Air Fryer Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Quick, Easy Guide

Sun-dried tomatoes are a delicious treat, but what if you don't live somewhere sunny? Or perhaps you don't have the time to wait for the traditional method to work its magic? Well, that's where the air fryer comes in! This handy kitchen appliance can be used to make your very own sun-dried tomatoes in a fraction of the time. In this article, we'll be discussing the process of making sun-dried tomatoes in an air fryer, as well as providing some tips and tricks for getting the best results. So, if you're curious about this unique use for your air fryer, read on!

Choosing the right tomatoes

Type of Tomatoes

While you can use any type of tomato, certain varieties are better suited for sun-drying due to their smaller size, denser flesh, and lower water content. Here are some recommended options:

• Roma (Plum) Tomatoes: These are the most popular choice as they have a firm texture, low moisture content, and rich flavour. They also have fewer seeds, making them ideal for drying.
• San Marzano Tomatoes: These Italian tomatoes are similar to Roma tomatoes but are known for their sweeter and more intense flavour. They are considered a premium choice, especially in Italy.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Smaller tomatoes like cherry tomatoes dry faster, resulting in a more concentrated sweetness. They are perfect for gourmet preparations.
• Grape Tomatoes: Slightly smaller than cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes have a firmer texture and are less juicy, making them ideal candidates for sun-drying.

Quality and Ripeness

Always choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavour. Look for tomatoes that are deeply coloured and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid tomatoes with splits or blemishes, as bacteria may have entered through any breaks in the skin. While these tomatoes are still fine for sauces, they are not ideal for sun-drying and long-term storage.

Size and Water Content

If you're using larger tomatoes, consider cutting them into slices or quarters before drying. Tomatoes with a high water content can be more challenging to dry, so opt for fleshy varieties. If there are a lot of seeds, you may want to remove them to speed up the drying process.

Quantity

Air fryers have limited space, so choose the number of tomatoes that can fit in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If you have a large quantity of tomatoes, you may need to dry them in batches.

Remember, the key to choosing the right tomatoes is selecting varieties with dense flesh, low moisture content, and intense flavour. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious sun-dried tomatoes in your air fryer!

Preparing the tomatoes

Once you've selected your tomatoes, give them a good rinse under cool water and pat them dry. Then, cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise. If you're using smaller tomatoes, you can simply halve them.

Next, it's time to season the tomatoes. Place the halved tomatoes in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. You don't need to use a lot of oil, just enough to coat the tomatoes lightly. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can use Italian seasoning, which typically includes a blend of basil, oregano, and garlic powder. You can also add onion powder, garlic powder, dried rosemary, salt, and ground black pepper to taste. Give the tomatoes a good toss in the bowl to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

After seasoning, it's time to arrange the tomatoes in your air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. If you're using an oven-style air fryer with shelves, you can place the tomatoes cut-side up on the shelves. If using a drawer-style air fryer, lay the tomatoes cut-side up on the air fryer tray.

Adding seasoning

Firstly, choose your desired herbs and spices. A popular choice is Italian seasoning, which includes a blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices like onion powder, garlic powder, rosemary, and ground black pepper to taste. If you want to keep it simple, just use salt and pepper.

When preparing your tomatoes, after cutting and removing the inner parts, place them in a bowl or glass bowl with the conch facing up. Drizzle or spray olive oil over the tomatoes, ensuring each one is coated. Then, sprinkle your chosen seasoning blend generously over the tomatoes. You can also add salt to draw out moisture and enhance the flavour. Use your hands or a spoon to gently toss and coat the tomatoes evenly with the oil and seasoning.

For an extra flavour boost, you can also add crushed or sliced garlic cloves to the tomatoes before placing them in the air fryer. Additionally, you can add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the jar after cooking for extra flavour.

Remember, the amount of seasoning you add can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Start with a smaller amount and taste, then add more as needed.

Using the air fryer

Preparation:

First, you'll need to gather your ingredients. The exact quantities may vary depending on the recipe you follow and the size of your air fryer, but the basic ingredients are:

• Tomatoes (cherry, grape, or Roma tomatoes work well)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Italian seasoning or other herbs and spices of your choice (optional)

Wash and dry the tomatoes, then cut them in half. You can also remove the inner part of the tomato if you like. Place the tomatoes in a bowl, and add the olive oil, salt, and any desired seasonings. Stir or toss the tomatoes until they are evenly coated.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 100°C and 250°F (some recipes recommend a lower temperature of 120°C or 240°F). Place the seasoned tomatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with the skin side down. If you have an oven-style air fryer with multiple shelves, you may be able to cook more tomatoes at once.

Cooking time can vary, but most recipes recommend air frying for 30 minutes to 1 hour, flipping the tomatoes halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your tomatoes and the specific model of your air fryer.

Storing:

Once your tomatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely before storing. You can store sun-dried tomatoes in several ways:

• In olive oil: Place the cooled tomatoes in a sterilized glass jar and cover them with olive oil. You can add garlic slices and fresh herbs for extra flavor. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
• Without oil: Store the tomatoes in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for 6-9 months, or in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 1 year.
• Vacuum sealing: Vacuum seal the tomatoes for up to 1 year at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen.

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

Storing the sun-dried tomatoes

Storing sun-dried tomatoes is a straightforward process, and there are several options available. Firstly, it is important to let the tomatoes cool completely before storing them.

One option is to store the sun-dried tomatoes in an airtight container in the freezer. This method is ideal for re-hydrating the tomatoes later for use in soups, sauces, or salads. If you plan to freeze your sun-dried tomatoes, it is recommended to let them freeze on a baking sheet for about 2 hours before transferring them to a bag or airtight container suitable for freezing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a year.

Another option is to store the sun-dried tomatoes in a glass jar or airtight food container in the refrigerator. Before storing, put additional oil on the tomatoes and seal the container tightly. This method keeps the tomatoes fresh for up to 3 weeks.

Additionally, you can also store sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil. This method involves packing the tomatoes in a sterilised glass jar and covering them with olive oil. The jar should then be stored in the refrigerator. Before using the tomatoes, it is recommended to take them out of the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to allow the oil to liquify. The tomatoes can be stored this way for up to 2 weeks.

Frequently asked questions