10-Minute Roasted Air Fryer Tomatoes

If you've ever tried your hand at growing cherry tomatoes in your garden, you know how overwhelming it can be when they all start to ripen at the same time. Last year, I had 8 cherry tomato plants. And they produced literally hundreds of cherry tomatoes. By late summer, I was asking myself, "what can I make with fresh tomatoes?"

Roasted air fryer cherry tomatoes became my best friend.

These tomatoes are a low-carb, healthy side dish and are so easy to throw together. Plus, they're bursting with so much rich, juicy tomato goodness. I know you'll be as obsessed with them as I am.

While they make a fantastic side dish all on their own, these air fryer tomatoes are also quite versatile. I love making bruschetta with them, throwing them in a pasta dish, making tomato sauce, or even topping a salad with them. They're also fantastic on sandwiches or in soups, and they pair well with chicken, steak, pork, and seafood.

So, if you've got a bunch of cherry tomatoes you need to use up before they go bad, read on to learn how to make one of my favorite air fryer recipes. You'll feel like a true Italian chef once you get a taste of these.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Just 5 Ingredients- Two of which are salt and pepper! These roasted cherry tomatoes seriously could not be any easier.
• Ready in 10 Minutes- You'll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this flavorful dish. Just a few minutes of prep work and the air fryer takes care of the rest!
• Bursting with Flavor- The tomatoes literally burst in the air fryer as they're roasting, releasing their sweet, delicious juices. Then, the heat from the air fryer caramelizes the tomato sugars ever so slightly, making them taste even sweeter.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Cherry Tomatoes- I love roasting cherry tomatoes because they cook up so quickly and they're naturally bite-sized. Plus, they're nice and sweet, which makes them perfect for roasting.
• Garlic- Tomatoes and garlic just taste so lovely together. I grate the garlic in this recipe to make sure it's able to infuse the olive oil with garlic flavor. If you don't have a grater, feel free to finely mince the garlic instead.
• Olive Oil- I used extra virgin olive oil because it's a heart-healthy fat that adds a nice flavor. Since the cherry tomatoes are only cooked for a few minutes at 375°F, we don't have to worry about the extra virgin olive oil reaching its smoke point.
• Kosher Salt- If you want to elevate the flavor of food without over salting, use kosher salt. Kosher salt balances the sweetness of the tomatoes perfectly without overpowering their delicate flavor.
• Black Pepper- A bit of freshly cracked black pepper is always recommended.

Seasonal Tip: For the most flavorful, freshest cherry tomatoes, pick some up at your local farmers' market during the summer months or learn how to grow your own cherry tomatoes at home.

Step by Step Instructions

Here is how to make these roasted air fryer tomatoes.

Step 1: Rinse and halve tomatoes. Rinse cherry tomatoes in a colander under cool, running water to remove any dirt and pesticides. Pat the tomatoes dry. Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise. Then, place them into a large mixing bowl and set them aside.

Step 2: Mix tomatoes with seasoning and olive oil. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, grated garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Pour over the halved cherry tomatoes and mix well so that each tomato is coated with olive oil.

Step 3: Cook tomatoes. Place the tomatoes in a single layer into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to the "air roast" setting or set it to 375°F. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the tomatoes are blistering and just beginning to brown.

Cooking Tips

• Don't shake the basket. Roasted cherry tomatoes are delicate once they're cooked. If you shake the basket, the skins may slide off. Plus, you want them to get a bit browned so not moving them too much is best.
• Avoid overcrowding. You want the halved cherry tomatoes to be in a single layer in your air fryer basket or tray. This way, the tomatoes can cook evenly and develop a touch of color. Overcrowding the tomatoes would end up steaming them.
• Oven-style air fryers may take longer to cook the tomatoes. If you're using an oven-style air fryer as opposed to a basket-style air fryer, you tomatoes may take a little longer to cook up. While you don't need to preheat a basket-style air fryer, you may want to preheat an oven-style one.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

• Roma Tomatoes- If you want to use a larger tomato, Roma tomatoes are an excellent choice. Simply cut them in half lengthwise and air fry for 15-20 minutes. You can also use heirloom tomatoes cut into wedges.
• Garlic Powder- Don't have fresh garlic on hand? No worries! Simply use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
• Butter- While olive oil goes really well with tomatoes and garlic, you can opt for melted butter instead if you prefer. Buttery tomatoes would go especially well in a pasta dish or on a piece of crusty bread.

Additions

• Italian Seasoning- Usually a combination of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning pairs very well with these roasted air fryer tomatoes. Just sprinkle in ½ teaspoon or so when you're mixing everything else together.
• Fresh Basil- I absolutely adore the combination of tomatoes and basil. Chiffonade a few leaves and sprinkle them over the air fried tomatoes.
• Red Pepper Flakes- Love all things spicy? A few shakes of red pepper flakes should help spice things up!
• Parmesan Cheese- Of course, cheese is a must. Grate a little (a lot) of parmesan cheese over the top of the tomatoes once they're done cooking.
• Balsamic Glaze- A nice balsamic glaze is the perfect way to amplify the sweetness of the tomatoes while adding a touch of acidity.

What to Serve with Roasted Air Fryer Tomatoes

These roasted cherry tomatoes go well with so many recipes. They're fantastic in pasta dishes, smeared on a piece of crusty bread, or served alongside chicken, steak, or fish. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing:

• Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Halibut
• Roasted Dry Brined Chicken
• Turkey Smash Burgers
• Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
• Roasted Vegetable Pasta
• Caprese Grilled Chicken
• Air Fryer Chicken, Pork Chops, Steak, or Fish
• Pot Roast, Roast Beef, or Steak Tips
• Seared Scallops
• Broiled Haddock, Cod, or Scrod
• Roasted Tomato and Goat Cheese Crostini

Storage and Reheating

Storage

• Refrigerator- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. As the tomatoes sit, they'll release more of their juices, making for a delicious sauce.
• Freezer- For longer storage, you can freeze the tomatoes. They can be safely stored for 8-12 months. However, the sooner you eat them, the more flavor they will have.

How to Reheat

• Refrigerator- Air fryer roasted tomatoes can be reheated in the air fryer, in the microwave, or on the stovetop over low heat.
• Freezer- Allow the tomatoes to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat using one of the methods mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Side Dish Recipes to Try

• Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
• Cheesy Air Fryer Broccoli Bites
• Oven-Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
• Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes