Imagine transforming ordinary tomatoes into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece with zero hassle and maximum flavor. These Air Fryer Grilled Tomatoes are about to revolutionize your cooking game, delivering restaurant-quality results in just 15 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this Italian-inspired recipe will elevate your side dishes from mundane to magnificent, creating a burst of caramelized goodness that will have everyone at the table begging for more.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes by washing them thoroughly and cutting them in half horizontally, exposing the inner flesh and seeds.
- Pat the tomato halves dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better caramelization in the air fryer.
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over the cut sides of the tomato halves, ensuring each half is lightly coated.
- Season the tomatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper, distributing the seasoning evenly across the exposed surfaces.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Arrange the tomato halves cut-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook the tomatoes in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, checking at the 8-minute mark for desired caramelization and softness.
- Once done, carefully remove the tomatoes from the air fryer using tongs or a heat-resistant spatula.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the warm tomatoes to enhance their flavor and add a tangy dimension.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, just before serving to add a fragrant herbal touch.
- Serve immediately as a side dish, appetizer, or as part of a larger Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Tips
- Choose firm, ripe tomatoes for the best results - they'll hold their shape and caramelize beautifully.
- Always pat tomatoes completely dry before seasoning to achieve optimal crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; give each tomato halve enough space for even cooking.
- Keep a close eye on the tomatoes after 8 minutes, as caramelization can happen quickly.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme alongside the basil.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the maximum texture and temperature contrast.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, try using flavored olive oils or adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before air frying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
