Air-Fryer Roasted Tomatoes: The Perfect Timing

Roasting tomatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a versatile dish that can be served as a side, an appetiser, or as part of a salad, sandwich, or pasta dish. The process is simple: cut tomatoes in half, toss with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and air fry for around 10 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer and the desired level of doneness, but the end result is a juicy, slightly charred, smoky tomato that makes a great addition to any meal.

How to roast tomatoes in an air fryer

Roasting tomatoes in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook this versatile fruit. It's a great method to use up ripe, fresh tomatoes and is perfect for a simple side dish or as an ingredient in a variety of recipes.

Ingredients

You will need:

• Tomatoes (cherry, grape, plum, Roma, or larger slicing tomatoes)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic, basil, rosemary, thyme, Italian seasoning, balsamic vinegar)

Method

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, simply insert the food tray or basket without preheating.

Prepare the tomatoes by rinsing them and cutting them in half or into quarters, depending on their size. You want pieces that are around 2cm/1-inch across. If using larger tomatoes like Roma or slicing tomatoes, cut them into smaller pieces or steaks before cooking.

Place the tomatoes in a mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add other ingredients like garlic cloves or fresh herbs. Then, transfer the tomatoes to the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. For extra juicy tomatoes, use a tray or basket without holes, or line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper.

Set the air fryer temperature to 370-400°F/185-204°C and cook for around 8-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Keep an eye on the tomatoes, especially after the 7-minute mark, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your tomato pieces.

Once the tomatoes are tender and slightly charred, they are ready to serve! They can be enjoyed as a simple side dish or added to various recipes like pasta, salads, sandwiches, soups, or dips.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow space between the tomatoes for even cooking and to prevent sogginess.
• There is no need to flip or toss the tomatoes during cooking unless you prefer less browning.
• No peeling is required! Roasting tomatoes with their skins on adds flavour and helps keep them intact.
• If using an air fryer basket with a reserve underneath, ensure it's clean before cooking to catch any tomato juice.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for later use.

How long 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 used in many ways. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes is intensified, and they become little flavour bombs that can be used in appetizers, main dishes, salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta, dips, and more.

The first step is to wash and cut the tomatoes in half. If you are using larger tomatoes, such as Roma tomatoes, cut them into quarters. You can also use grape tomatoes and keep them whole. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and any other desired seasonings. Place the tomatoes in a single layer on a cooking tray or in the air fryer basket. 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 for 10 minutes. If your air fryer has a preheat function, allow it to preheat fully before inserting the tray or basket. You may want to toss the tomatoes halfway through cooking, depending on your desired level of browning. The cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer and preferred doneness, so keep an eye on them.

Once they are done, remove the tomatoes from the air fryer and season with more salt if needed. Then, use them in your favourite recipe.

Storing Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Roasted cherry tomatoes can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for 2-3 months. They can also be canned.

How to roast tomatoes in an air fryer without oil

Roasting tomatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a versatile dish that can be served as a side, appetizer, or added to a variety of recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast tomatoes in an air fryer without oil:

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes: You can also use larger tomatoes like Roma tomatoes, but it is recommended to cut them into smaller pieces before cooking or increase the cooking time.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Other seasonings of your choice (optional): You can use fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme, or spices like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder.

Instructions:

• Prepare the tomatoes: Rinse the tomatoes and pat them dry. Cut the tomatoes in half or into quarters, depending on their size. You want pieces that are around 2 cm or 1 inch across. If using cherry or grape tomatoes, you can air fry them whole.
• Season the tomatoes: Place the cut tomatoes in a small baking dish or directly in the air fryer basket. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add crushed or smashed garlic cloves for extra flavor.
• Air fry the tomatoes: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. Carefully place the pan of tomatoes into the air fryer basket, or put the seasoned tomatoes directly into the basket if you are not using a pan. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Check on the tomatoes occasionally to ensure they don't overcook.
• Serve: Remove the roasted tomatoes from the air fryer and serve as desired. They can be served as a simple side dish, added to salads, pasta dishes, or blended into a sauce.

