Air-Fryer Tomato Sauce: Safe?

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook food. They can be used to make a variety of dishes, from frozen foods like onion bhajis and burgers to grilling wraps and toast. You can even bake in an air fryer. But can you put tomato sauce in an air fryer?

Air fryer tomato sauce recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 San Marzano tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• ½ tablespoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar or syrup (optional)
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 onion
• 4 cloves of garlic

Optional:

Red wine

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F with a cake barrel inside for 3 minutes.
• Finely dice the onion and garlic.
• Chop the tomatoes into 8 equal parts and remove the white core.
• Put all the ingredients in a bowl and add olive oil.
• Add oregano, basil, and sweet paprika to the bowl. Stir all the ingredients to combine.
• Take the air fryer basket with the cake bucket out of the air fryer, add all the ingredients into the bucket, and stir.
• Now add water and tomato paste. Stir the ingredients and close the air fryer.
• Set the timer to 18 minutes. Stir the ingredients halfway through the cooking time.
• If you want a rustic sauce, use a fork to combine the ingredients. Otherwise, use a blender to get a smooth sauce.
• Season the tomato sauce with salt and pepper. If you like your sauce sweeter, add a teaspoon of brown sugar or syrup and stir.

Your sauce is now ready to be served with pasta, lasagna, or pizza!

Air fryer roasted tomato sauce

A delicious, fresh, and flavourful pasta sauce can be made in an air fryer while the pasta cooks. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with all the flavours of Italy.

Ingredients:

• 5 large ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch chilli flakes (optional)
• 1 pinch garlic powder
• 1 pinch salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon balsamic glaze
• A small handful of fresh basil

Instructions:

First, preheat the air fryer to 200c / 400f. Boil the water for the pasta, then start making the sauce. Once the pasta is nearly cooked, scoop out some of the pasta water for the sauce.

Halve the tomatoes and place them in the drawer of your air fryer or in an ovenproof dish that fits in a single layer.

Sprinkle the oregano, chilli flakes (optional), garlic powder, and salt and pepper over the tomatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

Roast the tomatoes in the air fryer at 200c / 400f for 12 minutes until slightly charred, soft, and juicy. They may need a few more minutes if using an oven.

Place the roasted tomatoes in a food processor or blender with a few fresh basil leaves and a generous splash of pasta water. You can also use a stick blender in a tall, large jug. Whizz until you have a smooth, silky sauce.

Finally, toss the sauce through freshly cooked spaghetti and serve.

Tips:

• You can add extra tomatoes, seasoned the same way, for a thicker coating of sauce on your pasta, or just double the recipe.
• This sauce can be made in a drawer-style or shelf-style air fryer (or oven if you don't have an air fryer).
• If you have a drawer-style air fryer, you can cook the tomatoes directly in the drawer. If you have an air fryer with shelves, you can pop the tomatoes in an ovenproof dish that fits on the shelf.
• This sauce will keep fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
• You can also freeze this sauce! Once cool, pour it into a reusable labelled freezer bag or tub and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 or 4 months. To defrost, leave it in the fridge overnight, then reheat the next day.

Air fryer tomato sauce with pasta

Ingredients:

• 5 large ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch chilli flakes (optional)
• 1 pinch garlic powder or 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 1 pinch salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon balsamic glaze (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)
• 3 tbsp double (heavy) cream (optional)
• Fresh basil
• Pasta of your choice

Method:

• Boil the water for the pasta, then start making the sauce. Once the pasta is nearly cooked, scoop out some of the pasta water for the sauce.
• Halve the tomatoes and place them in the drawer of your air fryer or in an ovenproof dish that fits in your air fryer.
• Sprinkle the oregano, chilli flakes (optional), garlic powder and salt and pepper over the tomatoes.
• Drizzle them with olive oil.
• Then drizzle balsamic glaze (optional) over them.
• Roast the tomatoes in an air fryer at 200c / 400f for 12 minutes until slightly charred, soft and juicy. They may need a few more minutes if you are using the oven.
• Place the roasted tomatoes in a food processor or blender with a few fresh basil leaves and a generous splash of pasta water. If you don't have either, you can use a stick blender in a tall, large jug.
• Whizz until you have a smooth, silky sauce.
• Toss the sauce through freshly cooked spaghetti and serve.

