Step 1

Toss the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and peeled garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 2

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Pour the blended mixture into a pot. Add the remaining broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 7

Stir in the heavy cream (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Let the soup simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Serve the soup hot. Garnish with additional basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.