Tips:

• If you prefer your tomatoes to be less soggy, use plum tomatoes as they are less watery. You can also soak the tomatoes between paper towels before air frying to absorb some of the moisture.
• For extra juicy tomatoes, use an air fryer tray or basket without holes, or line the bottom of the basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
• Don't overcrowd the tomatoes in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer to allow even cooking and caramelization.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer and the size of the tomato pieces, so adjust the timing as needed.

How to roast tomatoes in an air fryer without preheating

Roasting tomatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a versatile dish that can be served as a side, appetizer, or added to a variety of recipes like pasta, salads, and sandwiches. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to roast tomatoes in an air fryer without preheating:

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes (cherry, grape, plum, Roma, or any variety of your choice)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Pepper (optional)
• Other seasonings like garlic, rosemary, thyme, Italian seasoning, or balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the tomatoes by rinsing them and patting them dry. Cut the tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size. You want pieces that are around 2 cm or 1 inch across. Leave smaller tomatoes like grape or cherry tomatoes whole.
• Place the tomatoes in the air fryer basket or tray. If using a basket-style air fryer, ensure it is clean to catch any juices that may drip. For extra juicy tomatoes, use a tray or basket without holes, or line the bottom with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
• Drizzle oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and any desired seasonings. You can also add a few cloves of gently bashed garlic for extra flavor.
• Set the air fryer temperature to between 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
• Cook the tomatoes for around 10 minutes, depending on their size and your desired level of doneness. Check on them periodically to ensure they don't overcook.
• Once the tomatoes are tender and slightly charred, remove them from the air fryer. If desired, toss them with chopped fresh herbs like basil.
• Serve the roasted tomatoes as a side dish, or use them in soups, dips, salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, or any other recipe you prefer.

Note: While preheating is not necessary, some air fryers may have a preheat function. If your air fryer has this setting, allow it to preheat before inserting the food.

How to roast tomatoes in an air fryer without sticking

Roasting tomatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a versatile dish that can be served as a side, an appetiser, or used in a variety of recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your roasted tomatoes don't stick to the air fryer.

Ingredients

You will need the following:

• Tomatoes (cherry, grape, plum, buffalo, or larger varieties such as Roma)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic, basil, rosemary, thyme, Italian seasoning)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Prepare the tomatoes: Rinse the tomatoes and pat them dry. Cut the tomatoes in half or into quarters, depending on their size. For larger tomatoes, cut them into smaller pieces or steaks before air frying. Grape or cherry tomatoes can be left whole.
• Place the tomatoes in the air fryer: Put the tomatoes cut-side up in the air fryer basket. If you prefer, you can use a small baking dish placed inside the air fryer basket. Drizzle the tomatoes with oil and sprinkle with salt and any other desired seasonings.
• Air fry: Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F/200°C. Air fry the tomatoes for around 10 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked to your liking. The exact time will depend on the size of the tomato pieces, so keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Serve: Air fryer roasted tomatoes can be served as a simple side dish, added to salads, pasta dishes, or blended into sauces. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a snack.

Tips to Prevent Sticking

• Use a baking dish: Placing the tomatoes in a small baking dish inside the air fryer basket can make clean-up easier and may help prevent sticking.
• Use parchment paper or aluminium foil: Line the bottom of the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper or aluminium foil to catch any juices and prevent sticking.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: For best results, arrange the tomatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation and may cause sticking.
• Use oil or cooking spray: A light coating of oil or cooking spray on the air fryer surface and/or the tomatoes themselves can help prevent sticking. If using an olive oil spray, choose a spritzing type rather than an aerosol, as the propellant in aerosols can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer.
• Clean your air fryer regularly: Regular cleaning will help prevent residue build-up, which can cause sticking.

By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy perfectly roasted tomatoes from your air fryer without any sticking issues.

Frequently asked questions