Air Fryer Soup: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for more than just crispy delights. You can, in fact, make soup in an air fryer. From creamy tomato soup to hearty vegetable stews, potato leek soup, or even a classic like tomato basil, there are several soup variations that can be cooked in an air fryer.

The process is simple: prep your ingredients, load them into the air fryer, and let the machine do the work. Air fryers also require less cleanup since you're not dealing with multiple pots and pans. So, if you're looking for a faster and hassle-free way to enjoy a warm bowl of soup, give your air fryer a go!

Air fryer soup recipes

Air fryers can be used to make a variety of soups. Here are some recipes to get you started:

Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. It takes less than 30 minutes to make and serves 2 people.

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, peeled and quartered
• 6 tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and quartered
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 600 ml (2.5 cups) vegetable stock

Instructions:

• Put the onion, tomatoes, red bell pepper, carrots, garlic cloves, olive oil, sea salt, and ground black pepper into a bowl and mix well.
• Line your air fryer with a liner or parchment paper. Add the vegetables.
• Cook at 200°C/400°F for 25 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened. Stir halfway through cooking.
• Put the cooked vegetables into a blender and add the vegetable stock. Blend until smooth.

Creamy Tomato Soup

This recipe is vegan and takes 35 minutes to make.

Ingredients:

• 1kg fresh, whole tomatoes
• 200-300ml vegetable stock
• A small handful of basil, to blend
• Basil pesto (optional)
• 1 whole garlic bulb
• Oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Cut the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with oil, and wrap in foil.
• Place the garlic and tomatoes into the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 175°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 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).

Variations and Serving Suggestions:

You can experiment with different vegetables and herbs to create your own air fryer soup recipes. Here are some ideas:

• Cauliflower
• Courgette (zucchini)
• Sweet potato
• Butternut squash
• Chickpeas for added creaminess
• Dried basil or oregano, or an Italian seasoning blend
• Single cream or reduced-fat crème fraîche for a creamy soup
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Curry powder and coconut milk for a curried soup

Air fryer soups can be served with crunchy croutons, grilled cheese sandwiches, or warm pita bread. They can also be used as a pasta sauce.

Air fryer soup ingredients

Air fryers are a great way to make soup, and it only takes about 30 minutes! The best part is that you can adapt the recipe to your liking and use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Here are some common ingredients used in air fryer soups:

Tomatoes

Whether they are fresh, whole tomatoes or cherry/plum tomatoes, they are a great base for your soup. They should feel heavy and have a little give when squeezed but not be mushy.

Garlic

You can use fresh or frozen crushed garlic, depending on your preference and convenience.

Onion

Small brown onions or shallots work well in air fryer soup.

Peppers

Red peppers are a common choice because of their sweet flavour, but you can use any colour pepper.

Olive Oil

A good quality olive oil will help to roast your vegetables to perfection.

Salt and Pepper

Don't forget to season your vegetables generously!

Carrots

Carrots add some extra sweetness and help to thicken the soup.

Stock

You can use vegetable, chicken, or beef stock depending on your preference. Vegetable stock will keep the soup vegan and dairy-free.

Herbs

Dried herbs like basil or oregano, or even an Italian seasoning blend, can add extra flavour to your soup.

Cream

For a creamier soup, you can add some single cream or reduced-fat crème fraîche. A splash of heavy cream can also be added at the end for a more indulgent touch.

Cheese

Grated Parmesan adds a strong flavour to the soup, and a little goes a long way!

Spices

Curry powder or cayenne pepper can give your soup a kick, while rosemary and sage can add an aromatic finish.

Other Vegetables

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like courgette (zucchini), sweet potato, butternut squash, cauliflower, or even chickpeas!

Air fryer soup preparation

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile way to cook, and they can be used to make delicious and healthy soups with minimal effort and time. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare tasty soups using your air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to the temperature recommended for your chosen soup recipe. If your air fryer does not have a specific soup setting, opt for a medium to high temperature. This step ensures your air fryer is ready to go when you need it and helps achieve consistent cooking results.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

While your air fryer is heating up, it's time to chop, dice, or crush your vegetables, meat, or poultry as per your recipe. You can use a variety of fresh or frozen ingredients, depending on the soup you wish to make. Don't forget to season them with herbs and spices to add flavour.

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 for extra flavour and to prevent sticking. Cook your ingredients in batches if needed, air frying them until they turn a nice golden-brown colour. This step gives your soup a unique, smoky flavour.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Liquid Base

Once your ingredients are air-fried to perfection, it's time to transfer them to a separate pot or bowl. Pour in your chosen liquid base, such as vegetable stock, chicken broth, or water. If you prefer a smooth and creamy soup, blend the ingredients before adding the liquid.

