Toss the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and peeled garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Place the prepared vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry for 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are roasted and slightly charred. This process brings out a deeper, sweeter flavor in the tomatoes and a rich caramelization in the onions and garlic.
Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender. Add the granulated sugar, chopped basil, and a portion of the broth. Blend until smooth. For a chunkier soup, pulse the blender several times to reach your desired consistency.
Pour the blended mixture into a pot. Add the remaining broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the heavy cream (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Let the soup simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve the soup hot. Garnish with additional basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.