Air-Fried Cherry Tomatoes: The Perfect Roast Time

Roasting cherry tomatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to intensify their flavour and natural sweetness. The process of air frying caramelises the tomatoes, making them juicy and tender. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and can be used to elevate a variety of dishes, from appetisers to salads, pasta dishes and soups.

Preparation and ingredients

Roasted cherry tomatoes in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and tasty treat. They can be used as a side dish, in appetizers, or as an ingredient in a variety of recipes. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes is intensified by the roasting process, and the addition of herbs and spices further enhances their flavour.

Ingredients

The ingredients required are simple and few: cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and salt. You can also add herbs and spices such as Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, and basil to elevate the flavour of the tomatoes. If you want to get creative, you can also experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.

Preparation

Before cooking, wash the tomatoes and cut them in half. You can also use larger tomatoes like Roma tomatoes, but it is recommended to cut them into smaller pieces or quarters to ensure even cooking. Place the tomatoes in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add your desired herbs and spices, and toss everything together to ensure an even coating.

If your air fryer needs to be preheated, set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer basket or use a tray or basket without holes for extra juicy tomatoes. Spread the tomatoes in a single layer on the cooking surface, avoiding overcrowding to allow for even cooking.

Cook the tomatoes in the air fryer for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, especially after the 7-minute mark, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and desired doneness. If you prefer your tomatoes with minimal browning, you can toss or flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Once done, carefully remove the roasted cherry tomatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving bowl. You can also add the remaining juices from the cooking process for extra flavour.

Cooking method

Roasting cherry tomatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to intensify their natural sweetness and flavour. It's also versatile, as roasted cherry tomatoes can be used in appetizers, main dishes, salads, soups, and sandwiches.

The cooking method is largely the same across different air fryer models, though cooking times may vary slightly depending on the air fryer and your preferred level of doneness.

First, wash and cut the tomatoes in half. If using larger tomatoes, such as Roma tomatoes, cut them into quarters. Place the tomatoes in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to taste.

Next, place the tomatoes in a single layer on the cooking pan or in the basket of your air fryer. If you want 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 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 204 degrees Celsius. Cooking times can vary, but on average, the tomatoes should be roasted for around 10 minutes. If you want to avoid browning, you can toss the tomatoes around the 5-minute mark.

Once the tomatoes are blistered and juicy, remove them from the air fryer and serve as desired.

Some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Don't overcrowd the tomatoes in the basket. They should be in a single layer to allow for even cooking.
• If your air fryer has a preheat setting, make sure to preheat it before inserting the food.
• To catch all the juices from the tomatoes, use an air fryer basket with a reserve underneath and ensure it's clean before cooking.
• For a mess-free experience, you can lay a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer.

Serving suggestions

Roasted cherry tomatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

On Toast or Bruschetta

Top some crusty bread or bruschetta with ricotta, goat cheese, or cottage cheese, and add the roasted cherry tomatoes. You can also add some basil for a flavourful twist. This makes for a delicious and easy appetiser or snack.

In Salads

Air-fried cherry tomatoes can be used in any salad that normally includes raw tomatoes. They will add a rich, sweet, and savoury flavour to your salad. They are especially good in pasta salads or on a mezze platter.

In Soups

You can use air-fried cherry tomatoes to make a delicious roasted tomato soup. They can also be blended into other soups, such as minestrone, vegetable, cabbage, or spinach tortellini.

In Pasta

Roasted cherry tomatoes are a great addition to pasta dishes. You can mix them into pasta with roasted garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, or grilled chicken. They can also be used in place of sun-dried tomatoes.

As a Side Dish

Roasted cherry tomatoes can be served as a side dish, sprinkled with fresh herbs, crumbled feta, or toasted pine nuts. They can also be served on top of hummus.

In Dips

Air-fried cherry tomatoes can be blended into dips, such as hummus, or used to make a roasted tomato cheese dip.

In Sandwiches

These tomatoes can be used as a sandwich topping or added to a chicken tortilla soup.

With Proteins

Roasted cherry tomatoes can be used as a warm, juicy condiment on chicken, steak, salmon, or baked white fish.

In Appetisers

You can serve roasted cherry tomatoes with mozzarella and fresh basil on crusty bread slices for a delicious appetiser. They can also be used in place of fresh tomatoes on bruschetta.

In Sauces

These tomatoes can be added to pasta sauces or blended into a roasted tomato sauce.

Freezing and Storing

Roasted cherry tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for up to six months, although the texture may change slightly upon defrosting.

Storage

Roasted cherry tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for up to six months.

To store roasted cherry tomatoes in the fridge, place them in an airtight container and ensure they are completely cooled before sealing the container. The tomatoes should be consumed within two weeks and a clean utensil should be used to scoop them out each time to avoid spoilage.

To freeze roasted cherry tomatoes, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Alternatively, you can add the cooled tomatoes to a sterilised jar and cover them completely with olive oil before freezing. Frozen roasted cherry tomatoes will last for up to six months.

Recipe variations

There are endless ways to adapt the classic air fryer roasted cherry tomatoes recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spices and Seasonings

Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations. Some popular options include:

• Italian seasoning
• Dried oregano or rosemary
• Fresh or dried basil
• Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary or oregano
• Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Smoked paprika for a Cajun-inspired twist
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic powder

Oils

While extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for this recipe, you can also use other oils such as avocado oil or a neutral-flavoured oil. A good quality oil will enhance the flavour of your roasted tomatoes.

Tomatoes

Although cherry tomatoes are the most commonly used variety for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and small size, you can also use larger tomatoes such as Roma or grape tomatoes. If using larger tomatoes, cut them into smaller pieces before cooking or increase the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer roasted cherry tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Spread on grilled crostini or bruschetta
• Added to pasta, risotto or quinoa pesto salad
• Used as a sandwich or burger topping
• Blended into dips, hummus or pesto
• Added to soups, minestrone or roasted tomato soup
• Mixed into your favourite salads, such as a roasted whole Greek salad
• Served on toast with ricotta or goat cheese
• Used as a topping for pizza or flatbread
• Paired with poached eggs, tofu scramble, sauteed spinach and avocado for breakfast
• Served as a side dish with crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts or hummus
• Sprinkled over grilled chicken
• Used as a warm condiment for chicken, steak, salmon or baked white fish

Storage

Allow your roasted cherry tomatoes to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. To reheat, drizzle with a little extra olive oil and warm in the microwave or air fryer. You can also freeze your roasted cherry tomatoes for up to six months. Simply cool them down, add them to a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before freezing.

Frequently asked questions