Can You Cook Soup in an Air Fryer Discover the Surprising Answer

Yes, you can cook soup in an air fryer, but it requires the right setup—use an oven-safe or silicone container that fits inside the basket to prevent spills and ensure even heating. While not ideal for all soup types, especially those needing long, slow simmering, the air fryer excels at quickly heating small batches or finishing dishes like creamy chowders with a rich, concentrated flavor.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook soup in an air fryer with the right container.
• Use oven-safe bowls to prevent spills and ensure even cooking.
• Stir frequently for consistent heat distribution and better results.
• Preheat the air fryer to maintain steady temperatures for simmering.
• Opt for thick soups like chowders, which adapt better to air frying.
• Limit liquid volume to avoid overflow and ensure proper consistency.

Can You Cook Soup in an Air Fryer? Discover the Surprising Answer

Let’s face it—air fryers have taken over our kitchens. From crispy fries to golden chicken wings, these compact countertop appliances promise fast, oil-free cooking with minimal cleanup. But one question keeps popping up in kitchen forums, social media groups, and even my own family group chat: can you cook soup in an air fryer? At first glance, it seems impossible. After all, air fryers use hot, circulating air to cook food, not simmering liquids. Yet, as someone who’s tested over 30 air fryer recipes in the past two years, I was curious. Could this little machine actually pull off something as liquid-heavy and time-sensitive as soup?

So I did what any food-obsessed experimenter would do: I tried it. I started simple—chicken noodle soup—and quickly learned that while air fryers aren’t designed for traditional stovetop-style soup cooking, there’s more to the story than a simple “no.” In fact, with the right techniques, tools, and expectations, you can make certain types of soup in your air fryer. It’s not magic, but it’s close. Whether you’re short on stove space, camping with limited tools, or just love pushing the limits of your kitchen gadgets, this post will walk you through the truth, the tricks, and the tasty results of cooking soup in an air fryer.

How Air Fryers Work—And Why Soup Seems Like a No-Go

The Science Behind Air Frying

To understand whether you can cook soup in an air fryer, it helps to know how these devices actually work. Unlike slow cookers or stovetops, air fryers don’t use direct heat or water-based conduction. Instead, they rely on a high-speed fan and a heating element to circulate hot air (typically between 300°F and 400°F) around food. This rapid airflow creates a crispy, browned exterior—think of it like a mini convection oven with turbo power.

The key here is airflow. The fan pulls air from the bottom, heats it, and blasts it upward through the food basket. This process excels at drying and browning, which is why air fryers are perfect for fries, chicken tenders, and roasted veggies. But soup? That’s a liquid-heavy, moisture-retaining dish that thrives on gentle, even heat—not aggressive airflow.

Why Traditional Soup Cooking Doesn’t Translate

When you make soup on the stove, you’re relying on conduction: heat travels from the pot’s bottom through the liquid, slowly bringing ingredients to a simmer. This allows flavors to meld, proteins to tenderize, and starches (like rice or potatoes) to absorb liquid evenly. Air fryers, however, don’t provide that kind of even, low-and-slow heating. Instead, they can create hot spots, uneven cooking, and—worst of all—rapid evaporation.

Imagine pouring a quart of soup into an air fryer basket. The hot air would hit the surface, evaporating moisture quickly, potentially burning the top layer while the center stays lukewarm. Plus, most air fryer baskets have holes—great for air circulation, terrible for containing liquids. A few tablespoons of broth might leak out, making a mess and reducing your soup volume fast.

But Wait—There’s a Workaround

Here’s the twist: air fryers can cook soup—but not in the way you’re used to. You can’t just dump ingredients into the basket and press “soup mode.” Instead, you need to use a heat-safe, air-fryer-friendly container placed inside the basket. Think of it like using a Dutch oven in a regular oven. The air fryer heats the air around the container, which then gently warms the soup inside. It’s indirect cooking, not direct.

This method works best with small batches (1–2 servings) and shorter cook times. You’re not making a 6-quart pot of minestrone, but you can make a quick, flavorful tomato soup or a hearty bean stew in under 30 minutes. And surprisingly, the results can be delicious—especially when you use the air fryer to enhance texture, like crisping the top of a broccoli cheddar soup.

What Types of Soup Actually Work in an Air Fryer?

