Making Chicken Soup In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their ability to cook crispy food with little oil. But can they be used to make chicken soup? The answer is yes! Air fryers can be used to make a variety of soups, including chicken soup. This method offers speed, efficiency, and a hands-off cooking approach. You can prep your ingredients, put them in the air fryer, and let it do the work. This results in a delicious soup with less hassle and mess.

Air fryer chicken soup ingredients

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken soup quickly and efficiently. They are versatile, allowing you to cook a wide variety of dishes, including hearty chicken soups. Here are the ingredients you'll need to make delicious chicken soup in your air fryer:

Fresh or Frozen Vegetables

You can choose from a variety of vegetables to add to your chicken soup. Some options include onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and peppers. You can also add root vegetables like sweet potatoes or butternut squash for extra flavour and nutrition.

Chicken

For the star ingredient, you'll need some chicken. You can use either boneless chicken breasts or bone-in chicken thighs. If you're using boneless chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.

Chicken Broth

The base of your soup will be a delicious chicken broth. You can use store-bought chicken broth or make your own by boiling chicken bones and vegetables. This will give your soup a rich and savoury flavour.

Seasonings and Herbs

To enhance the flavour of your soup, you'll need some seasonings and herbs. Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add other spices like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavour profile.

Optional Ingredients

For an extra boost of flavour and nutrition, consider adding ingredients like beans, lentils, or grains such as rice or quinoa. You can also add dairy products like cream or milk, but be sure to add them towards the end of the cooking process to avoid curdling.

Toppings and Garnishes

To make your chicken soup even more delicious and visually appealing, you can add some toppings and garnishes. Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, add a nice touch. You can also add some crunch with croutons or grated cheese. If you want a spicy kick, add some red chilli flakes.

With these ingredients and your air fryer, you're all set to make a comforting and tasty chicken soup that's quick, efficient, and sure to impress!

Air fryer chicken soup recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Chicken broth or stock
• Vegetables of your choice (such as carrots, onions, celery, etc.)
• Seasonings and herbs (salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, etc.)
• Optional: Dairy products like heavy cream or milk

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to a medium-high temperature, typically around 375-400°F (190-200°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop or slice the vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking. Season the chicken and vegetables generously with your choice of herbs and spices.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken and Vegetables

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket or tray, adding a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. You may need to cook the chicken in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, typically 8-12 minutes, stirring or turning the pieces halfway through. Repeat this step with the vegetables, cooking until they are tender and slightly charred.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Broth

Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, transfer them to a separate pot or bowl. Add your chosen broth or stock, and any desired dairy products such as cream or milk. If you prefer a smooth and creamy soup, you can use a blender or food processor to blend the ingredients before adding the broth.

Step 5: Air Fry the Soup

Return the soup mixture to the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring it doesn't overfill. Set the air fryer to a lower temperature, around 300-350°F (150-180°C), suitable for simmering the soup. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup reaches your desired consistency and temperature.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Carefully remove the soup from the air fryer, and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs, croutons, grated cheese, or other toppings of your choice. Serve the soup hot, perhaps with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Tips and Tricks:

• Avoid overfilling the air fryer basket to prevent uneven cooking and potential spillage.
• Add dairy products towards the end of cooking to prevent curdling due to high heat.
• Stir the soup occasionally during the final cooking stage to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Experiment with different vegetables, seasonings, and garnishes to create your own unique chicken soup recipe.

Air fryer chicken soup cooking time and temperature

Cooking chicken soup in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty option. While air fryers are typically used to create crispy dishes, they can also be used to make delicious soups. Here are some guidelines for cooking chicken soup in an air fryer, including the recommended cooking time and temperature.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature. Most air fryers do not have a specific soup setting, so you can set the temperature to a medium to high heat level. For example, if your air fryer has adjustable temperature settings, you can set it to 360 degrees Fahrenheit or the closest available option.

Preparing the Ingredients

While the air fryer is preheating, you can start preparing your soup ingredients. This includes chopping or dicing your vegetables, meat, or poultry and seasoning them with herbs and spices as per your recipe.

Air Frying the Ingredients

Place the seasoned ingredients in the air fryer basket or tray. You can add a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray for extra flavour and to prevent sticking. Cook the ingredients in batches if needed, until they turn golden brown.

Combining Ingredients and Broth

Once the ingredients are air-fried to your desired level of doneness, transfer them to a separate pot or bowl. Add your choice of broth or liquid base, such as chicken broth or vegetable stock. If you prefer a creamy and smooth soup, you can blend the ingredients with the broth using a food processor before returning them to the air fryer.

Air Frying the Soup

Now, carefully return the soup mixture to the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring that you do not overfill it. Set the air fryer to a lower temperature suitable for simmering. The exact cooking time will depend on the quantity of soup and the specific model of your air fryer, but it should take around 10-20 minutes for the soup to reach the desired temperature.

Garnishing and Serving

Once your soup is ready, carefully remove it from the air fryer and give it a final taste test. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also add toppings such as croutons, grated cheese, bacon bits, or chopped herbs to enhance the flavour and texture of your soup. Serve your chicken soup in bowls and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Avoid overfilling the air fryer container with ingredients or broth to prevent uneven cooking and potential spilling.
• Do not add dairy products too early in the cooking process, as they may curdle or separate due to the high heat.
• Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Add liquids gradually to avoid splattering and mess inside the air fryer.

Air fryer chicken soup serving suggestions

Air fryer chicken soup is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a warm and comforting meal with less hassle and mess. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup-making experience:

Go Classic with Bread:

Pair your chicken soup with a side of crusty bread or buttered toast. For an extra crunch, try making your own croutons by cutting stale bread into cubes, drizzling them with olive oil, and sprinkling on some grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano. Air fry these at 180°C/160°C (fan)/350°F/Gas 4 for around 8 minutes. You can also serve your soup with pita bread, flatbreads, or even a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.

Enhance with Toppings:

Garnish your chicken soup with toppings like croutons, grated cheese, bacon bits, or chopped herbs. These additions offer an extra layer of flavour and texture to your bowl of soup.

Experiment with Different Breads:

While crusty bread is a classic pairing, feel free to explore other bread options. Try serving your soup with warm pita bread, homemade flatbreads, or even garlic focaccia for a change of pace.

Create a Hearty Meal:

Turn your chicken soup into a more substantial meal by serving it with a side of air fryer chicken. Chicken wings, nuggets, or even a whole roasted chicken can complement your soup and make the meal more filling.

Don't Forget the Crackers:

If you're not in the mood for bread, crackers are another excellent option to accompany your chicken soup. Choose your favourite variety, from simple saltines to flavoured crackers, and enjoy the crunch alongside your soup.

Leftovers and Storage:

Air fryer chicken soup can be easily stored and enjoyed later. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup by placing it in freezer bags and laying them flat in the freezer. To defrost, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours, and then reheat it on the stovetop until it's fully heated through.

Air fryer chicken soup nutritional information

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken soup as they reduce cooking time and require less oil, lowering the number of calories per bowl. While the specific nutritional value of your chicken soup will depend on your recipe, the nutritional information for a single air-fried chicken breast is provided below. You can use this information to calculate the total nutritional value of your soup, depending on the number of chicken breasts used.

For a 6-8oz chicken breast:

• Calories: 259kcal
• Protein: 48g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0.03g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 263mg
• Potassium: 839mg
• Vitamin A: 68IU
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 11mg
• Iron: 1mg

Please note that these values are only estimates. The nutritional content of your soup will depend on the specific ingredients used, including vegetables, broth, and any additional toppings or garnishes.

Frequently asked questions