Best Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes take the fresh tomato to a whole new level of flavor. Air frying tomatoes make a gorgeous charred texture on the outside while keeping the juicy goodness of tomatoes on the inside.

When you cook tomatoes in an air fryer, they get sweeter and tastier. The hot air makes them with a rich and yummy flavor that you can’t get from raw tomatoes. It also makes the sugars inside the tomato get a little burned, which gives the tomato a little bit of a smoky taste that makes it extra rich and delicious.

Tomato is one ingredient that I’m slightly obsessed with. I love how this juicy and plump vegetable (or I should say fruit) is all year round on my plate. I usually eat it raw sliced up and served on top of Avocado Cucumber salad. But lately, I’ve started to incorporate tomatoes in many of my Air Fryer Recipes. Besides my top favorite Air Fryer Tomato Melt, I love Air Fryer Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast and my kids adore Grilled Ham and Cheese with Tomato.

Why Air Fry Tomatoes?

If you haven’t yet experimented with tomato in the air fryer, here’s why you’d want to give them a chance.

• Roasting tomatoes in an air fryer takes a fraction of the time compared to oven baking or grilling.
• Roasted tomatoes aren’t just tasty—they’re packed with nutrients. Cooking tomatoes increases their levels of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to many health benefits. Plus, roasting them in an air fryer uses less oil, making your meals healthier and just as flavorful.
• If you have an abundance of tomatoes in your garden, you can preserve air-fried roasted tomatoes with canning. The canning process locks in that delicious roasted flavor so you can enjoy them all year long. Sterilize the jars and lids, air fry the tomatoes, then put them into jars with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice before sealing them shut. 
• Air fryer roasted tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pasta, sandwiches, and more. Their rich, concentrated flavor can elevate any meal.

Kitchen hack: With this air fryer tomato recipe you can use parchment paper. It makes the cleanup process a breeze and helps prevent any sticking or burning on the bottom of your air fryer basket. Tomatoes are heavy enough to keep parchment paper in place, without the frustration of it flying away mid-cooking.

How to Make Roasted Tomatoes in Air Fryer

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I highlight the best ingredients for my appetizing tomato in air fryer and choices. Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for precise quantities and nutrition information.

• Tomatoes. The star of the show. Pretty much all types of tomato varieties taste amazing when air-fried, from the sweet cherry tomatoes to the larger beefsteak tomatoes. I suggest you start with Campari or Roma tomatoes, which are firm and hold their shape even after cooking. These tomatoes are also less watery than other varieties, which means they won’t make your air fryer basket too messy. Cherry or grape tomatoes are another great option, as they’re small and can easily be roasted in an air fryer until they burst with flavor. 
• For the best results, use fresh, ripe tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that are vibrant in color, firm to the touch, and free from blemishes.
• Choose organic. Organic tomatoes can enhance the flavor of your air fryer roasted tomatoes. Organic tomatoes are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can sometimes affect taste. While organic options may be pricier, the flavor payoff is often worth it, especially for a dish where the tomato is the star.
• Olive oil. It helps to enhance the flavor and achieve that beautiful caramelization.
• Seasoning. I used Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to add a burst of flavor. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat for a nice kick. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices.

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Wash & cut. Wash your tomatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut your tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size. For smaller cherry or grape tomatoes, simply halve them. If you are using large beefsteak tomatoes, slice them into 1/2-inch rounds. I used Campari tomatoes for this recipe which simply required slicing in half.

Season. Drizzle tomatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dry herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for added flavor. Toss them gently to ensure an even coating.

Place the seasoned tomato halves in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cut side up. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Air fry the tomatoes for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. For beginners: keep an eye on them every 5 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Need to flip? You don’t have to flip tomatoes halfway. However, yes, you can if you prefer softer tomatoes. Use a spatula to gently turn them.

Check for doneness. Your tomatoes are ready when they look shriveled and start to caramelize around the top and edges. They should be tender but not mushy. If they still look too firm, give them a few more minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

Storage Tips

To store roasted tomatoes, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can thaw out small portions as needed. However, it may change the texture after thawing, therefore I recommend devouring the roasted tomatoes freshly made or canning them.

How to Use Roasted Tomatoes

Air fryer roasted tomatoes make a fantastic addition to salads and soups. Try them in a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella and basil, or add them to Hamburger Cauliflower Soup for a tangy twist.

Pizza & Pasta. Toss roasted tomatoes with your pasta dishes. They’re perfect in pasta primavera, tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Or scatter them over a Low-carb pizza crust for a gourmet touch.

Sandwiches and Wraps. Whether you’re making a classic Air Fryer Tuna Melt, a gourmet Caprese Grilled Cheese, or a trendy Avocado Melt, adding a layer of juicy roasted tomatoes can take your Grilled Cheese to the next level.

Other Ways to Roast Tomatoes

If you don’t have an air fryer and you adore roasted tomatoes, here are some simple tips, that will help you cook tomatoes without an air fryer.

Roast in Oven. Oven roasting was the most common method until today. However, it is perfect for large batches. To oven-roast tomatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice your tomatoes in half, remove the seeds if you prefer a less watery end product, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like thyme or rosemary. Roast for about 20-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are caramelized and tender.

BBQ Grill them. Grilling tomatoes adds a smoky flavor and appetizing grill marks. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cut your tomatoes in half and brush them with olive oil. Place them cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they have grill marks and are soft. Use a grill basket to keep smaller tomatoes from falling through the grates.

Pan Roast. If you don’t want to turn on your oven or grill, pan roasting is a quick and efficient method. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Cut your tomatoes in half and place them cut-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flip, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are soft and slightly charred.

More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

• Roasted Spaghetti Squash
• Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Air-fried Sweet Peppers
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

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