Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes: A Quick, Easy, Delicious Treat

Roasted tomatoes are a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer with minimal preparation and cooking time. This simple recipe can be adapted in numerous ways and is an excellent way to use up ripe tomatoes.

Choosing tomatoes

Choosing the right tomatoes is an important step in making roasted tomatoes in an air fryer. While you can use any variety of tomatoes, some types work better than others. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing tomatoes for air fryer roasting:

Types of Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are ideal for air fryer roasting due to their small size and naturally sweet flavour. They cook quickly and evenly, resulting in juicy and tasty tomatoes. If you use larger tomatoes like Roma or plum tomatoes, it is recommended to cut them into smaller pieces or slices before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can also use heirloom tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, or other varieties. However, avoid using cherry tomatoes as they are too small and may not yield the best results.

Tomato Preparation

When preparing your tomatoes, start by washing them thoroughly. Remove any stems and cut the tomatoes in half or into quarters, depending on their size. You can also create thick slices instead of halving them. If you want to add some texture, you can cut through the centre of the tomatoes widthwise to remove the thick bit of the core, which can be too tough to eat. After cutting, pat the tomatoes dry to ensure they are not soggy before roasting.

Tomato Ripeness

While ripe tomatoes are generally preferred for this recipe, you don't have to use perfectly ripe cherry tomatoes. You can use the ones that are slightly underripe or starting to soften, as the air fryer will help bring out their flavour and sweetness.

Quantity

Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of servings you want to make, you will need about 2 cups or 1 pint of cherry tomatoes. For larger tomatoes, you may need 6-12 Roma tomatoes or 2-3 medium to large tomatoes. Adjust the quantity based on your needs and the size of your air fryer basket or tray.

Preparing tomatoes

Firstly, select your tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are a popular choice due to their sweet flavour and small size, which allows them to cook quickly. However, you can also use larger varieties such as Roma or grape tomatoes. If you opt for larger tomatoes, it is recommended to cut them into smaller pieces before cooking to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, you can increase the cooking time.

Once you've chosen your tomatoes, give them a good wash and remove any stems. Then, cut the tomatoes in half, or into quarters if using larger varieties. This step ensures that the tomatoes cook evenly and allows the seasonings to penetrate the fruit.

After cutting, it's time to season your tomatoes. Place them in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic, fresh or dried herbs (basil, thyme, rosemary), Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Make sure to coat the tomatoes evenly so that every bite is packed with flavour.

If desired, you can add some cheese to your tomatoes at this point. Simply sprinkle shredded cheese of your choice on top of the cut side of each tomato. This step is entirely optional but can take your roasted tomatoes to the next level.

Now it's time to arrange the tomatoes in the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, cut side up. This arrangement ensures even cooking and allows the tomatoes to roast in their own juices, intensifying their flavour. If your air fryer has a preheat function, make sure to use it before inserting the tray or basket.

With these simple steps, your tomatoes are now prepared and ready for roasting! Place them in the air fryer and follow your desired cooking instructions for mouthwatering, juicy roasted tomatoes.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you start cooking, make sure your air fryer is clean and ready to go. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, preheat it to 400°F. You can also line the base of the fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleaning. This will also help to catch any juices that escape from the tomatoes, so you can add them back into your dish for extra flavour.

If you are using an air fryer with a basket, it is recommended to use this for smaller tomatoes like cherry tomatoes. If you have a large air fryer with racks, larger tomatoes will work better.

When preparing your tomatoes, wash them and cut them in half with a sharp knife. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or other herbs and spices of your choice, to taste. Toss the tomatoes in a bowl to ensure every surface is well coated.

Place the tomatoes in the air fryer basket, skin side down, in a single layer. This will ensure that each tomato gets enough cooking time to begin to caramelise and break down the skin, producing an intensely tangy and sweet flavour.

Cooking the tomatoes

Wash your tomatoes and dry them. If you are using cherry tomatoes, you can leave them whole. If you are using larger tomatoes, cut them into halves or quarters. Place the tomatoes in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or spices until they are well coated. You can also add fresh or dried herbs, balsamic vinegar, or red pepper flakes for some extra flavour and spice.

Place the tomatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. 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°F (204°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. If your air fryer has a preheat function, allow it to preheat fully before inserting the tray or basket.

Halfway through the cooking process, you can choose to toss the tomatoes if you want them to be less browned. However, if you prefer a more caramelized result, there is no need to flip or toss the tomatoes during cooking. The edges will caramelize and build more flavour.

Once the tomatoes are done to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and garnish with fresh herbs or balsamic vinegar, if desired. You can also top them with shredded mozzarella cheese or parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer roasted tomatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

Appetizers and Snacks

These roasted tomatoes make a great snack on their own, but you can also get creative and serve them as an appetiser. Try spreading some crusty bread or bruschetta with roasted garlic, greens, and drizzling the tomatoes on top. For a more indulgent option, top the bread with ricotta or goat cheese before adding the tomatoes. You can also make a roasted tomato cheese dip by blending the tomatoes with cheese—perfect for holidays, game days, or fancy dinners.

Salads and Sandwiches

Add a burst of flavour to your salads and sandwiches with these juicy roasted tomatoes. They pair well with a variety of ingredients, such as grilled chicken, avocado, or fresh basil. You can also toss them into your favourite sandwich or use them as a topping for a vegan tuna salad.

Pasta and Rice

Air fryer roasted tomatoes are an excellent addition to pasta dishes. Mix them into your pasta with roasted garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. For an extra indulgent touch, add some parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. You can also substitute sun-dried tomatoes with these roasted ones in recipes like tomato basil bread or Mediterranean quesadillas.

Soups and Dips

Give your soups an extra punch of flavour by blending in these roasted tomatoes. They work especially well in minestrone, vegetable, cabbage, or spinach tortellini soups. You can also add them to dips like hummus for a unique twist.

Main Dishes

These roasted tomatoes are versatile enough to accompany a variety of main dishes. Try them with Italian chicken cutlets, grilled salmon, air fryer salmon bites, shrimp, or air fryer smashed potatoes. They also go well with Italian baked pork chops or steak. For a hearty breakfast option, serve them with smoked sausage, fried eggs, toast, and bacon or beans.

Frequently asked questions