Tiffany Haney
Making tomato soup in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to create a comforting, tasty dish. Requiring only a handful of ingredients, this soup can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal meal for those short on time. The air fryer method is also a healthier alternative to roasting vegetables in the oven, as it requires less oil to achieve the same delicious flavours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Tomatoes, garlic, basil, vegetable stock, olive oil, salt, pepper, cream, balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese, carrot, onion, red bell pepper, chicken broth, vegetable stock pot, single cream, reduced-fat crème fraîche, chicken stock, rosemary, cayenne red pepper, black pepper, kosher salt, veggie stock |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 175-400°C |
| Cooking Time | 12-35 minutes |
| Servings | 1-6 |
| Calories | 216kcal |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right tomatoes
When it comes to choosing the right tomatoes for your air fryer tomato soup, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's best to use fresh tomatoes rather than canned ones. This will ensure your soup has a more intense flavour. In terms of variety, Roma or vine tomatoes are great options as they roast well in the air fryer. However, you can also use cherry tomatoes or plum tomatoes if you prefer.
When selecting your tomatoes, look for ones that are dense and heavy, with a little bit of give when you squeeze them. Avoid tomatoes that are mushy. The colour of the tomato can also indicate its freshness and flavour. The redder the tomato, the riper and sweeter it is likely to be.
If you're short on time, you don't need to worry about peeling your tomatoes. The peels will soften as they roast, and you can easily remove them by hand after cooking. However, if you want a completely smooth soup, you may want to consider peeling them before blending.
In addition to tomatoes, you can also add other vegetables to your soup, such as onions, garlic, carrots, and red bell peppers. These ingredients will enhance the flavour and add extra nutrients to your dish.
Overall, choosing the right tomatoes for your air fryer tomato soup comes down to freshness, variety, and texture. By selecting the best tomatoes and combining them with complementary ingredients, you'll create a delicious and healthy soup that's perfect for any occasion.
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Preparing the air fryer
First, you'll want to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 175-200°C (350°F). Preheating ensures your vegetables cook evenly and helps to achieve that desired roasted flavour and texture. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your vegetables.
For tomato soup, you'll want to use fresh, ripe tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that are dense and heavy, with a little give when squeezed. You can use any variety, but Roma or vine tomatoes are popular choices. Cut the tomatoes in half, and if you're including other vegetables like onions, carrots, or peppers, chop those up too. You can also add peeled garlic cloves to boost the flavour.
Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to prepare the basket. Line the basket with parchment paper to make cleaning up easier. Then, place your vegetables in the basket, cut-side up. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like sugar, dried basil, or oregano to enhance the flavour.
Now, you're ready to air fry your vegetables. Depending on the recipe, you'll cook them for around 12-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. The vegetables are done when they are softened and maybe a little charred, releasing their natural sweetness.
Once your vegetables are roasted to perfection, let them cool slightly before transferring them to a blender or food processor. Be sure to remove any tomato skins and garlic skins before blending, as this will affect the texture of your soup.
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Cooking the vegetables
To cook the vegetables for your tomato soup in an air fryer, start by preparing your chosen vegetables. This can include tomatoes, garlic, onion, carrot, red bell pepper, and basil. You can also add olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning and flavour.
Once you have selected and prepared your vegetables, it's time to place them in the air fryer. You can choose to put them directly into the air fryer or use an oven-proof dish to make cleaning easier. If you're using an oven-proof dish, make sure it fits into your air fryer first.
After placing the vegetables in the air fryer, set the temperature and cooking time. The temperature and cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the vegetables you are using. For example, some recipes suggest cooking at 190°C for 12 minutes, while others recommend 360°F for 25 minutes. Be sure to refer to your air fryer's instructions and adjust the temperature and time accordingly.
During the cooking process, you may need to stir or shake the air fryer basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once the vegetables are roasted, they should be soft and perhaps slightly browned.
At this point, you can proceed to the next steps of your soup recipe, such as blending the vegetables, adding stock or other liquids, and seasoning to taste.
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Blending the soup
After blending, you can add extra ingredients to enhance the flavour of your soup. For example, you can add chopped basil, cream, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. You can also add grated parmesan cheese, swirling it through the soup. If you want to add a kick of heat, add some red chilli flakes while cooking or sprinkle them on top before serving.
Be careful when blending the soup that the stock is not too hot, as it can cause your blender to crack. If you want a smoother soup, you can pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer tomato soup is a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your soup and make it a more substantial meal:
- Grilled cheese sandwich: This soup pairs well with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich, creating a classic and comforting combination. The melted cheese and crunchy bread provide a delightful contrast to the smooth soup.
- Cheesy toastie: For an extra indulgent treat, serve your soup with an ultimate cheese toastie. The creaminess of the soup and the gooey, melty cheese create a delicious duo that is sure to satisfy.
- Croutons: Make your own crunchy croutons by drizzling olive oil and sprinkling oregano and Parmesan or cheddar cheese on bread cubes. Bake them in the oven for a few minutes, and you'll have the perfect soup topper.
- Bread: Serve your soup with a side of crusty bread, pita bread, flatbread, or focaccia. These options provide a great vehicle for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the delicious flavours.
- Salad: For a lighter option, pair your soup with a wedge salad. The crisp greens and vegetables will balance out the richness of the soup.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings and add-ons! You can also experiment with different types of cheese, herbs, and spices to find your perfect combination.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil. You can also add stock, cream, and cheese to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
Fresh, organic tomatoes that are dense, heavy, and slightly soft will result in a more flavorful soup. You can use larger tomatoes or cherry/plum tomatoes, depending on your preference.
The ideal temperature and time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the tomatoes. A general guideline is to air fry at around 180-200°C for 20-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly charred.
Yes, you can add onions, carrots, red peppers, or any other vegetables of your choice. Air frying the vegetables together will create a delicious blend of flavors.
To make a creamy tomato soup, you can add heavy cream, single cream, or reduced-fat crème fraîche after blending the ingredients. Additionally, blending roasted red peppers can also give the soup a natural creaminess.