Step 5: Air Fry the Soup

Now, carefully return the soup mixture to the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring you don't overfill it. Set your air fryer to a lower temperature suitable for simmering, and let it work its magic. This step further cooks your soup and reduces the liquid, enhancing the flavour.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When your soup is ready, carefully remove it from the air fryer and give it a final taste test. Adjust the seasoning if needed, and then garnish with toppings like croutons, grated cheese, bacon bits, or chopped herbs for added texture and flavour.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Homemade Air Fryer Soup

Serve your freshly made soup with your favourite crusty bread or crackers on the side. Air fryer soups are not only delicious but also tend to be healthier, with fewer calories per bowl compared to stovetop soups due to the minimal oil required.

Tips for Success:

• Avoid overfilling your air fryer with ingredients or liquid to prevent uneven cooking and potential spills.
• Add dairy products like cream or milk towards the end of cooking to prevent curdling or separation due to high heat.
• Stir your soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, especially if using ingredients that settle at the bottom.
• Add liquids gradually to avoid splattering and mess inside the air fryer.

Air fryer soup cooking

Air fryers are a great way to cook soup. They are known for their quick cooking times and energy efficiency, making them perfect if you're in a hurry or looking for a faster option. Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious 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 doesn’t have a specific soup setting, you can opt for a medium to high temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

While your air fryer is heating up, prepare your soup ingredients. This is a great time to chop or dice any vegetables, meat, or poultry you plan to use. Don't be afraid to get creative and use a wide variety of ingredients!

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 if needed. Cook your ingredients until they develop a nice golden-brown color. If needed, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Broth

Once your ingredients are air-fried to perfection, transfer them to a separate pot or bowl. Now it's time to add your choice of broth or liquid base. If you prefer a smooth and creamy soup, blend the ingredients before adding the broth.

Step 5: Air Fry the Soup

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.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your soup is ready, carefully remove it from the air fryer. This is the time to add any desired toppings or garnishes, such as croutons, grated cheese, bacon bits, or chopped herbs. Serve your soup with your favorite crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.

Tips and Tricks:

• Leave enough room in the air fryer container to allow for proper air circulation and expansion of the soup.
• Add dairy products like heavy cream or milk towards the end of the cooking process to avoid curdling or separation.
• Don't forget to stir your soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Add liquids gradually to avoid splattering and mess inside the air fryer.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients ready and start cooking some delicious soup in your air fryer!

Air fryer soup serving suggestions

Air fryer soups are a convenient and tasty option for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup-making experience and impress your taste buds:

Choose the Right Air Fryer Settings:

Before you begin, ensure your air fryer is set to the appropriate temperature and time settings. Most air fryers don't have a specific soup setting, so opt for a medium to high temperature. Preheat the air fryer while you prepare your ingredients to save time.

Prepare a Variety of Ingredients:

Air fryers are versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Fresh or frozen vegetables, meat, or poultry can be used, depending on your preferred soup recipe. Don't be afraid to mix and match to create unique flavour profiles. For a creamy soup, consider blending roasted vegetables.

Add a Dash of Oil or Cooking Spray:

A light coating of olive oil or cooking spray on your ingredients will help them roast evenly and prevent drying out. This step is especially important if you're aiming for a crispy texture.

Season Generously:

Don't hold back on the seasonings and herbs! Salt, cayenne pepper, garlic, spring onions, thyme, oregano, and paprika are just a few options to enhance the flavour of your soup. Be adventurous and customise your soup to your liking.

Include Toppings and Garnishes:

Take your soup to the next level with toppings and garnishes. Croutons, grated cheese, bacon bits, and chopped herbs add texture and flavour. Get creative and let your personal taste preferences guide you.

Avoid Common Pitfalls:

There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your soup turns out perfectly. Avoid overfilling the air fryer container, as this can hinder proper air circulation and lead to uneven cooking. Also, be cautious when adding liquids to avoid splattering. Finally, if your soup includes dairy, add it towards the end to prevent curdling.

Experiment with Different Soups:

Air fryers are capable of making a variety of soups. Try creamy vegetable soups like potato leek or broccoli cheddar, classics like tomato soup, hearty options such as chili and stews, bean-based soups, Italian-style soups, and more. The possibilities are endless!

Pair with Sides:

Soup is even better when served with complementary sides. Pair your air fryer soup with crusty bread, such as a cheesy toastie, or crackers for a satisfying crunch. For a lighter option, consider a side salad or some flatbread.

Make Ahead and Store:

Air fryer soups are great for meal prep. You can make them ahead of time and simply reheat before serving. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Always allow the soup to cool completely before storing and reheat thoroughly before enjoying.

Customise to Your Taste:

The beauty of making soup in an air fryer is the ability to customise it to your personal preferences. Feel free to add proteins like cooked chicken or seared tofu, or experiment with different vegetables and seasonings. Make it spicy, smoky, or aromatic—the choices are endless!

Frequently asked questions