Air-Fryer Roasted Bell Peppers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Roasted bell peppers are a delicious and versatile treat, and they're even better when cooked in an air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy perfectly charred, smoky, and sweet peppers as a side dish, in salads, sandwiches, or even as a healthy snack with your favourite dip. The air fryer method is quicker than roasting in an oven and creates delicious results.

How long to roast bell peppers in an air fryer

Roasting bell peppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this tasty, healthy treat. It's also a great way to incorporate more veggies into your daily diet.

To roast bell peppers in an air fryer, first, cut the peppers in half, removing the stem and seeds. Cut each half in half again lengthwise. Place the pepper pieces in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like your peppers spicy, you can add some cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.

Next, put the bell peppers in the air fryer basket. If you're cooking multiple peppers, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer to ensure proper cooking. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the peppers for 12-13 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Once the peppers are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. You can then serve them as a side dish or with your favorite dip. Roasted bell peppers also go well with grilled meats, tacos, fajitas, salads, and sandwiches.

The cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of the peppers, so be sure to keep an eye on them while they're cooking to avoid overcooking.

How to prepare bell peppers for roasting in an air fryer

Preparing bell peppers for roasting in an air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, wash your peppers and dry them with a cloth or paper towel. You can use any colour of bell pepper, but red peppers are the sweetest, followed by orange and yellow, and green bell peppers have a more grassy flavour.

Next, use a sharp knife to cut the pepper in half, removing the stem and seeds. If you want to roast the peppers whole, you can skip this step, but it is easier to trim and remove the seeds before cooking.

Then, brush the peppers with olive oil on both sides, and add a pinch of salt to the non-skin side. You can also add some crushed garlic and chopped herbs like basil and oregano for extra flavour.

Place the peppers, skin side up, in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. If you want to add some sliced onions or Italian sausage, you can do so now.

Cook the peppers at 200°C for 10-30 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. Check on them after 10 minutes and give them a turn to ensure even cooking. You will know they are done when they have slightly charred edges.

Remove the peppers from the air fryer and let them cool. Once cool, you can carefully remove the skins under running water, or by placing them in a paper bag to steam for a few minutes.

Your roasted bell peppers are now ready to be enjoyed!

How to serve roasted bell peppers

Roasted bell peppers are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

In Salads

Roasted bell peppers make a great addition to salads, providing a burst of colour and flavour. Chop them up and add them to a fresh salad, such as a shopska salad or a Moroccan tomato and roasted bell pepper salad. They also go well with pasta-based salads, like an Italian-style pasta salad or a Mediterranean orzo salad.

Sandwiches, Wraps, and Appetisers

Roasted bell peppers are an excellent topping or ingredient for sandwiches, wraps, and appetisers. Slice or chop them into smaller pieces and add them to your favourite sandwich or wrap. You can even use them to stuff salmon! For an easy appetiser, arrange the sliced peppers on a platter with some burrata or mozzarella, fresh minced garlic, and your choice of seasonings. Don't forget to serve it with a side of rustic bread!

As a Side Dish

Roasted bell peppers can be served as a healthy and tasty side dish. Drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. They pair well with grilled meats, such as chicken or sausage.

In Pasta Dishes

Add roasted bell peppers to your favourite pasta dish for a boost of flavour and colour. They go particularly well with shrimp fra diavolo or homemade tomato sauce. You can also blend them into a sauce, such as hummus, pesto, or romesco sauce, to create a unique and tasty dish.

On Pizzas

Roasted red peppers are a key ingredient in many veggie pizza recipes. Try adding them to your favourite pizza combination for a sweet and smoky flavour.

With Eggs

Roasted bell peppers are a tasty addition to scrambled eggs, omelettes, or frittatas. Their silky texture and sweet flavour will elevate your breakfast or brunch.

In Soups

Roasted red peppers are perfect for adding depth of flavour to soups. Try making a roasted red pepper soup, or experiment with adding them to your favourite soup recipe.

On Crostini

For a simple and elegant appetiser, top some crostini with roasted red peppers, soft goat cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprig of fresh basil. Your guests will love it!

What to serve with roasted bell peppers

Roasted bell peppers are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with roasted bell peppers:

Salads

Roasted bell peppers make a great addition to salads, providing a burst of colour and flavour. They can be chopped up and added to green salads or used in pasta-based salads. For a Mediterranean twist, try adding them to a shopska salad or a Moroccan tomato and roasted bell pepper salad.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Sliced or chopped roasted bell peppers are a tasty addition to sandwiches, wraps, and rolls. They can also be used as a filling for salmon or other proteins.

Appetizers

Roasted bell peppers can be served as an appetizer on their own or as part of a mezze spread or cheese board. For an indulgent touch, add some fresh burrata and crusty bread.

Pizzas

Roasted red peppers are a key ingredient in veggie pizza recipes.

Eggs

Add roasted bell peppers to scrambled eggs, an omelette, or a frittata for a burst of colour and flavour.

Soups

Roasted red pepper soup is a delicious and comforting option. You can also add roasted bell peppers to other soups for extra flavour and texture.

Dips and Sauces

Blend roasted bell peppers into hummus, pesto, romesco sauce, or tangy muhammara. They can also be used as a topping for crostini with goat cheese and basil.

Burrito Bowls and Tacos

Roasted bell peppers are a perfect addition to burrito bowls and tacos. They add a burst of flavour and colour to your meal.

Pasta

Roasted bell peppers pair well with pasta dishes, such as shrimp fra diavolo or homemade tomato sauce. They can also be blitzed into a pasta sauce for an extra kick of flavour.

Meat Dishes

Roasted bell peppers make an excellent side dish for grilled meats, such as chicken or sausage. They can also be added to meatloaf for a subtle flavour and pop of colour.

How to store roasted bell peppers

Roasted bell peppers can be stored in the refrigerator, freezer, or canned. Here are some ways to store roasted bell peppers:

Refrigerator

Homemade roast peppers can be stored in an airtight container or a bowl covered with compostable plastic wrap in the refrigerator. They will last 4-5 days if stored this way.

Marinated in Olive Oil

Roasted bell peppers can be marinated in a jar with extra virgin olive oil. This will extend the life of the peppers to up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option for long-term storage. Peppers can be frozen in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Canning

Canning is another way to preserve roasted bell peppers. They can be stored in a jar with a pinch of salt, vinegar, and pepper juices. This will keep the peppers fresh for up to 2 months.

Pickling

Pickling is a method to preserve roasted bell peppers for up to 1 year. The peppers are placed in a jar with vinegar, garlic, and salt.

Frequently asked questions