Roasting Red Peppers In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Roasted red peppers are a delicious and versatile addition to any dish. They can be used in sandwiches, salads, pasta, or even blended into a dip. The best part? You can easily make them at home in an air fryer!

Roasting red peppers in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free method that guarantees perfectly charred and succulent peppers every time. All you need is a few simple ingredients and an air fryer to achieve that delicious, slightly charred flavour without any hassle.

So, if you're looking for a new kitchen trick to impress your family and friends, read on to discover the simple steps to roasting red peppers in an air fryer.

How to roast red peppers in an air fryer

Roasted red peppers are a delicious addition to any meal and can be used in sandwiches, salads, pasta, or as a healthy side dish. The air fryer is a quick and easy way to roast peppers, with very little clean-up required.

Ingredients:

• Red bell peppers
• Olive oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Steps:

Step 1: Wash and dry your peppers. Cut them in half and remove the seeds, tops, and any white membranes.

Step 2: Lightly brush or coat the peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Step 3: Place the peppers into the air fryer basket, skin side up. Ensure they are not overlapping for even cooking.

Step 4: Set your air fryer to between 350-400°F and cook for 10-20 minutes, or until the skins are charred and the peppers are soft. Flip the peppers halfway through for even cooking.

Step 5: Once done, remove the peppers from the air fryer and allow them to cool. You can then peel the skins off for a smoother texture, or leave them on for extra flavour.

Step 6: Serve the roasted red peppers as desired!

Tips:

• Choose firm, bright red peppers with smooth skin for the best results.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Roast in batches if needed.
• High heat will help achieve that charred exterior while keeping the inside tender.
• You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika for extra flavour.
• For easier peeling, place the roasted peppers in a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap or a plate for 5-10 minutes. The steam will loosen the skins.

Enjoy your homemade roasted red peppers!

How to prepare the peppers

Preparing peppers for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes.

First, wash your peppers and pat them dry. Then, cut them in half and remove the seeds, tops of the peppers and the black spots. You can also add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

Next, lightly brush each pepper half with olive oil. You can skip this step if you prefer, but it does help to create a perfect char and enhance the flavour.

Place the peppers in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.

Finally, set your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the skins are nicely charred and the peppers are soft. Flip halfway through for even roasting.

Once done, you can either peel the skin off for a smoother texture, or leave it on for a bit of extra charred, smoky flavour.

How to store roasted red peppers

Roasted red peppers can be stored in a variety of ways, including in the refrigerator, freezer, or canned. Here is a detailed guide on how to store them using these methods:

Refrigerator Storage:

Keep roasted red peppers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Coating the peppers with a thin layer of oil will extend their freshness to about two weeks. You can also add some of the pepper juices to the container.

Freezer Storage:

For long-term storage, freezing is an excellent option. Place the peppers in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container, with a small piece of parchment paper between them for easy removal. They will last for up to two months in the freezer.

Canned Storage:

You can also preserve roasted red peppers by canning or pickling them. Here are the steps for each method:

Canning:

Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to each pint jar or 1/4 teaspoon to each half-pint jar. Pack the jars with peppers, leaving about 1" of headspace, and then add boiling water. Use a bubble remover to remove air bubbles and wipe the rims clean before sealing the jars. Place the filled jars in a pressure canner, following specific instructions for your canner type and making adjustments for altitude. After processing, let the canner cool slowly, then remove the jars and set them on a kitchen towel to cool for 24 hours.

Pickling:

For pickling, combine sugar, vinegar, and water in a medium stockpot and bring to a boil. Add the roasted red peppers and return to a boil. Place 1/2 clove of garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in each sterilized half-pint jar. Fill the jars with pepper strips and cover with the hot vinegar mixture, leaving about 1/2" of headspace. Use a plastic knife to remove air bubbles and wipe the rims clean before sealing. Process the jars in a hot water bath canner for 5 minutes. Let the jars cool for 24 hours and check for proper sealing. If sealed, store in a cool, dark place for up to a year. If not sealed, place in the refrigerator and use within a month.

How to use roasted red peppers

Roasted red peppers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on how to use them:

Appetizers and Snacks

Roasted red peppers can be used as an ingredient in dips such as hummus, or as a topping for bruschetta or crostini. They can also be blended with other ingredients to make a roasted red pepper dip or tapenade.

Salads

Add roasted red peppers to green salads for a pop of colour and a tangy flavour. They can also be used in grain salads, such as farro or quinoa salads, or potato salads.

Sandwiches, Wraps, and Paninis

Roasted red peppers are a tasty addition to sandwiches, wraps, and paninis. They pair well with ingredients like chicken, pesto, arugula, and goat cheese.

Pizzas

Use roasted red peppers as a topping for homemade pizzas, especially those with Mediterranean or Greek-inspired flavours.

Pasta and Noodles

Roasted red peppers can be blended into a sauce for pasta or used as an ingredient in pasta salads. They also work well in dishes like lasagna or baked gnocchi.

Eggs and Frittatas

Add roasted red peppers to frittatas or use them as a filling for omelettes or breakfast wraps.

Soups

Roasted red peppers can be blended into a smooth and creamy soup or added to other soups as an ingredient.

Meat and Poultry

Roasted red peppers can be used in a variety of meat and poultry dishes. For example, they can be stuffed into meatballs, blended into a sauce for chicken, or added to a chicken and rice dish like paella.

Vegetables and Sides

Roasted red peppers can be used as a side dish on their own or added to other vegetable dishes like grilled eggplant, broccoli rabe, or roasted portobello mushrooms.

Seafood

Roasted red peppers pair well with seafood. They can be blended into a sauce for grilled salmon or used in shrimp dishes.

Other Ideas

• Use roasted red peppers to make a red pesto by blending them with basil.
• Add them to hummus for extra flavour and colour.
• Make a warm green bean and potato salad with roasted red peppers and goat cheese.
• Create a roasted red pepper aioli by blending them with garlic and lemon.

Roasted red peppers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes, adding a burst of colour, flavour, and antioxidants to your meals.

The benefits of roasting red peppers

Roasting red peppers is a great way to enhance the flavour of a dish. Here are some benefits of roasting red peppers:

Health Benefits

Red peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, offering immune system support and anti-inflammatory effects. Roasting red peppers can make them easier to digest for those who have trouble breaking down the tough outer skin.

Taste

Roasting red peppers brings out their delicious flavours. It softens the flesh and intensifies the sweetness. Roasted red peppers are also sweeter and smokier than store-bought peppers and are not overly salty.

Versatility

Roasted red peppers are very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be added to salads, sandwiches, pizzas, dips, soups, pastas, and more. They are perfect for blending into creamy sauces and can also be used as a topping or side dish.

Convenience

Roasting red peppers is a simple process that can be done in an air fryer, oven, or on a stovetop. They can be made in small or large batches, depending on your needs, and they keep well in the fridge for up to a week or more.

Customisation

When roasting red peppers, you can customise the cooking process to your preference. For example, you can choose to leave the skin on or remove it, depending on the desired texture. You can also roast them whole or cut them into slabs or strips. Additionally, you can elevate the flavour of roasted red peppers by tossing them in olive oil, vinegar, herbs, or spices.

Frequently asked questions