Bring bold flavor to your table with Parmesan Tomatoes — a simple yet irresistible side dish. Juicy tomatoes are topped with savory Parmesan and baked to perfection.
Parmesan Tomatoes
I love making the most of fresh summer tomatoes, and this easy recipe for air fryer Parmesan tomatoes is one of my go-to ways to enjoy them. It’s quick, full of flavor, and doesn’t require heating up the oven!
All you need are a few simple ingredients like juicy tomatoes, a cheesy breadcrumb topping, and a handful of herbs and seasonings. Toss it all in the air fryer and in just minutes, you’ll have the most delicious Parmesan cheese tomatoes that are crispy on top, tender underneath, and totally irresistible.
Serve them as a side, snack, or light lunch. However you enjoy them, these air fryer tomatoes with Parmesan are sure to become a favorite!
Here are a few more tasty ways to enjoy Tomatoes in Your Air Fryer! AIR FRYER SUN DRIED TOMATOES, AIR FRYER RICOTTA TOAST WITH ROASTED GARLIC AND TOMATOES, AIR FRYER ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES, AIR FRYER FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, and AIR FRYER TOMATO PIE.
Why You’ll Love Parmesan Cheese Tomatoes
- Ready in 20 minutes
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients
- Crispy, cheesy topping
- Perfect for summer tomatoes
- Great as a snack or side dish
- No oven needed!
Ingredients Needed to Air Fry Tomatoes
This Parmesan cheese tomatoes recipe is simple and delicious, made with just a few ingredients like ripe tomatoes, crunchy breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of herbs. Check out the full list below.
For complete ingredients and quantities, as well as nutritional information, keep scrolling until you reach the bottom, where you will find a printable recipe card.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Go for ripe, firm tomatoes like Roma, Heirloom, Campari, or plum. These varieties hold up well when cooked and bring the best flavor to your Parmesan tomatoes. Fresh is key — skip the canned stuff for this recipe.
- Breadcrumbs: I like using panko or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs — they add a nice crunch when you air fry the tomatoes. Use your favorite kind, just make sure they’re dry and crispy for the best texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: The star of this recipe! Grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds that salty, nutty flavor we all love.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds bold, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and cheese. Garlic powder is a great backup if you don’t have fresh on hand.
- Olive Oil: Just a drizzle brings everything together. It helps the breadcrumb topping stick and adds a touch of richness to the dish.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt and black pepper help bring out the natural flavors of the tomatoes.
- Herbs: A mix of dried basil, parsley, oregano, and dill gives these tomatoes a nice herby flavor that goes great with the cheesy topping.
How to Air Fry Tomatoes
It only takes a few simple steps to air fry these tomatoes to crispy, cheesy perfection. Follow the easy step-by-step instructions below to get started.
Step 1: Mix the topping
In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper until everything’s well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the tomatoes
Slice your tomatoes in half, then spoon the breadcrumb mixture on top of each one, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Air fry
Place the tomatoes in the air fryer and cook at 330 degrees F for 6-10 minutes, until the tops are golden and the tomatoes are tender.
Step 4: Serve
Carefully remove from the air fryer, plate them up, and enjoy while warm!
Air Fryer Parmesan Tomatoes Variations
- Caprese-Style: Add a slice of fresh mozzarella and a basil leaf on top of each tomato half before the Parmesan topping. Air fry until the cheese melts and gets nice and gooey.
- Spicy: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat.
- Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: Once your tomatoes are done, finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Pesto Parmesan: Spread a little pesto over the tomatoes before adding the topping for a fresh basil and nutty flavor combo.
- Mediterranean-Inspired: Add chopped Kalamata olives and a sprinkle of feta before air frying. Finish with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Herby Italian: Mix Italian seasoning or your favorite dried herbs (like thyme and rosemary) into the Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Smoky Twist: Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix for a bold, smoky flavor
- Buffalo-Style: For a spicy version, coat the tomato halves in buffalo sauce before adding cheese and air frying.
- Bacon & Cheddar: Top your tomatoes with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan for a rich, cheesy combo that’s hard to resist.
Parmesan Tomatoes Pro Tips
- Use Firm, Ripe Tomatoes: Softer tomatoes can get too mushy in the air fryer. Look for ones that hold their shape well, like Roma or plum tomatoes.
- Cut Evenly: Slice your tomatoes as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate. Uneven sizes can lead to some being undercooked while others get too soft.
- Don’t Overload the Basket: Air fry in a single layer so the tomatoes cook evenly and the topping gets nice and crispy. Crowding the basket can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Press the Topping Down Gently: After spooning on the breadcrumb mixture, gently press it into the tomato with the back of your spoon. This helps it stay in place during cooking.
- Watch the Time: Start checking around the 6-minute mark. Some air fryers run hotter than others, and you don’t want to burn the topping.
- Line the Air Fryer Basket: Parchment paper liners made for air fryers make cleanup so easy and help catch any melted cheese that might slip off.
- Serve Right Away: These air fried tomatoes are best hot and fresh. If they sit too long, the breadcrumbs can lose their crispness.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with the herbs and spices!
Tomatoes with Parmesan FAQs
There’s no need to peel the tomatoes. The skin actually adds a bit of texture and helps them hold their shape as they cook.
You can skip the olive oil if you want to lighten things up. The topping might not get quite as crispy, but the Parmesan tomatoes will still be super tasty.
These tomatoes are best enjoyed right after cooking, but you can prep the breadcrumb mixture in advance to save time.
To prevent sticking, place a piece of parchment paper or a silicone liner in the basket. Just make sure not to block the airflow so the tomatoes still crisp up nicely.
Yes, absolutely. They won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but you can pop them back in the air fryer at a lower temp for a few minutes until warmed through.
Yes! Roast your tomatoes at 375 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden and slightly crispy on top.
They can be! Just swap the breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety.
These cheesy tomatoes are great as a side dish, appetizer, or topping. Serve them with a dipping sauce, or pair with pasta, salads, sandwiches, or any of these favorites: Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak, Air Fryer Italian Meatloaf, Easy Air Fryer Mini Taco Bowls, and Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken.
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Parmesan Tomatoes in the Air Fryer
Description
Ingredients
- 3 large tomatoes, Cut in half
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, mix the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, basil, parsley, oregano, dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Slice your tomatoes in half, and top with the breadcrumb mixture. Set into the air fryer at 330 degrees F, air fryer sitting for 6 to 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are perfectly roasted.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray, or olive oil spray
- Parchment Paper, optional, or aluminum foil, small baking dish
Notes
- To store leftover Parmesan tomatoes, allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. It’s best to place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between the tomato slices to prevent them from sticking together.
- Store the container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them (see below).
- If you want to freeze Air Fryer Parmesan Tomatoes, it’s essential to flash-freeze them first to prevent clumping. Here’s how:
- Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours or until the tomato slices are frozen solid.
- Once frozen individually, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, ensuring there’s a layer of parchment paper between the slices.
- Label the container or bag with the date for reference.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen or refrigerated Air Fryer Parmesan Tomatoes, it’s best to use the air fryer for optimal crispiness.
- Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the frozen or refrigerated tomato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You don’t need to thaw frozen slices.
- Air fry for 3-5 minutes or until they are heated through and become crispy.
- Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, as reheating times can vary depending on your air fryer and the temperature of the tomatoes.
- Serve immediately, as they’re best enjoyed hot and crispy.
Nutrition
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