When you need a side dish that looks impressive but takes no effort, these air fryer Parmesan tomatoes are your answer. Juicy tomato halves get topped with a crispy, golden Parmesan crust that tastes like you spent way more than ten minutes making them. They’re ridiculously easy and ridiculously good!
What I love about these tomatoes is how the air fryer transforms them. When I first made these, I couldn’t believe how just a few basic ingredients could turn ordinary tomatoes into something that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant.
The high heat caramelizes the tomato edges and makes them even sweeter, while creating that perfect crispy-cheesy top. The air fryer concentrates all those summer flavors while the Parmesan adds just enough saltiness to balance the sweetness. Even tomato skeptics in my family clean their plates when I make these.
They’re low-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly, making them a great option for pretty much any dinner table. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up those end-of-summer tomatoes that are taking over your garden!
Let me walk through the easiest side dish you’ll make all summer. You’ll be amazed at how something this simple can taste this good!
Looking for more easy air fryer recipes for summer veggies? Try air fryer street corn, air fryer yellow squash, or air fryer green beans.
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Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Beefsteak tomatoes: Their large size makes perfect portions. Roma tomatoes will work too, but you’ll need more of them since they’re smaller.
- Parmesan Cheese: Either shredded or grated parmesan works great here.
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh Basil
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Tomatoes
- Slice your beefsteak tomato into ¼-inch thick rounds. I’ve found this thickness is perfect, any thinner and they get too mushy, any thicker and they take too long to cook. Try to keep the slices even so they cook at the same rate.
- Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place your tomato slices in a single layer on the parchment paper. Don’t overlap them or they won’t crisp up properly.
- Grab your pastry brush and give each tomato slice a light coating of olive oil. A little goes a long way here! Then sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the parmesan evenly over each tomato slice.
- Air fry at 380 degrees F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese gets golden brown and slightly crispy. Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on them the first time you make these. You’re looking for melted cheese with some golden-brown spots.
- If you’re adding fresh basil, wait until after the tomatoes come out of the air fryer.
Serving Ideas
One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is as a light lunch alongside a fresh green salad. The warm, cheesy tomatoes add such a lovely contrast to crisp lettuce.
They also make an elegant appetizer when you want something a little fancy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The melted parmesan gets slightly crispy around the edges while the tomato stays juicy inside.
Here are some other ideas:
- As a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
- On top of crusty bread for an easy bruschetta.
- Alongside pasta dishes (they are especially good with angel hair!).
- As a simple appetizer.
- Over mixed greens for a warm salad topping.
How to Store
These are best enjoyed fresh and warm right out of the air fryer. But If you need to store them, let them cool completely first. Then place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees F. This helps crisp up the parmesan again and warm the tomato without making it mushy.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- I always reach for firm, ripe beefsteak tomatoes. They’re meaty enough to hold up in the air fryer and won’t turn mushy. If your tomatoes are super juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.
- Keep those slices consistent at about ¼ inch thick. Too thin, and they’ll fall apart; too thick, and they won’t cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper unless you enjoy scrubbing cheese off your air fryer basket.
- Assemble these in the air fryer basket so you don’t have to move them from a cutting board to the air fryer.
- While pre-grated parmesan works fine, freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and tastes better.
Reader Questions
Sure! Roma tomatoes work well too, though you’ll need more of them since they’re smaller. Just avoid super small tomatoes like cherry or grape varieties.
Look for golden-brown spots on the cheese and slight wrinkles around the edges of the tomatoes. This usually takes about 10 minutes, but keep an eye on them after 8 minutes since air fryers can vary.
Absolutely! While I usually stick to salt, pepper, and basil, you can get creative. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes work great.
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Air Fryer Parmesan Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 beefsteak tomato
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese shredded or grated
- Basil optional
Instructions
- Slice the tomato into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer.1 beefsteak tomato
- Put parchment paper in the air fryer, then add the tomato slices in a single layer.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the olive oil on each slice. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper.2 teaspoons olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top.¼ cup parmesan cheese
- Air fry at 380 degrees F until the cheese is melted and starts to brown, about 8-10 minutes.Basil
Notes
- I always reach for firm, ripe beefsteak tomatoes. They’re meaty enough to hold up in the air fryer and won’t turn mushy. If your tomatoes are super juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.
- Keep those slices consistent at about ¼ inch thick. Too thin, and they’ll fall apart; too thick, and they won’t cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper unless you enjoy scrubbing cheese off your air fryer basket.
- Assemble these in the air fryer basket so you don’t have to move them from a cutting board to the air fryer.
- While pre-grated parmesan works fine, freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and tastes better.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