Tips:

• You can add extra tomatoes, seasoned the same way, for a thicker coating of sauce on your pasta, or just double the recipe.
• You can also add some extra cheese on top and put it back into the air fryer for another couple of minutes to make a crispy, cheesy topping.
• This sauce can be made in a drawer-style or shelf-style air fryer (or oven if you don't have an air fryer).
• If you have a drawer-style air fryer, you can cook the tomatoes directly in the drawer. If you have shelves, you can pop the tomatoes in an ovenproof dish that fits on the shelf.
• This sauce will keep fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
• You can also freeze this sauce! Once cool, pour it into a labelled freezer bag or tub and keep it in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

Air fryer tomato sauce vs other methods

Tomato sauce is a versatile base for many dishes, from pasta to pizza, and can be made in several ways. Using an air fryer to make tomato sauce is a quick and convenient method, especially when compared to using an oven or stovetop. Here is a detailed comparison of the air fryer method versus other common methods.

Air Fryer Tomato Sauce

The air fryer is a convenient appliance for making tomato sauce, as it is quick, efficient, and uses less energy than a traditional oven. It is perfect for small quantities of sauce and can produce delicious, fresh-tasting results. The cooking time is typically around 10-20 minutes, and the sauce can be made while the pasta is cooking, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

To make tomato sauce in an air fryer, you will need to preheat the air fryer to a high temperature, usually around 350-400°F. The tomatoes are then halved or chopped and mixed with other ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. This mixture is placed in a cake pan or oven-proof dish and cooked until the tomatoes are soft and slightly charred. The cooked tomatoes are then blended to create a smooth sauce, which can be seasoned to taste.

Stovetop Tomato Sauce

The stovetop method for making tomato sauce is a reliable and traditional approach. It allows for good control over the cooking process and can produce a flavorful sauce with a consistent texture. However, it may require more time and attention, as the sauce can splatter and require occasional stirring. The stovetop is a good option if you want to caramelize the garlic and develop a deep flavor profile.

Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce

Using an oven to make tomato sauce can be a good choice if you want to roast the tomatoes and develop a rich, roasted flavor. It is a longer process than using an air fryer or stovetop, but it may be useful if you are already using the oven for other dishes. The oven method can be messy, especially when combining and handling the ingredients. It is recommended to use whole tomatoes in the oven to utilize its heat and cooking space effectively.

Microwave Tomato Sauce

The microwave method for making tomato sauce is quick and convenient for reheating premade sauce. However, it is not ideal for making sauce from scratch, as it can be tricky to control the cooking process and prevent burning. The intense heat of the microwave can amplify the flavors, but it may not achieve the desired caramelization of the garlic.

In conclusion, the air fryer method for making tomato sauce offers several advantages, including speed, convenience, and energy efficiency. It is a great option for small quantities of sauce and can produce tasty results. However, the stovetop method provides better control over the cooking process and flavor development, while the oven method is useful for achieving a roasted flavor. The microwave method is best suited for reheating sauce rather than making it from scratch. Each method has its pros and cons, and the best approach may depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Air fryer tomato sauce reheating

Air-Fryer Tomato Sauce Reheating

Reheating tomato sauce in an air fryer is a great way to warm up your pasta sauce. It is a quick and convenient method, especially if you are reheating a small quantity of sauce. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheat your tomato sauce:

Step 1: Thaw the Sauce

If your sauce is frozen, it is best to let it thaw overnight in the fridge. This will make it easier to reheat and ensure that it reaches a safe temperature for consumption.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C). Place a cake barrel or cake bucket inside the air fryer and allow it to heat up for a few minutes. You can also use an oven-proof dish if your air fryer has shelves.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the thawed tomato sauce into the cake barrel or dish. Make sure to stir the sauce well before placing it in the air fryer to ensure even heating.

Step 4: Reheat the Sauce

Heat the sauce for about 10-15 minutes. It is a good idea to stir the sauce halfway through the reheating process to distribute the heat evenly and prevent overheating.

Step 5: Check the Temperature

Use a food thermometer to check if the sauce has reached a safe temperature. It should be at least 165°F (74°C). If it has not reached this temperature, continue reheating in small increments until it does.

Step 6: Serve the Sauce

Once your sauce has reached the desired temperature, it is ready to be served! You can toss it with your favourite cooked pasta, adding some reserved starchy pasta water and freshly grated cheese to create a delicious and hearty meal.

Reheating tomato sauce in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy your favourite pasta dishes. By following these simple steps, you can have warm and flavourful tomato sauce ready in no time!

Frequently asked questions