Air Fryer Salsa is a vibrant homemade delight sure to bring a zesty kick to your snack time! You’ll roast tomatoes directly in the air fryer with jalapenos and garlic, then pair them with fresh cilantro and more to create the perfect blend of charred, smoky goodness and fresh, zingy ingredients.
Air Fryer Salsa
In this air fryer salsa recipe, we take the freshest tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a mix of aromatic herbs and spices and give them a quick roast in the air fryer. This method intensifies their natural flavors and adds a delightful smokiness you’ll absolutely love.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for the perfect companion for your AIR FRYER TORTILLA CHIPS, or just in the mood for a zesty dip, making salsa in air fryer is the answer. It’s quick, it’s easy, and oh-so-delicious!
This is such a great and easy appetizer for game day, the holidays, birthdays, or any backyard party. You can also use your salsa to top tacos, burritos, sandwiches, salads… the possibilities are endless for roasted salsa in the air fryer!
Looking for more Air Fryer Appetizers? Some of my favorites include AIR FRYER BUFFALO WINGS, AIR FRYER PARMESAN WINGS, AIR FRYER LOADED POTATO SKINS, AIR FRYER JALAPENO POPPER EGG ROLLS, and AIR FRYER BANG BANG CAULIFLOWER!
Why You’ll Love Making Salsa in Air Fryer
- Full of fresh flavor
- So much better than store-bought
- Perfect texture
- Customizable
- Fuss-free and quick
- Easy cleanup
- So delicious!
Ingredients Needed for Roasted Salsa in Air Fryer
Air fryer salsa is packed with fresh ingredients. Each one is crucial for creating a salsa that’s bursting with flavor, depth, and that perfect smoky touch I mentioned!
For complete ingredients and quantities, as well as the nutritional information, keep on scrolling until you get to the bottom with a printable recipe card.
- Fresh Tomatoes: The juicy, tangy base of this recipe! When air fried, their sweetness and flavors intensify too.
- Red Onions: These become wonderfully caramelized in the air fryer which adds richness and depth to the salsa. You can also use a white onion instead.
- Garlic: A few garlic cloves will infuse your salsa with a warm, pungent kick!
- Jalapeños or Green Chilies: These peppers add a spicy kick, and air frying them brings out a subtle smokiness. SO good.
- Lime Juice: A splash of lime cuts through the richness and adds a bright citrusy note that balances out the other flavors.
- Seasonings: Nothing too fancy here — salt and pepper to taste, plus some fresh cilantro. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of warm and earthy cumin too.
- Tortilla Chips: For serving.
How to Make Air Fryer Roasted Salsa
Making salsa in air fryer is a fantastic way to bring out the rich flavors in your ingredients — and it’s surprisingly easy! Below you’ll find our step-by-step to making delicious air fryer salsa.
Step 1: Recipe prep
Start by washing your tomatoes and jalapenos. Then, halve the tomatoes, quarter your onion, and if you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the spicy peppers.
When you’re done, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees.
Step 2: Air fry the vegetables
Place the tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, and garlic cloves in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are nicely charred and roasted. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time.
Step 3: Cool & peel
Once roasted, let the vegetables cool down to room temperature. If you want a smoother roasted salsa air fryer recipe, you can peel the tomatoes and jalapenos. Otherwise, leave the skins on.
Step 4: Blend
Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add the fresh lime juice, cilantro, and seasonings and pulse until you get your desired consistency.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your salsa and adjust the salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. If it’s too spicy, add more tomato to cool it down. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator, and enjoy!
Salsa Air Fryer Recipe Variations
- Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet, tropical twist. The sweetness of the fruit contrasts beautifully with the spicy and savory elements.
- Include roasted corn kernels for a smoky, sweet crunch. It adds a delightful sweetness and texture and gives the salsa an extra layer of complexity.
- Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy kick with a deep, smoky heat that’s unmistakably rich and bold.
- Mix in cooked black beans after air frying the other ingredients. Beans add heartiness and a creamy texture, making the salsa more substantial and filling.
