Objective This study employs ultrasonic technology to assist the extraction of lycopene from tomato paste using sunflower seed oil aiming to optimize the extraction process parameters and enhance the antioxidant properties of lycopene-enriched sunflower seed oil. Methods Single-factor experiments and response surface optimization experimental design methods were adopted. By adjusting extraction process parameters such as the type of oil ultrasound time ultrasound temperature ultrasound power and material-to-liquid ratio the optimal extraction conditions for lycopene were determined. The effectiveness of the extraction process was evaluated by measuring the extraction rate of lycopene the lipid acid value and peroxide value. Results Under the optimal process conditions liquid-to-material ratio of 4. 3 mL / g ultrasonic power of 410 W ultrasonic temperature of 43 ℃ and ultrasonic time of 53 min the extraction rate of lycopene was 0. 263 2 mg / g which was consistent with the predicted value of the established model. The obtained sunflower seed oil containing lycopene has significantly enhanced antioxidant performance. Conclusion Lycopene has a certain protective effect on sunflower seed oil and can delay the increasing trend of the acid value and peroxide value of oils. This study confirms that ultrasound-assisted extraction of lycopene by sunflower seed oil not only improves the extraction rate of lycopene but also significantly enhances the antioxidant performance of sunflower seed oil which is of great significance to the food industry.