Make rich and flavorful air fryer sun-dried tomatoes at home. Easy, quick, and perfect for salads, pasta, and antipasti.
This method is quick, efficient, and reliable. The circulating hot air slowly removes moisture while intensifying the natural sugars. As a result, the tomatoes become chewy, concentrated, and incredibly delicious.
Moreover, making them at home allows you to control the seasoning. You can add garlic, herbs, chili flakes, or keep them simple with salt and olive oil. Once preserved in oil, they become even richer and more aromatic.
These air fryer sun-dried tomatoes are perfect for pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and charcuterie boards. In addition, they store well and make a wonderful homemade gift.
If you love bold Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is for you. It is easy, affordable, and absolutely worth making.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg (2 lbs) ripe Roma or cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2–3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- Fresh rosemary or basil (optional)
- 1 to 1½ cups extra virgin olive oil (for preserving)
Directions
- Wash and dry the tomatoes thoroughly.
- Slice Roma tomatoes in half lengthwise. If using cherry tomatoes, cut them in halves.
- Remove excess seeds if desired for faster drying.
- Place the tomatoes in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, oregano, and chili flakes. Toss gently.
- Arrange tomatoes cut-side up in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap.
- Set the air fryer to 120°C (250°F).
- Cook for 60–90 minutes. Check every 20–30 minutes.
- Tomatoes are ready when they are shriveled, reduced in size, and slightly chewy but not burnt.
- Allow them to cool completely before storing.
How to Prepare
Start by choosing firm, ripe tomatoes. Roma tomatoes work best because they contain less moisture. However, cherry tomatoes also give excellent results.
Next, cut them evenly to ensure uniform drying. Season lightly. Remember, flavors intensify during drying.
Arrange the tomatoes in a single layer. Proper airflow is essential. Therefore, avoid stacking them.
Cook at low temperature. Slow drying prevents burning. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce the temperature slightly.
Once dried, let them cool fully. Then transfer them to a clean sterilized jar. Add sliced garlic and fresh herbs if desired. Finally, pour olive oil over the tomatoes until fully submerged.
Seal tightly and refrigerate. The flavors will deepen after 24 hours.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60–90 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Drying time may vary depending on tomato size and air fryer model. Smaller tomatoes dry faster. Larger ones require more time.
Servings
This recipe yields approximately 1½ to 2 cups of sun-dried tomatoes.
It serves 6–8 people as a topping or ingredient in dishes.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Yes. Roma tomatoes are ideal. However, cherry and grape tomatoes work well too. Avoid overly juicy varieties.
2. How long do they last in oil?
When stored in the refrigerator and fully covered in oil, they last up to 2 weeks.
3. Can I freeze sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They last up to 3 months.
4. Why are my tomatoes too dry or burnt?
The temperature may be too high. Reduce heat and check more frequently.
5. Do I need to sterilize the jar?
Yes. Always use a clean, sterilized jar to prevent spoilage and ensure safety.
6. Can I skip the oil?
Yes. You can store them dry in an airtight container. However, oil enhances flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Sun-Dried Tomatoes are a game changer in home cooking. They are rich, sweet, and full of concentrated tomato flavor. Best of all, they are easy to make. Instead of waiting days under the sun, you can prepare them in just a couple of hours.
This recipe is flexible and customizable. You can adjust herbs and spices to suit your taste. Additionally, preserving them in olive oil creates a luxurious texture and deep aroma. Every bite becomes intensely flavorful.
They are incredibly versatile. Add them to pasta, toss them into salads, layer them in sandwiches, or serve them alongside cheese and crusty bread. They instantly elevate simple dishes.
Homemade sun-dried tomatoes are also healthier and more affordable than store-bought versions. You control the ingredients and the quality.