- Gently fold in diced avocado after blending the roasted ingredients. The creamy avocado brings a rich and smooth contrast to the tangy and spicy salsa.
- Use a variety of red peppers, like bell peppers and red jalapeno peppers, for a vibrant red salsa. It’s visually appealing and boasts a different sweetness and heat than green peppers.
- Add extra cloves of garlic for a more pronounced flavor that garlic lovers will adore.
- Incorporate ingredients like olives, feta cheese, and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
- Use habanero or serrano peppers for a much hotter version. Extremely spicy yet flavorful, ideal for those who love a fiery kick.
Air Fryer Salsa Pro Tips
- Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Roma tomatoes, or plum tomatoes, are great for salsa as they have fewer seeds and a meatier texture.
- Roasting 101: Make sure to spread the tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers in a single layer for even roasting — different vegetables may roast at different rates. Keep an eye on them and remove any ingredients that are done before the others. You can tell the vegetables are being roasted when you see little specs on the blackened veggies.
- Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more authentic flavor.
- Don’t be Afraid to Taste Test: After blending your salsa, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes, a little extra salt or a squeeze of lime can make all the difference.
- Adding Freshness: Add cilantro or other fresh herbs after blending to maintain their fresh flavor and color.
- Pulse the ingredients to your desired consistency. Less for chunky salsa, more for a smoother texture.
- Let the Flavors Meld: If time allows, let your air fryer roasted salsa sit in the refrigerator for an hour or so to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Storage: Keep leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It usually stays fresh for up to a week.
Salsa in Air Fryer FAQs
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. However, the flavor profile might slightly differ, and the roasting time in the air fryer may need adjustment.
As mentioned, my salsa air fryer recipe typically lasts 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can freeze it, but be aware the texture might change slightly upon thawing. It’s best used within 2-3 months — let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Nope! Peeling is optional and depends on your texture preference. Removing the skin can create a smoother salsa, but leaving them on offers more fiber and nutrients. Do whatever suits your needs best.
Yes, you can roast the ingredients in a conventional oven. However, the process may take longer, and the flavor might differ slightly.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with ingredients like corn, black beans, mango, pineapple, or different herbs for unique flavor variations. Refer to the recipe variations section above for specific recommendations.
If your salsa is too watery, strain out some liquid after blending or add more solid ingredients like roasted vegetables.
Yes, you can scale up the recipe for larger quantities. Just ensure you roast the vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding in the air fryer.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
- INSTANT POT PINTO BEANS
- AIR FRYER MEXICAN CORN DIP
- AIR FRYER FAVORITE TORTILLA CHIPS
- AIR FRYER SALSA VERDE
- INSTANT POT MEXICAN RICE
- AIR FRYER TOMATILLO SALSA
- AIR FRYER MEXICAN STREET CORN
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Air Fryer Salsa
Description
Ingredients
- 4-6 large Roma tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1/2 cup cilantro, fresh
- 2 Jalapeno Peppers, Cut in half and seeds removed
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced in 4 pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 3-4 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Start by washing your tomatoes, jalapeños, and onion. Halve the tomatoes, quarter the onion, and if you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeños.
- Preheat your air fryer to around 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, and garlic cloves in the air fryer basket. You can lightly drizzle them with olive oil, though it's not necessary
- Set cooking time for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are nicely charred and roasted. Shake the basket or turn the vegetables halfway through cooking process to ensure even roasting.
- Once roasted, let the vegetables cool down to room temperature. You can peel the tomatoes and jalapeños for a smoother salsa, but this step is optional and depends on your texture preference.
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or the bowl of a food processor. Add the fresh lime juice, cilantro, salt, pepper, and cumin (if using).
- Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. For a chunkier salsa, pulse fewer times; for a smoother salsa, blend more.
- Taste your salsa and adjust the salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. If it's too spicy, add more tomato to cool it down.
- Your air fryer salsa is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with chips, over tacos, or as a garnish for other dishes.
- If not serving immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically stays fresh for up to a week.
Equipment
- Food Processsor
Nutrition
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