Best Candidates: Small, Dense, and Flavor-Forward

Not all soups are created equal when it comes to air fryer compatibility. The best ones are those that:

• Have a thick, creamy base (less prone to splattering)
• Contain ingredients that benefit from gentle reheating or slow cooking
• Are made in small batches (1–2 cups)
• Can be pre-cooked or partially prepared (e.g., sautéed veggies, pre-cooked beans)

Top-performing soup types:

• Creamy soups: Tomato bisque, butternut squash, broccoli cheddar. The thick texture holds up well, and the air fryer can gently reheat or finish them without curdling.
• Bean and lentil soups: Split pea, lentil, or white bean soup. These are hearty and benefit from slow, even heating. Pre-cook the base, then finish in the air fryer.
• Pre-made or leftover soups: Reheating soup in an air fryer is faster than the microwave and better than the stovetop if you’re short on time.
• “Baked” soups: Think French onion soup with a toasted baguette and melted cheese on top. The air fryer can crisp the bread and melt the cheese beautifully.

Soups That Don’t Work (And Why)

Some soups are a hard pass. Here’s what to avoid:

• Broth-based soups with large ingredients: Think chicken noodle with big chunks of chicken, carrots, and celery. The noodles will overcook or dry out, and the broth can evaporate too fast.
• Large-volume soups: Anything over 2 cups risks uneven heating and overflow.
• Soups with delicate proteins: Poached fish, soft tofu, or shrimp can dry out or fall apart in the intense airflow.
• Uncooked rice or pasta soups: Starches need time to absorb liquid and cook evenly—air fryers aren’t ideal for this.

Real-World Example: My Air Fryer Tomato Soup Experiment

To test this, I made a classic tomato soup using canned crushed tomatoes, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and cream. I sautéed the onions and garlic on the stove, then combined everything in a heat-safe glass bowl (Pyrex, 2-cup capacity). I placed the bowl inside the air fryer basket, covered it loosely with foil (to reduce splatter), and set the air fryer to 350°F for 20 minutes.

Result? The soup heated evenly, the flavors melded beautifully, and the top layer developed a subtle skin—like a slow-simmered soup. I stirred in cream at the end and served it with a grilled cheese. Total time: 25 minutes. Not as fast as the microwave, but far more satisfying. And no stovetop cleanup!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Soup in an Air Fryer

Step 1: Choose the Right Container

This is the most important step. You need a container that’s:

• Heat-safe: Oven-safe glass (like Pyrex), ceramic, or silicone (rated for high temps).
• Fits in your air fryer basket: Measure your basket’s interior and choose a container that leaves at least 1 inch of space around the sides for airflow.
• Not too deep: Shallow bowls heat faster and more evenly. A 1.5–2 cup capacity is ideal.

Pro tip: I keep a set of small glass ramekins (4 oz and 8 oz) just for air fryer soups. They’re perfect for single servings and fit in most baskets.

Step 2: Pre-Cook or Prep Your Ingredients

Since air fryers aren’t great at cooking raw ingredients from scratch, do the prep work first:

• Sauté onions, garlic, or veggies on the stove or in the air fryer (using a liner or tray).
• Cook beans, lentils, or rice separately.
• Use canned or frozen veggies to save time.

For example, if making a lentil soup, cook the lentils on the stove until tender, then combine with broth and seasonings in the container before air frying.

Step 3: Assemble and Cover (Loosely)

Pour your soup mixture into the container. If the soup is thin, reduce the liquid slightly (by 10–15%) to account for evaporation. Then, cover the container loosely with aluminum foil. This:

• Reduces splatter
• Slows evaporation
• Allows some steam to escape (preventing sogginess)

Don’t seal it tightly—pressure can build, and you don’t want a soup explosion.

Step 4: Air Fry with the Right Settings

General guidelines:

• Temperature: 325°F–350°F (lower for delicate soups, higher for hearty stews)
• Time: 15–25 minutes (check at 15 minutes)
• Stir halfway: If possible, pause and stir to ensure even heating. Use oven mitts—the container will be hot!

For creamy soups, stir in dairy (cream, milk, yogurt) at the end to prevent curdling.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Air fryer soups are best enjoyed right away. The container stays hot, so serve directly from it (with a trivet!). Leftovers can be stored, but reheat them gently on the stovetop to preserve texture.

Creative Air Fryer Soup Ideas (With Recipes)

1. Air Fryer French Onion Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pre-cooked caramelized onions (sautéed on stove)
• 1.5 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small baguette slice, toasted
• 1/4 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Method:

• Combine onions, broth, and Worcestershire in a 2-cup oven-safe bowl. Cover with foil.
• Air fry at 350°F for 15 minutes.
• Remove foil, top with bread and cheese. Air fry 5 more minutes (uncovered) until cheese bubbles.

Result: Crispy, cheesy, and deeply flavorful—perfect for a cozy night in.

2. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup steamed broccoli (chopped)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (add at end)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper

Method:

• Combine broccoli, broth, cheese, and seasonings in bowl. Cover with foil.
• Air fry at 325°F for 20 minutes.
• Stir in cream, serve.

Tip: For extra crispiness, top with a sprinkle of cheddar and air fry 3 more minutes (uncovered).

3. Lentil & Vegetable Soup (Pre-Cooked Base)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked green lentils
• 1/2 cup diced carrots, celery, onion (pre-cooked)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp cumin, paprika, salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (add at end)

Method:

• Combine all ingredients (except lemon) in bowl. Cover with foil.
• Air fry at 350°F for 25 minutes.
• Stir in lemon juice before serving.

This one reheats beautifully the next day!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Container

I once tried a plastic container—don’t do it. It warped and nearly melted. Only use oven-safe materials. Silicone molds are great for individual portions, but make sure they’re rated for 400°F+.

Mistake #2: Overfilling or Underfilling

Too much soup? It boils over. Too little? It dries out. Stick to 2/3 full max. For a 2-cup bowl, use 1.5 cups of soup.

Mistake #3: Skipping the Foil

Foil isn’t optional. It prevents splatter and controls evaporation. But don’t seal it—leave a small gap for steam to escape.

Mistake #4: High Heat, Long Time

Air fryers heat fast. Start low (325°F) and check early. Creamy soups can separate at high temps. Hearty soups can burn on top.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to Stir

If your soup has ingredients that settle (like lentils or veggies), stir halfway. This ensures even cooking and prevents scorching.

Data: Air Fryer Soup Performance Comparison

To help you decide if air fryer soup is worth the effort, here’s a quick comparison of cooking methods for a 2-cup creamy tomato soup:

Method	Cook Time	Cleanup	Texture	Best For
Air Fryer (with container)	20–25 min	Easy (1 bowl, 1 basket)	Creamy with slight skin	Small batches, reheating, crispy toppings
Stovetop	30–40 min	Moderate (pot, utensils)	Even, smooth	Large batches, slow cooking
Microwave	3–5 min	Very easy	Uneven, sometimes watery	Quick reheats
Slow Cooker	4–6 hours	Moderate	Rich, deep flavor	Hands-off cooking

As you can see, air frying isn’t the fastest or most hands-off, but it offers a unique balance of speed, texture, and cleanup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or solo meals.

The Verdict: Yes, You Can Cook Soup in an Air Fryer—With a Caveat

So, can you cook soup in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding “yes”—but with conditions. You can’t replicate a 4-hour beef stew, and you shouldn’t try to make a giant pot of chicken noodle soup. But for small, flavorful, creamy, or reheated soups, the air fryer is a surprisingly effective tool.

Think of it as a supplement to your soup-making toolkit, not a replacement. It’s perfect for:

• Reheating leftovers without the microwave mush
• Cooking single servings when you don’t want to dirty a pot
• Adding a crispy, golden top to baked-style soups
• Using when your stovetop is full (hello, holiday cooking!)

And the best part? It’s fun. There’s something satisfying about pulling a bubbling, golden-topped soup out of your air fryer and knowing you hacked the system. Just remember the golden rules: use a heat-safe container, pre-cook dense ingredients, keep it small, and cover loosely.

Next time you’re craving soup but don’t want to stand over a pot, give the air fryer a shot. You might just discover a new favorite kitchen hack. After all, cooking isn’t about following rules—it’s about experimenting, adapting, and enjoying the results. And who knows? Your next air fryer soup could be the one that surprises even you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook soup in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook soup in an air fryer, but it requires using an oven-safe container or silicone pot. The air fryer circulates hot air to gently simmer or reheat soups, though it’s not ideal for large batches.

What types of soup work best in an air fryer?

Thin, brothy soups like chicken noodle or vegetable soup reheat well in an air fryer. Thicker soups (e.g., chowders) may cook unevenly unless stirred frequently.

How do I cook soup in an air fryer without making a mess?

Use a deep, air fryer-safe container with a lid or foil to prevent splatters. Leave some space at the top to avoid boiling over during cooking.

Can you cook soup in an air fryer from scratch, or only reheat it?

You can cook soup from scratch, but it’s slower than stovetop cooking. Pre-chop ingredients and set the air fryer to 300°F–350°F for 15–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

What’s the best air fryer setting for soup?

Use the “Air Fry” or “Bake” setting at 300°F–350°F for even heating. Lower temperatures prevent scorching, especially for dairy-based soups.

Are there any soups I shouldn’t cook in an air fryer?

Avoid soups with delicate ingredients (e.g., seafood, leafy greens) that overcook quickly. Also, skip carbonated or foamy liquids that might bubble over.