Air Fryer 'Sun-Dried' Tomatoes Will Bring The Taste Of Italy To Your Kitchen

Drying tomatoes in the air fryer and how to use them

Drying tomatoes in your air fryer is a simple task that requires minimal effort. The most challenging part is choosing which tomatoes to use. While larger plum varieties like Roma or San Marzano are commonly used, smaller types such as cherry or grape are also excellent for this method, and even beefsteak tomatoes can work well. There's no restriction on using tomatoes of different colors, either.

Preparation is straightforward: just rinse, dry, and cut the tomatoes in half (or slice them if you’re using larger varieties). You can elevate their flavor by tossing them in sea salt and your preferred olive oil (and herbs, if you like) before placing them cut-side up in the air fryer. Expect the drying process to take about 75 minutes at a temperature of around 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to pause halfway through to gently press the tomatoes with a fork, spatula, or potato masher to release any excess liquid. Once dried, let them cool before storing in the fridge in olive oil or an airtight container for a few weeks.

When you're ready to use these vibrant flavor-packed tomatoes, consider incorporating them into baked goods, stuffing them into a toasted sandwich or chicken breast, adding them to scrambled eggs or omelets, blending them into pesto or pasta sauce, or mixing them into mashed potatoes. With tomatoes and an air fryer, infusing your dishes with a burst of tangy umami flavor is incredibly easy.