Air Fryer Salsa
This Air Fryer Salsa is a quick and flavorful twist on a classic, made with roasted tomatoes, tomatillos, and peppers for a smoky, charred flavor.
Using the air fryer gives the ingredients a perfect roast without the hassle of a hot stove or oven.
Fresh garlic, onion, cilantro, and a touch of chicken bouillon bring everything together into a vibrant, zesty salsa. It’s the perfect complement for tacos, chips, or any dish that needs an extra burst of flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Smoky, Roasted Flavor
The air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, tomatillos, and peppers, giving the salsa a deep, smoky flavor that enhances every bite.
Quick and Easy
With just 15 minutes in the air fryer, this salsa comes together effortlessly, saving time while still delivering fresh, bold flavors.
Customizable Heat
The level of spice can be adjusted by adding more or fewer serranos and jalapeños, making it perfect for different tastes.
Fresh and Flavorful
Using fresh ingredients like garlic, cilantro, and onion creates a vibrant, homemade salsa that’s far superior to store-bought options.
Versatile
Whether served with chips, tacos, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables, this salsa is a delicious addition to any meal, adding a burst of brightness and flavor.
Key Ingredients:
Roma Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, they form the base of the salsa with rich, fresh flavor.
Tomatillos – Add a tangy, slightly tart note that balances the richness of the tomatoes.
Serrano and Jalapeños – Provide a spicy kick, with the heat level adjustable based on preference.
Garlic – Roasted for a sweet, mellow flavor that adds depth to the salsa.
White Onion – Adds a mild, savory sweetness to complement the tangy and spicy elements.
Cilantro – A fresh, fragrant herb that brightens and enhances the flavor of the salsa.
Chicken Bouillon – Brings umami and richness to round out the salsa’s flavors.
Air Fryer Salsa
Ingredients:
4 roma tomatoes
2 tomatillos
3 unpeeled cloves of garlic
2 serranos with stems
2 jalapenos with stems
1/2 white onion
Instructions:
Drizzle with olive oil and put in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 15 mins.
After cooking, cut stems off peppers and peel garlic.
Put all together in the blender with 1 tsp of chicken bouillon and 1/2 tsp salt.
I added a half a bunch of cilantro because I love cilantro.
Pulsed the blender until I got the consistency I wanted.
Notes:
Adjusting Heat: For a milder salsa, use fewer jalapeños and serranos or remove the seeds from the peppers before roasting.
Consistency: Blend the salsa to your preferred texture—pulse for a chunkier salsa or blend longer for a smoother consistency.
Roasting Tip: Keep an eye on the vegetables while roasting to ensure they don’t burn, as air fryer models may vary in heat intensity.
Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to add a squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of cumin for extra flavor complexity.
Storage: This salsa keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage—just thaw before serving.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can leave it out or substitute with parsley for a different herbal note.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I adjust the spice level of the salsa?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level of the salsa by adding more or fewer serranos and jalapenos.
If you prefer a milder salsa, you can reduce the amount of these peppers or remove the seeds and membranes before blending.
On the other hand, if you like it spicier, you can increase the number of peppers or include the seeds.
Can I substitute or omit certain ingredients?
Yes, you can customize the recipe based on your preferences. If you don’t have tomatillos, you can omit them or replace them with additional tomatoes.
Similarly, if you don’t have serranos or jalapenos, you can use other types of chili peppers. The white onion can be substituted with a different type of onion if desired.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried bouillon?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs like cilantro to enhance the flavor of the salsa. Adding a half bunch of cilantro, as mentioned in the recipe, will provide a fresh and aromatic taste.
If you prefer, you can experiment with other herbs such as parsley or basil to add your preferred flavors.
How long can I store the salsa?
Air Fryer Salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before transferring it to the container.
Proper storage will help maintain its freshness and flavor.
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can use a regular oven to roast the vegetables.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, follow the same instructions for drizzling with olive oil, and roast the vegetables on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender and slightly charred.
Then proceed with the remaining steps of the recipe.
Can I adjust the cooking time and temperature for the air fryer?
Yes, the cooking time and temperature can be adjusted based on your preference and the desired level of doneness.
If you prefer a softer and more roasted texture, you can increase the cooking time slightly. Similarly, if you want a lighter char or less cooking time, you can reduce the cooking time.
It’s important to monitor the salsa while it’s cooking to achieve the desired results.
Can I use different types of peppers in the salsa?
Absolutely! The recipe suggests using serranos and jalapenos, but you can experiment with other chili peppers to customize the level of spiciness and flavor.
Whether you prefer milder or hotter salsa, you can substitute or combine different types of peppers according to your taste preferences.
Is it necessary to peel the garlic cloves?
Peeling the garlic cloves after cooking in the air fryer is an optional step. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can leave the cloves unpeeled and blend them with the other ingredients.
However, if you want a more subtle garlic taste, you can peel the cloves before adding them to the blender.
Can I omit the chicken bouillon or use a substitute?
If you prefer to make the salsa vegetarian or simply don’t have chicken bouillon on hand, you can omit it from the recipe or use a vegetable bouillon or broth as a substitute.
The chicken bouillon adds some additional flavor, but the salsa will still be delicious without it.
How can I adjust the consistency of the salsa?
The recipe suggests pulsing the blender until you achieve the desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier salsa, pulse the ingredients briefly, leaving some texture.
For a smoother salsa, blend the ingredients for a longer duration.
You can also add a small amount of water or lime juice if you prefer a thinner consistency.