Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Air Fryer Style

Sun-dried tomatoes are a delicious treat, but what if you don't have the sun? Or the time? Enter the air fryer. This handy kitchen appliance can be used to roast, bake, and even dehydrate, making it the perfect tool for creating your own sun-dried tomatoes at home. In this article, we'll be discussing the process of making sun-dried tomatoes in an air fryer, the benefits of using this method, and providing a step-by-step guide to get you started.

Choosing the right tomatoes

Firstly, look for tomatoes with dense flesh and low water content. Tomatoes with fewer seeds and a meatier consistency are ideal, as they will dry more easily. For example, Roma tomatoes, also known as Plum tomatoes, are a popular choice due to their firm texture and rich flavor. San Marzano tomatoes, similar to Roma but with a sweeter and more intense flavor, are another excellent option, especially for those seeking a more premium choice.

Secondly, consider the size of the tomatoes. Smaller tomatoes, such as cherry or grape tomatoes, are a good choice as they dry faster and result in a more concentrated sweetness. If using larger tomatoes, cut them into slices or quarters before drying to reduce the drying time.

Lastly, ensure the tomatoes are of good quality and free from any splits or blemishes. Bacteria may have entered through any splits in the skin, which could spoil your batch of sun-dried tomatoes.

By choosing the right tomatoes and preparing them properly, you can create delicious and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes in your air fryer.

Preparing the tomatoes

Firstly, select ripe tomatoes for the best flavour. You can use any variety of tomato, such as Roma, vine, grape, cherry, or garden tomatoes. Just ensure they are good quality, with no splits or blemishes, to avoid any bacteria spoiling your batch. If you're using larger tomatoes, you may want to cut them into slices or quarters to help them dry more effectively.

Next, prep your tomatoes by slicing them. If you're using vine tomatoes, which tend to be juicier, you'll want to cut them into halves or quarters. For other varieties, you can halve them or cut them into similar-sized portions. If you're using larger tomatoes, you can also scoop out the seeds to reduce the drying time. Place your sliced tomatoes in a bowl or sieve to catch any excess juices.

Now it's time to season your tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil over them, ensuring each tomato is coated. You don't need to use a lot of olive oil, just enough to keep the tomatoes flexible as they dry. You can also add salt at this stage, which will enhance the flavour and help draw out moisture. Sea salt is a good option, but any type of salt will work. You can also add other seasonings like black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or fresh herbs like basil or oregano.

Once your tomatoes are prepared, it's time to arrange them in your air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the grill pan, ensuring they don't overlap. If you're using an oven-style air fryer with shelves, you can place the tomatoes on the shelves cut-side up.

Seasoning the tomatoes

You can also add olive oil to the tomatoes before placing them in the air fryer. Olive oil helps to keep the tomatoes flexible as they dry. It is recommended to use a good quality olive oil, as its fruity flavour combines well with the tomatoes. Additionally, you can add fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or dried herbs like Italian seasoning, which typically includes basil and oregano, as well as garlic powder.

For those who like a little spice, black pepper is an option. You can also add onion powder and dried rosemary to enhance the flavour of the tomatoes.

• 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 5 ounces of grape tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of 1/4 teaspoon of salt for 200g of cherry tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt to taste for 3 pounds of ripe plum tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste for 4 cups of halved cherry tomatoes

Air-frying the tomatoes

First, you'll need to prepare your tomatoes. You can use any variety of ripe tomatoes, but Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and grape tomatoes are all popular choices for sun-drying because of their small size, dense flesh, and low water content. If you're using larger tomatoes, cut them into slices or quarters before you begin the drying process. If your tomatoes are small, like cherry tomatoes, you can leave them whole.

Once your tomatoes are prepared, place them in a bowl and add some olive oil, salt, and any other seasonings you like. Toss the tomatoes in the bowl until they're evenly coated. You can leave the seasoned tomatoes to marinate for 15-20 minutes if you like, which will help to collect the extra juices in the bowl.

Next, arrange the tomatoes in your air fryer basket, making sure they're in a single layer and not overlapping. If you're using an oven-style air fryer with shelves, place the tomatoes on the grill pan with the skin side down. You can use baking paper to keep the air fryer bucket clean.

Now you're ready to start air-frying! Preheat your air fryer to around 115-140°C (240-250°F). The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer model, but it should be set to a low temperature. Fry the tomatoes for 45 minutes, then turn them over and cook for another 30-45 minutes. If your tomatoes are sliced or quartered, you may need to reduce the cooking time.

After the tomatoes have been air-fried, use a spatula or potato masher to gently smash them. Then, return them to the air fryer for an additional 30-45 minutes of cooking time.

When the tomatoes are done, let them cool in the basket for at least an hour. Then, you can drizzle them with olive oil and herbs if desired.

And that's it! You now have delicious sun-dried tomatoes that you can use in recipes or enjoy as a snack.

Storing the sun-dried tomatoes

Once you've prepared your sun-dried tomatoes, you'll want to ensure they are stored correctly to maintain their flavour and texture. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to store your sun-dried tomatoes:

• Let the tomatoes cool: Before storing, it is important to let the sun-dried tomatoes cool completely. Do not skip this step, as it is crucial for the next steps and the overall quality of the stored tomatoes.
• Choose your storage method: There are two main options for storing sun-dried tomatoes: refrigerator storage or freezer storage. Each method has its own benefits and longevity.
• Refrigerator storage:

• Airtight container or glass jar: Place the sun-dried tomatoes in an airtight food container or a glass jar. You can use a sterilised glass jar if you prefer.
• Add oil: Cover the tomatoes with additional olive oil and seal the container or jar tightly. This oil helps preserve the tomatoes and keeps them from drying out further.
• Storage duration: Sun-dried tomatoes stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container with oil can last for up to 2-3 weeks.

Freezer storage:

• Flash-freeze: Place the sun-dried tomatoes on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about 2 hours until they are frozen solid.
• Storage container: Remove the tomatoes from the freezer and transfer them to a suitable freezer bag or food container.
• Storage duration: Sun-dried tomatoes stored in the freezer can last for at least a year or even up to 2-3 months.

Thawing instructions: If you choose to freeze your sun-dried tomatoes, remember to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using them.

By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your homemade sun-dried tomatoes for weeks or even months!

Frequently asked questions