicy texture will enhance any salad, and they go particularly well with fresh basil.

Pasta

These tomatoes are a perfect match for pasta dishes. Try mixing them with roasted garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and/or panko breadcrumbs. You can also add grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

Soups

Air-fried cherry tomatoes are a great ingredient for soups, especially when blended into creamy soups like tomato soup or added to recipes such as minestrone, vegetable, cabbage, or spinach tortellini.

Dips

These juicy tomatoes can be blended into dips and hummus for a flavourful addition. Try making a roasted tomato cheese dip for a tasty snack.

Main Dishes

Air-fried cherry tomatoes can be used in various main dishes, including sandwiches, quesadillas, and pizzas. They also pair well with chicken dinners.

How to store air-fried cherry tomatoes

Air-fried cherry tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, drizzle a little olive oil on top and warm up in the microwave or air fryer. They can also be frozen for up to 6 months.

• Allow the tomatoes to cool completely after air frying.
• Place the cooled tomatoes in an airtight container.
• Seal the container tightly, ensuring no air can enter, and store it in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 2 weeks for the best quality and taste.
• To reheat, take the desired portion out of the fridge and drizzle a small amount of olive oil on top.
• Warm the tomatoes in the microwave or air fryer until heated through.
• Alternatively, frozen air-fried cherry tomatoes can be stored in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 6 months.

The benefits of roasting cherry tomatoes in an air fryer

Roasting cherry tomatoes in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and versatile way to elevate the flavor of your dish. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer to roast cherry tomatoes:

Quick and Easy

Roasting cherry tomatoes in an air fryer is a convenient and time-saving method. Unlike oven roasting, which can take up to 30 minutes, air frying cherry tomatoes only takes around 10 minutes to achieve the same delicious results. This makes it a perfect option for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy flavorful tomatoes.

Enhanced Flavor

Air frying brings out the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes, transforming them into flavor bombs. The intense heat of the air fryer intensifies their flavor, making them juicy and robust. The high temperature also helps to caramelize their sugary juices, adding a depth of flavor that is hard to resist.

Versatility

Air fryer roasted cherry tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They make a great addition to pasta, polenta, bruschetta, crostini, dips like hummus, soups, salads, and more. You can also spread them on toast with whipped feta or goat cheese for a tasty appetizer. The possibilities are endless!

Healthy and Delicious

Air fryer roasted cherry tomatoes are not only delicious but also healthy. They can be made with simple, wholesome ingredients like olive oil and a variety of seasonings. This cooking method allows you to enjoy the benefits of ripe, fresh tomatoes while adding a burst of flavor to your meals.

Easy Cleanup

Another advantage of using an air fryer is the ease of cleanup. Unlike traditional oven roasting, which can leave you with a messy tray to scrub, air frying cherry tomatoes often only requires a simple parchment paper liner, making cleanup a breeze.

Storage

Air fryer roasted cherry tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, depending on the recipe. This allows you to enjoy their delicious flavor whenever you want, even if cherry tomatoes are not in season. They can also be frozen for up to six months, making them a convenient option for meal prep.

Frequently asked questions