Air-Frying Peppers: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook bell peppers, allowing you to achieve perfectly tender and blistered results with minimal effort. You can use any colour of bell pepper, from red to yellow, orange, and green, and the peppers can be sliced, wedged, or roasted whole. The key to success is tossing the peppers in olive oil and seasoning before placing them in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The result is a delicious, healthy and versatile side dish that can be served with a range of meals, from fajitas to sandwiches and grilled meats.

How to prepare peppers for the air fryer

Preparing peppers for the air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Peppers

Firstly, select your peppers. You can use any colour of bell pepper you like, including red, yellow, orange, or green. Red and yellow peppers tend to be sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly bitter flavour as they are less ripe.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Some air fryers may not require pre-heating, so check your specific model.

Step 3: Prepare the Peppers

Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and stems. You can then cut the peppers in half, or slice them into strips or wedges. For even cooking, try to make the pepper pieces a similar size, around 1/2-inch thick.

Step 4: Season the Peppers

Place the cut peppers into a large bowl and add olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat. Toss the peppers until they are well coated with oil and seasoning.

Step 5: Cook the Peppers

Place the seasoned peppers into the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for around 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The peppers are done when they are tender and slightly charred on the outside.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Air fryer peppers are now ready to be served! They make a great side dish or snack and can be paired with grilled meats, tacos, fajitas, burgers, or sandwiches. Enjoy!

How long to cook peppers in the air fryer

Air fryer peppers are a great, healthy and tasty snack or side dish. The time it takes to cook peppers in an air fryer depends on various factors, including the size of the peppers, the temperature, and the wattage of the air fryer.

For example, larger peppers will take longer to cook than smaller ones, and cooking at a lower temperature will increase the cooking time. It is also important to ensure that all peppers are cut to a similar size so that they cook evenly.

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 400°F, although some suggest 350°F or 380°F. The cooking time varies from 7 to 15 minutes, with some recipes suggesting cooking for 12 minutes, and others recommending checking the peppers after 8 minutes. It is also important to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure the peppers cook evenly.

The peppers are done when they are tender and slightly charred on the outside. The charring adds a wonderful smokey flavor to the peppers.

How to serve air-fried peppers

Air-fried peppers are a tasty and healthy treat that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried peppers make a great side dish for grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or sausage. They also pair well with Mexican dishes like fajitas, burrito bowls, and tacos. You can also serve them with sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for some added texture and flavour.

In a Stir Fry

Air-fried peppers are an excellent addition to a stir fry. They can be tossed into a vegetable stir fry or used as a topping for rice or noodle-based dishes.

As a Snack

These peppers can be enjoyed as a low-carb, nutritious snack on their own or with your favourite dip. They are a great alternative to tortilla chips, providing a healthy and tasty option for dipping.

In Main Courses

Air-fried peppers can be added to various main courses, such as pasta dishes, shrimp fra diavolo, or cheesesteak sandwiches. They also go well with proteins like Italian sausage, shrimp, or chicken.

In Salads or Wraps

The peppers can be sliced and added to salads or used as a filling for wraps, providing a burst of colour and flavour.

With Other Vegetables

Air-fried peppers can be served with other vegetables, such as onions, to create a tasty and healthy side dish. They can also be added to roasted vegetable dishes or used in vegetarian paella.

The health benefits of air-fried peppers

Air fryers have become increasingly popular due to their ability to create healthier fried foods by using less oil. This method of cooking can be applied to a variety of foods, including peppers.

Weight Loss

Air-fried peppers can be a great way to promote weight loss. By reducing the amount of oil used in the cooking process, air fryers lower the calorie intake of the food. This is beneficial as a higher intake of fried foods is directly linked to a higher risk of obesity.

Cardiovascular Health

The use of an air fryer can also have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that the consumption of large amounts of vegetable oil can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and higher rates of inflammation. By reducing the amount of oil used, air fryers can help to lower these risks.

Cancer Prevention

Air fryers can also reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Frying foods in oil can lead to the formation of acrylamide, a compound that has been linked to various types of cancer, including endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, breast, and oesophageal cancer. By switching to air frying, you can lower the presence of acrylamides and other harmful compounds in your food.

Digestive Benefits

Additionally, air-fried peppers can provide digestive benefits. Peppers are a good source of capsaicin, which acts as an anti-irritant and can aid in healing an upset stomach, reducing intestinal gas, and curing diarrhea. Capsaicin also helps to produce saliva and stimulate gastric juices, further aiding in digestion.

Nutritional Value

Air-fried peppers retain their nutritional value even after the cooking process. Peppers are a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and are low in calories and high in fiber. This makes them a healthy addition to any meal.

Versatility

Air-fried peppers are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. They can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or paired with dips such as Keto Bacon Cheddar Dip. They also make a great side dish and can be served with grilled meats, tacos, fajitas, burrito bowls, or added to dishes like paella and pasta.

In conclusion, air-fried peppers offer a range of health benefits, from weight loss promotion to cancer risk reduction. They are a delicious and versatile way to incorporate more vegetables into your daily diet while also reaping the nutritional benefits that peppers have to offer.

Reheating and storing air-fried peppers

Reheating Air-Fried Peppers

The best way to reheat air-fried peppers is in an oven, as this method helps retain the texture, flavour, and crispiness of the peppers. Preheat the oven to 350-375°F. Place the peppers on a baking sheet, facing upside down, without stacking them. Cover with a lid or aluminium foil and bake for 15-25 minutes. You can also use a microwave, stovetop, or air fryer to reheat the peppers.

If using a microwave, place the peppers in a microwave-safe bowl or plate and cover with a lid or damp kitchen towel. Microwave for two minutes and then reheat in 30-second intervals until the peppers are warm.

For a stovetop, place a deep skillet on medium heat and add water to cover the bottom of the pan by about one inch. Place a trivet or steamer inside, bring the water to a boil, and then place the peppers inside and cover. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes.

An air fryer can also be used to reheat peppers, but only if the peppers are moist, as dry peppers may become dried out. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and place the peppers inside, facing upside down, in a single layer. Cook for 10-15 minutes.

Storing Air-Fried Peppers

Leftover air-fried peppers can be stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you wish to store them for longer, place the container in the freezer, where they will keep for up to three months.

Frequently asked questions