Can You Make Soups in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can. While air fryers are generally known for their crispy creations, they can also be used for whipping up delicious soups. Here’s why it’s a good idea:

• Speed and Efficiency: Air fryers are known for their quick cooking times and energy efficiency. When it comes to making soups, this translates to reduced cooking times compared to traditional stovetop methods. So, if you’re in a hurry or just looking for a faster way to enjoy a warm bowl of soup, the air fryer has you covered.
• Hands-Off Cooking: One of the great advantages of using an air fryer for soup is the hands-off approach it offers. You can simply prep your ingredients, load them into the air fryer, set the temperature and time, and then let the machine do the work. There’s no need for constant stirring or monitoring. Additionally, your soup will also contain fewer nutritional calories per bowl compared to stovetop soups, as you don’t need to add much oil.
• Versatile Cooking: Air fryers are incredibly versatile, allowing you to cook a wide variety of dishes. So, whether you want to make an air fryer roasted tomato soup, a hearty vegetable stew, or a creamy potato chowder, this handy appliance can adapt to different soup recipes and ingredients.
• Less Cleanup: Cooking in an air fryer often means less mess and cleanup. Since you’re not dealing with multiple pots and pans, there are fewer dishes to wash. Plus, most air fryer accessories are designed to be dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

How to Cook Soup in an Air Fryer

Now that you know that making soups in an air fryer is not only possible but also a great idea, let’s dive into how you can make your favorite soups using this versatile appliance. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Fresh or frozen vegetables, meat, or poultry (depending on your air fryer soup recipe)
• Broth or liquid base of your choice (e.g., vegetable stock, chicken broth, or water)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (optional)
• Seasonings and herbs (such as salt, cayenne pepper, garlic, spring onions, thyme, etc.)
• Optional toppings and garnishes (croutons, grated cheese, bacon bits, chopped herbs)

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature for your recipe. If your air fryer doesn’t have a specific soup setting, you can opt for a medium to high temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

While your air fryer is heating up, prepare your soup ingredients. Chop or dice your vegetables, meat, or poultry as needed. Season them with your desired herbs and spices.

Step 3: Air Fry the Ingredients

Place your prepared ingredients in the air fryer basket or tray along with a dash of olive oil or cooking spray. You can cook them in batches if necessary. Air fry the ingredients until they develop a nice golden-brown color.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Broth

Once your ingredients are air-fried to your satisfaction, transfer them to a separate pot or bowl. Pour in your choice of broth or liquid base and combine everything. If you prefer a smooth and creamy soup, you can use a food processor to blend everything before adding the broth.

Step 5: Air Fry the Soup

Return the soup mixture with the blended vegetables to the air fryer basket or tray. Be sure not to overfill it. Set the air fryer to a lower temperature suitable for simmering. 

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your soup is ready, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish your soup with toppings like croutons, grated cheese, bacon bits, or chopped herbs for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Homemade Air Fryer Soup

Serve and enjoy your freshly made soup. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.

What Should You Avoid When Making Soups in an Air Fryer?

While making soups in an air fryer can be a convenient and tasty option, there are certain things to watch out for to ensure your culinary experiment goes smoothly:

1) Overfilling the Container

One common mistake is overfilling the air fryer container with soup ingredients. Overcrowding can hinder proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and potentially spilling over the sides. Make sure to leave enough room for the soup to expand as it cooks.

2) Adding Dairy Products Too Early

If your soup recipe includes dairy products like heavy cream or milk, it’s best to add them towards the end of the cooking process. Adding dairy too early can cause curdling or separation due to the high heat of the air fryer.

3) Neglecting Stirring

While air fryers are known for their hands-off cooking, soups may require occasional stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Don’t forget to check and stir your soup periodically, especially if it contains ingredients prone to settling at the bottom.

4) Adding Too Much Liquid at Once

Be cautious when adding liquids like chicken stock, vegetable broth, or water to your soup mixture. Pouring too much liquid all at once can cause splattering and mess inside the air fryer. Instead, add liquids gradually and stir as needed.

What Kind of Soups Can You Make in an Air Fryer?