Air Fryer Dried Tomatoes: A Quick, Easy Guide

Air fryers are a great way to make dried tomatoes, and they're so versatile – you can add them to salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. The process is simple: cut tomatoes in half, toss in olive oil and seasonings, and then place them in the air fryer for around 40-45 minutes. You can also add a smoky char by cooking them at a high temperature for a few minutes. The result is a rich, sweet, and slightly tart flavour that's perfect for adding to your favourite dishes.

Choosing the right tomatoes

Type of Tomatoes

Cherry, grape, Campari, Roma, and plum tomatoes are excellent choices for air-dried tomatoes. These varieties have a meatier texture, fewer seeds, and a lower water content than other types, making them ideal for drying. They dry out more easily and produce a desirable texture. Heirloom tomatoes are also an option, but they are larger and take longer to cook. If you opt for heirloom tomatoes, choose the smallest ripe ones available.

Size of Tomatoes

When it comes to air-drying tomatoes, smaller tomatoes are preferable. Smaller tomatoes, such as cherry, grape, or San Marzano, cook more quickly and evenly. They also have a lower risk of overcooking. If you choose larger tomatoes, be prepared to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they will take longer to dehydrate.

Ripeness

It is best to choose tomatoes on the riper end of the spectrum. Riper tomatoes will have a more intense flavour and may dry more easily. Avoid unripe or firm tomatoes, as they may not have the desired sweetness or texture after drying.

Freshness

Always select fresh, high-quality tomatoes for air-drying. Look for tomatoes that are firm yet yield slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid tomatoes with bruises, soft spots, or wrinkles, as these may not dry properly or may have a shorter shelf life.

Seed Content

Tomatoes with fewer seeds are preferable for air-drying. Varieties such as cherry, grape, Campari, Roma, or plum tomatoes tend to have fewer seeds. Tomatoes with more seeds may take longer to dry and may affect the final texture of your dried tomatoes.

Water Content

The water content of the tomatoes is another critical factor. Choose tomatoes with a lower water content, as they will dry out more easily and in less time. Tomatoes with higher water content, such as juicier varieties, may require a longer cooking time and should be handled carefully after roasting, as they can become fragile.

Preparing the tomatoes

Once you've selected your tomatoes, use a sharp knife to cut them in half, and then place them in a large bowl. You can also cut them into even quarters or halves if you prefer, which will help them dry out more evenly. If you're using larger tomatoes, bear in mind that you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

The next step is to add your chosen oil and seasonings to the bowl of tomatoes. For the oil, extra-virgin olive oil is a popular choice for its authentic, traditional flavour, but you can also use avocado oil or a simple cooking spray. As for seasonings, you can start with a base of kosher salt and ground black pepper, and then add extras like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, or basil to taste. Toss the tomatoes in the bowl until they are well coated.

Now your tomatoes are ready to go into the air fryer! Place them into the air fryer basket, ensuring the tomatoes are skin-side down. This is important to minimise the leakage of tomato juices, which contain a lot of flavour.

Air fryer settings

Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to get a consistent cooking temperature. Set the temperature to 240°F (115°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes. This step ensures your tomatoes begin cooking at the right temperature.

Air Frying Temperature: Once preheated, maintain the air fryer temperature at 240°F (115°C) for the majority of the cooking process. This temperature is ideal for dehydrating the tomatoes while keeping them tender. Check your tomatoes every 10 minutes to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Dehydrate Setting: If your air fryer has a dehydrate setting, you can use it instead of the standard air frying temperature. Set the temperature to 190°F (88°C) and cook the tomatoes for about 3 hours. Remember to shake the basket gently every hour to prevent sticking.

High Temperature for Smoky Char: If you want to add a smoky char to your dried tomatoes, increase the air fryer temperature to its highest setting for a brief period. Set the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 5-6 minutes. Keep a close eye on the tomatoes during this step, as they will char very quickly.

Cooking Time: The cooking time will depend on the size and type of tomatoes you're using. Smaller tomatoes, like cherry or grape tomatoes, will take less time to dehydrate, while larger varieties, such as heirloom tomatoes, will require more time. Expect the total cooking time to range from 45 minutes to 2 hours or more.

Adjustments for Different Air Fryers: Keep in mind that different brands and models of air fryers may vary in terms of temperature settings and cooking times. You may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time slightly based on your specific air fryer. Always refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best results.

By following these air fryer settings and tips, you'll be able to create delicious dried tomatoes with a rich, concentrated flavour and a tender texture. Remember to keep an eye on your tomatoes during the cooking process to avoid overcooking or burning.

Cooking time

The cooking time for air-fried dried tomatoes depends on the type and size of the tomatoes used. Cherry, grape, and cocktail tomatoes are smaller and therefore take less time to cook. Larger tomatoes, such as heirlooms, will take longer. Tomatoes with higher liquid content will also take longer to dehydrate.

When preparing dried tomatoes in an air fryer, it is important to cut the tomatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking and drying. The tomatoes should be cut in half, and for larger tomatoes, it is recommended to cut them into eight pieces.

The air fryer should be preheated to a temperature between 190°F and 240°F. The ideal temperature will depend on the specific air fryer model and the desired level of dehydration.

Once the tomatoes are placed in the air fryer basket, they should be cooked for 30 to 45 minutes at the set temperature. It is important to shake the basket or turn the tomatoes over halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

After the initial cooking time, the tomatoes should be checked every 10 to 15 minutes to ensure they do not get too dried out or burned. The goal is to concentrate the flavour without completely dehydrating the tomatoes.

For a smoky char on the outside of the tomatoes, the temperature can be increased to 390°F for an additional 5 to 6 minutes. This step should be monitored closely, as the tomatoes will char very quickly at this high temperature.

Overall, the total cooking time for air-fried dried tomatoes can range from 1 hour to 3 hours, depending on the type and size of the tomatoes, the desired level of dehydration, and the specific air fryer model.

Storing your dried tomatoes

You can store your dried tomatoes in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a pantry or shelf, at a temperature of around 60-70ºF. However, it is recommended that you store dried tomatoes in the refrigerator or freezer as a precaution, as they can retain flavour and texture for about 18 months.

You can also store your dried tomatoes in oil, preferably olive oil, in the refrigerator. This method involves dipping the dried tomatoes in vinegar first, to sharpen the flavour and discourage bacteria growth. You can add red wine to the vinegar for additional flavour and to further reduce the chances of bacteria growth. Cover the tomatoes with oil and add garlic and herbs, if desired, but be aware that this will reduce the storage time to about a week. Without these additions, your dried tomatoes in oil can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.

If you want to store your dried tomatoes long-term in the freezer, it is recommended to let them freeze on a baking sheet for 2 hours first, before transferring to a suitable container.

Frequently asked questions