Air-Frying Bell Peppers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Bell peppers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to salads and sandwiches. They are also a healthy option, packed with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and minerals, while being low in calories. One popular way to cook bell peppers is in an air fryer, which can bring out their natural sweetness and give them a tender texture with a smoky char on the outside. Air-fried bell peppers can be used as a side dish or added to various meals, and they can be cooked in under 15 minutes, making them a quick and convenient option.

Bell pepper preparation

Bell peppers are a great, healthy option to cook in an air fryer. They can be used in a variety of ways, from toppings to salads, stir-fries, sandwiches, or wraps.

To prepare bell peppers for air frying, start by rinsing the peppers and patting them dry. Then, use a sharp knife to cut off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes. You can save the tops and dice them up to add to the filling or for another use. Next, slice the peppers into strips or halves, depending on your preferred size. The cook time will depend on the thickness of the pepper slices, so keep that in mind when cutting.

Once the peppers are sliced, toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings and spices to enhance the flavor, such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or lemon/lime zest. Make sure each pepper strip is lightly coated with oil and seasonings.

After the peppers are seasoned, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Then, place the seasoned pepper strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook the peppers for 10 to 14 minutes, tossing the basket halfway through, until they are tender with a slight char. The total cook time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the pepper slices.

For stuffed bell peppers, fill the peppers with your desired filling, such as beef, sausage, rice, and cheese, and arrange them in the air fryer basket, using small balls of foil if needed to help them stand upright. Leave space between each pepper for airflow. Air fry the stuffed peppers for about half the time it would take in a regular oven.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking bell peppers in an air fryer is 400°F. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 350°F or 375°F. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F.

The cooking time for bell peppers in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of doneness, the thickness of the pepper slices, and the air fryer model. The cooking time can range from 8 to 15 minutes. It is important to shake or toss the peppers halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning. Some recipes suggest cooking for 10 minutes, stirring, and then cooking for an additional 2 to 10 minutes until the desired doneness is achieved.

When using frozen bell peppers, the cooking time may be reduced as they are already cooked. It is recommended to cook frozen peppers for 7 minutes, toss them with oil, salt, and spices, and then cook for an additional 3 to 18 minutes.

Bell peppers can be sliced into strips or halves and tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing them in the air fryer basket. The peppers should be arranged in a single layer and cooked until tender with a slight char. The cooking time can be adjusted based on the desired level of doneness, with shorter cooking times resulting in less roasted peppers.

Oil, seasoning and spices

When it comes to oil, seasoning, and spices, there are several options to consider when cooking bell peppers in an air fryer.

Firstly, for oil, olive oil is a popular choice, as it helps to enhance the overall flavor and prevents the peppers from sticking to the air fryer basket. Other options include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or any other high-heat oil. The amount of oil used can be adjusted to personal preference, but it is important to lightly coat the pepper strips to ensure even cooking.

As for seasoning and spices, salt and pepper are the most commonly used seasonings, enhancing the natural sweetness of the bell peppers. However, there are several other options to consider, such as:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Lemon/lime zest
• Fajita seasoning
• Peri-peri seasoning
• Kosher salt

The choice of seasoning and spices depends on personal preference and the desired flavor profile. Additionally, dry seasoning is recommended as it allows the bell peppers to caramelize. If a sauce is desired, it can be added after cooking to ensure the peppers achieve the desired color.

For those who prefer an oil-free option, lemon juice or vegetable stock can be used instead to help adhere the spices to the peppers. This method is also suitable for various diets, including paleo, keto, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, Mediterranean, and whole30.

Stuffed bell peppers

Yes, you can cook stuffed bell peppers in an air fryer! This recipe is a quick and easy dinner option, loaded with beef, sausage, rice, and cheese!

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any colour)
• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Onion
• Cooked rice
• Diced tomatoes (undrained)
• Tomato sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese
• Olive oil
• Garlic

Method:

Firstly, rinse the bell peppers and pat them dry. Remove the tops and ensure the peppers will fit in your air fryer standing upright. Remove the seeds and membranes, and dice the tops to add to the filling if you wish. Next, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and saute the onions and garlic until translucent. Add the beef and cook until browned, then add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

Arrange the peppers in the air fryer basket, using small balls of foil if necessary to help them stand up straight. Carefully spoon the filling into each pepper, then place the filled peppers in the basket and air fry for 15 minutes. After this, add the shredded cheese and cook for another two minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Tips:

• You can also top the peppers with parsley as a garnish.
• Grease the air fryer tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• If your peppers are unsteady, slice off a bit of the bottom to create a flat surface.
• Leave space between each pepper to allow the heat to circulate.
• You can blanch the peppers before stuffing and cooking to speed up the process.
• You can freeze any leftover stuffed peppers in individual freezer bags and reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.

Storing and reheating

For longer-term storage, freezing is a great option. To freeze your cooked bell peppers, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a freezer bag or container, and they will keep for up to six months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen peppers again, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them in the air fryer for around two to five minutes, checking halfway through. You can also reheat them straight from frozen; just add a few minutes to the cooking time. Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 10 minutes.

Your bell peppers will be tasty, crunchy, and juicy after reheating, and this method is perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Frequently asked questions