Roasting Poblano Peppers In An Air Fryer: Easy And Quick!

Roasting poblano peppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add a smoky, earthy flavor to your dishes. Not only does it take minimal prep and clean-up, but it also produces evenly roasted peppers that are easy to peel.

Poblano peppers are a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine, known for their rich and earthy flavors. Roasting them in an air fryer is a convenient alternative to using a stove or oven, and they char up beautifully in under 20 minutes.

So, can you roast poblano peppers in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes!

How to prepare poblano peppers for roasting

Poblano peppers are a mild green pepper that is popular in Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. Roasting them is a great way to bring out their flavour, soften the pepper, and make it easier to remove the tough outer skin. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare poblano peppers for roasting:

Step 1: Wash the Peppers

Give the poblano peppers a good wash under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue.

Step 2: Dry the Peppers

Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to pat the peppers dry.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F. You can also use an oven or grill and preheat to the same temperature.

Step 4: Place Peppers in the Air Fryer

Arrange the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to roast them in batches.

Step 5: Roast the Peppers

Cook the peppers for 10-15 minutes. Use tongs to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting. The peppers are done when the skin is charred and blistered.

Step 6: Rest the Peppers

Once the peppers are nicely charred, either turn off the air fryer and let them rest inside for 10 minutes, or transfer them to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or a kitchen towel. This allows the peppers to steam, making it easier to remove the skin.

Step 7: Peel the Peppers

After the peppers have rested and are cool enough to handle, use your fingers to gently rub off the skins. If there are any stubborn spots, use a paper towel or the dull side of a knife to help scrape off the skin.

Step 8: Remove the Seeds and Stems

Slice the peppers lengthwise and remove the stems, seeds, and veins. Your roasted poblano peppers are now ready to be used in your favourite recipes!

How long to roast poblano peppers in an air fryer

Roasting poblano peppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add a delicious smoky flavour to your dishes. The process typically takes around 15-20 minutes, but the timing may vary depending on the desired level of roasting and the size and thickness of the peppers.

• Wash the poblano peppers and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any extra moisture.
• Cut off the stems and slice each pepper in half.
• Remove the seeds and membranes.
• Place the sliced peppers in a bowl and add seasonings like oil, salt, and garlic powder. Toss the peppers with a spoon to coat them evenly.
• Set your air fryer to 400°F and place the seasoned peppers in the air fryer basket.
• Cook the peppers for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting.
• Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.

You can leave the skin on or peel it off, depending on your preference. If you want to peel the peppers, place them in a sealed bag or cover them with plastic wrap or aluminium foil for about 10 minutes after roasting. This will help steam the skin and make it easier to remove.

Roasted poblano peppers can be served as a side dish or used in various recipes, such as tacos, salsa, dips, sauces, or stuffed peppers. Enjoy the delicious smoky flavour that your air fryer brings to these peppers!

How to peel roasted poblano peppers

Roasted poblano peppers are a delicious addition to any meal, adding a sweet, smoky flavour to your dishes. The peppers can be roasted in an air fryer, oven, grill, or on a stovetop.

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers for Roasting

Wash the poblano peppers thoroughly under cold running water. Dry them with a clean kitchen or paper towel. Leave the peppers whole with the stems intact.

Step 2: Roast the Peppers

Place the peppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to roast them in batches.

Cook the peppers for 10-15 minutes, using tongs to flip them halfway through. Keep an eye on them, as the size of the peppers may affect the cooking time. The peppers are done when the skin is charred and blistered.

Step 3: Let the Peppers Rest

Once the peppers are nicely charred and tender, let them rest before peeling. You can leave them in the air fryer with the basket closed, allowing them to steam. If you need to use the air fryer for another batch, place the roasted peppers in a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or a kitchen towel.

Let the peppers sit for about 10 minutes or until they are cool enough to handle.

Step 4: Peel the Peppers

Using your fingers, gently rub the skins off the peppers. For stubborn spots, you can use a paper towel or the dull side of a knife to help scrape off the skin.

Step 5: Prepare the Peppers for Use

Slice the peppers lengthwise and remove the stems, seeds, and veins. Your roasted and peeled poblano peppers are now ready to be used in your favourite dishes!

Storage Tips:

Roasted poblano peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage of up to 6 months.

What to cook with roasted poblano peppers

Roasted poblano peppers can be used in a variety of dishes, from sauces and dips to soups, salads, sandwiches, and more. Here are some ideas for what to cook with roasted poblano peppers:

Dips and Sauces

Roasted poblano peppers can be blended with other ingredients to make a sauce or dip. For example, you can combine them with cilantro, roasted garlic, and olive oil to make a mild and smoky sauce that can be used on proteins and vegetables, in tacos, or as a dipping sauce. You can also add them to your favourite dips, like guacamole or hummus, for an extra kick of flavour.

Soups and Stews

Add roasted poblano peppers to your favourite soups and stews for a spicy and smoky twist. They can be blended into the soup base or added as a topping. Some specific ideas include Mexican tomato soup, green chile pork stew, or chicken enchilada soup.

Salads

Roasted poblano peppers can be a great addition to salads, such as a grilled Southwestern steak salad or a Buddha bowl. They add a smoky flavour and a mild spice that pairs well with other ingredients.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Try adding roasted poblano peppers to your favourite sandwiches and wraps. They go particularly well with grilled cheese or veggie wraps. You can also use them as a burger topping or sauce.

Tacos

Tacos are a classic dish to add poblano peppers to. You can include them as a filling or topping, and they will add a smoky flavour and a bit of heat.

Enchiladas and Quesadillas

Roasted poblano peppers can be used in vegetarian enchiladas or chicken verde quesadillas. They add a nice kick of flavour and spice to these dishes.

Eggs

Poblanos can be scrambled with eggs or added to devilled eggs for a spicy breakfast option.

Rice Bowls

Make a rice bowl with roasted poblano peppers as a topping or mix-in. You can also add proteins or other vegetables sautéed with a poblano pepper sauce.

Other Ideas

• Chiles rellenos
• Rajas poblanas
• Chile relleno casserole
• Poblano jam
• Pickled poblanos
• Roasted poblano salsa
• Poblano enchilada sauce
• Poblano pasta
• Poblano chilli

The benefits of roasting poblano peppers

Roasting poblano peppers is a great way to add flavour and depth to your cooking. It can be done in an air fryer, oven, grill, or even on a stovetop. Here are some benefits of roasting poblano peppers:

Enhances Flavour

Roasting poblano peppers brings out a slight sweetness and concentrates their delicious flavour. The high heat of roasting caramelises the natural sugars in the peppers, adding a smoky, earthy taste. This technique also helps break down the peppers, making them more digestible and easier to peel.

Improves Texture

Roasting poblano peppers helps remove their skins, which can become papery and unappealing in texture after cooking. The tough outer skins can easily be peeled off after roasting and steaming, improving the overall mouthfeel of the peppers in various dishes.

Nutritional Benefits

Roasted poblano peppers are a good source of vitamins C and A, both powerful antioxidants. They are also rich in fibre, low in carbohydrates, and contain no fat or cholesterol. Additionally, poblano peppers provide important minerals such as potassium and iron, all while containing less than 50 calories each!

Versatility

Roasted poblano peppers are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to stuffed peppers (like chile relleno) or even unadorned. They pair exceptionally well with cheese and can be added to sandwiches, wraps, pasta dishes, omelettes, and more.

Convenience

Roasting poblano peppers is a convenient way to prepare large batches of peppers, as multiple peppers can be roasted at the same time in an oven or air fryer. This method also requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it a quick and efficient way to add flavour to your meals.

Frequently asked questions