Oh, there’s nothing quite like watching the snow fall outside while a pot of something warm and hearty simmers away inside. It just feels like a hug in a bowl, you know? That’s the magic of Amish cooking—it turns simple, humble ingredients into the most comforting food. And let me tell you, making this Air Fryer Amish Snow Day Soup is my new favorite snow-day ritual. It’s got all that cozy, traditional flavor but using the air fryer makes it so incredibly fast and easy. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Amish Snow Day Soup
This soup is everything you want on a chilly day, and here’s why:
- It’s ridiculously easy – Just brown the beef, dump everything in the air fryer, and let it work its magic. No babysitting a pot on the stove!
- That deep, hearty flavor – The combo of beef broth, tomatoes, and all those veggies tastes like it simmered for hours (but we won’t tell anyone it only took 20 minutes).
- Minimal cleanup – One skillet for browning, one air fryer basket, and you’re done. More time for cozy blankets and hot cocoa.
- Flexible ingredients – Out of green beans? Toss in peas. Want it heartier? Add potatoes. This soup forgives (and improves with) improvisation.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Amish Snow Day Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, comforting soup – and trust me, every single ingredient plays an important role in creating that perfect Amish-style flavor:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean works best) – The heartiness of this soup starts here. I like to use slightly fattier beef for extra flavor, but you can drain it well.
- 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium, peeled) – Cut them small so they cook through perfectly in the air fryer.
- 1 cup diced celery (2-3 stalks) – Don’t skip this! It adds that classic soup base flavor.
- 1 cup diced onion (yellow or white) – The secret to building depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because what’s soup without garlic?
- 4 cups beef broth – Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt, but regular gives the best flavor.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Juice and all – it makes the broth so rich.
- 1 cup frozen green beans – No need to thaw, they’ll cook perfectly in the air fryer.
- 1 cup frozen corn – Adds sweetness and texture.
- 1 teaspoon each dried thyme and parsley – The simple herb combo that makes it taste like Grandma’s kitchen.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Wait until the end to adjust – the broth and tomatoes add saltiness already.
How to Make Air Fryer Amish Snow Day Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking! This comes together so fast, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect pot of comfort:
Step 1: Browning the Ground Beef
First things first – grab your favorite skillet and brown that beef over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks until it’s nice and crumbly (no big chunks!). When it’s cooked through, carefully drain off the excess fat – I just tilt the pan and use a spoon to scoop it out. Nobody wants greasy soup!
Step 2: Combining Ingredients in the Air Fryer
Now, preheat that air fryer to 350°F (175°C) while you assemble everything. Transfer your browned beef to the air fryer basket first. Then pile on those fresh veggies – carrots, celery, onion, and garlic first so they get deliciously tender. Pour in the broth and tomatoes next – that liquid is gold! Finally, add your frozen veggies and herbs. Give it all a really good stir – you want every bite to have a bit of everything.
Step 3: Air Frying and Final Adjustments
Pop that basket in and let it cook for 20 minutes total. About halfway through (at the 10-minute mark), pull it out and give it another good stir – this helps everything cook evenly. When the timer goes off, check if your carrots are tender (they should be!) and taste for seasoning. Sometimes I add an extra pinch of salt or pepper at this point. That’s it – soup’s on!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Amish Snow Day Soup
Here are my tried-and-true tricks to make this soup even more amazing:
- Fresh herb magic – Stir in a handful of chopped fresh parsley or thyme right before serving. The bright flavor cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Broth too thin? Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it in, and air fry for 2 more minutes to thicken.
- Don’t skip the stir – That halfway stir is crucial for even cooking. Set a timer so you don’t forget!
- Taste and adjust – Always check seasoning at the end. Sometimes a splash of Worcestershire sauce adds perfect depth.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this soup is how easily you can tweak it based on what’s in your fridge or pantry! Here are my favorite swaps and additions:
- Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want a lighter version – just add an extra teaspoon of herbs for flavor.
- Diced potatoes (about 1 cup) make it extra hearty – add them with the carrots so they cook through.
- Fresh veggies can replace frozen – just chop them small and add a few extra minutes of cooking time if needed.
- Freezer-friendly – This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months! Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Amish Snow Day Soup
Oh, let’s talk about the perfect ways to serve this cozy soup! My absolute must-have is a thick slice of crusty bread – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich broth. If you’re feeling fancy, grill it with a little butter first. For a lighter meal, pair it with a simple side salad of mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heartiness. And on those extra-chilly days? Don’t judge me, but I’ve been known to sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar on top – because why not?
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Amish Snow Day Soup
This soup keeps like a dream! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container – it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days. When reheating, I prefer the stovetop on medium-low (stir occasionally) or the microwave at 50% power in 1-minute bursts. If it thickens up, just splash in a little broth or water while warming. Freezing? Absolutely! Portion it out and it’ll keep for 3 months – thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Air Fryer Amish Snow Day Soup Nutrition Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl (based on 4 servings): About 280 calories, with 20g protein to keep you full, and 4g fiber from all those wholesome veggies. It’s got 800mg sodium (less if you use low-sodium broth) and 12g fat. Remember – these numbers can change if you tweak ingredients (like using turkey instead of beef). But honestly? When it’s this cozy and delicious, who’s counting?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh veggies work beautifully – just chop them small (about the same size as frozen pieces) so they cook evenly. You might need to add 2-3 extra minutes of cooking time if they’re particularly firm.
Q2. My air fryer basket seems crowded – is that okay?
Don’t worry! Soups in the air fryer will fill the basket, but as long as you can stir it comfortably, you’re fine. If it’s overflowing, you can cook in two batches and combine at the end.
Q3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Q4. Why does my soup taste different when reheated?
Like many soups, the flavors deepen overnight! If it tastes too strong, just add a splash of broth when reheating. The thyme and garlic mellow beautifully after sitting.
Q5. Can I double this recipe?
Most air fryers can handle a 1.5x batch, but doubling might be tricky. Better to make two separate batches if you need lots – the cook time stays the same!
Share Your Thoughts
Did this Air Fryer Amish Snow Day Soup warm you up like it does my family? I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Drop your tweaks or favorite cozy pairings below – every bowl tells a story.
Print
20-Minute Air Fryer Amish Snow Day Soup for Ultimate Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty and comforting soup perfect for cold days, made easily in your air fryer. This Amish-inspired recipe combines simple ingredients for a rich, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
- Transfer the beef to the air fryer basket.
- Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the basket.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes.
- Add green beans, corn, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check for seasoning and adjust if needed.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Amish