Ella Walter
Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook vegetables, and peppers and onions are no exception. This cooking method is simple, quick, and versatile, making it perfect for meal prep or an easy side dish. With a tender texture and slightly charred exterior, air-fried peppers and onions can enhance fajitas, salads, eggs, and more. The cooking process is straightforward, requiring only slicing, seasoning, and a short cooking time in the air fryer.
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What You'll Learn
Prep time and cooking time
Air fryer peppers and onions are a quick and easy dish to make, with a short prep time and a cooking time of around 15 minutes.
Prep time:
First, you will need to prep your peppers and onions. Start by slicing the peppers and onions into 1/2-inch slices. You can use bell peppers, or a combination of red, green, and/or yellow sweet peppers. You can also add in some sliced Italian sausage or turkey sausage at this stage if you want a more substantial dish. Place the peppers and onions in a large bowl and add olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Toss the mixture until the peppers and onions are evenly coated.
Cooking time:
Once your veggies are prepped, it's time to cook them! Place them in the air fryer basket, which you can prepare with a nonstick cooking spray if needed. Set your air fryer to 390-400F and cook for 8-15 minutes, tossing or stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the capacity of your air fryer. If you like your peppers and onions with a bit of char, you can leave them in the air fryer for a little longer.
And that's it! Your air fryer peppers and onions should be tender, flavourful, and ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or topping for fajitas, salads, or any other dish you desire.
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Seasoning options
Air fryer peppers and onions are a versatile side dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some seasoning options to consider:
Basic Seasonings:
Keep it simple with salt and pepper. You can also add a bit of olive oil or cooking spray to help the seasonings stick to the vegetables and add a bit of extra flavour. This combination of seasonings will enhance the natural sweetness of the peppers and onions without overwhelming their flavour.
Spicy:
If you like your food with a kick, try adding some chili powder, smoked paprika, or cumin to the peppers and onions before air frying. You can also add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick. This option is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat with their meal.
Savoury:
For a savoury twist, try using Italian seasoning. You can also add some sliced Italian sausage or turkey sausage to the air fryer basket along with the peppers and onions to make it a full meal. This option is perfect for those who want a heartier dish.
Tangy:
Drizzle some balsamic vinegar over the peppers and onions for a tangy twist. This option will add a unique flavour to the dish and can be paired with a variety of main courses.
Herbs and Spices:
Add some dried or fresh herbs such as oregano or cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh flavour. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices such as garlic powder or onion powder to enhance the flavour of the dish.
When seasoning your peppers and onions, it is important to toss them until they are evenly coated. You can also adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste preferences. Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the desired level of doneness, so be sure to keep an eye on them while they are in the air fryer.
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Best air fryers to use
Yes, you can cook peppers and onions in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, low-calorie side dish.
Now, for the air fryers to use. There are a few things to consider when choosing the best air fryer for your needs. The first is capacity. If you're mostly cooking for one or two people, a smaller air fryer will suffice. For families or those who entertain often, a larger capacity air fryer will be more suitable.
The second consideration is temperature control. Some air fryers have manual temperature dials, while others have digital controls. The latter tend to be more precise, but may also come with a higher price tag.
Lastly, you'll want to think about special features. Some air fryers come with pre-set programmes for cooking specific types of food, while others have features like automatic shut-off or a removable basket for easy cleaning.
Philips Air Fryer
This 2.75-quart air fryer is a good option for those who want a reliable, mid-sized appliance. It has a simple manual temperature dial and enough capacity to cook for a small family.
Cosori Air Fryer
The Cosori Air Fryer is a favourite of food bloggers. It has a large basket, perfect for cooking bigger batches of food or a variety of different foods at once. It also comes with pre-set programmes for cooking chicken, steak and more.
Crumb Top Baking Air Fryer
This 2.75-quart air fryer is perfect for those who want a simple, no-frills option. It has manual temperature controls and a removable basket for easy cleaning.
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Reheating leftovers
If you have any leftover air fryer peppers and onions, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. When you're ready to reheat them, simply pop them in the microwave on high for about 1 minute or until they're warmed through. You can also transfer them to a microwave-safe dish if you prefer.
For an even more elevated charred taste, you can reheat your leftover peppers and onions in the air fryer! Spread them out on a lined baking sheet and cook at 400ºF (200ºC) for 12-15 minutes, or until they're roasted to your liking. This method will give them a nice charred finish, similar to when they were first cooked.
If you're looking to add some extra flavour or switch things up, you can also use your leftover peppers and onions in various dishes. For example, you can throw them into a bowl with some salsa verde chicken or use them to make fajitas. They also work great as a topping for salads or alongside eggs and hash browns. The options are endless!
Reheating peppers and onions in the air fryer is a great way to bring them back to life and enjoy them all over again. They'll taste just as good as they did when you first made them, and you can get creative with how you choose to serve them. So, don't let those leftovers go to waste – pop them in the air fryer and enjoy!
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Cutting and slicing techniques
When preparing peppers and onions for air frying, it is important to cut them into even slices to ensure consistent cooking. The recommended slice thickness is 1/2-inch, but you can adjust this slightly depending on your preference. If you cut them thinner, they may cook faster, and if you cut them thicker, they may need a little more time in the air fryer.
For the peppers, start by removing any seeds and then slice them into uniform pieces. You can cut them lengthwise or into rounds, depending on the shape and size you prefer. If you are using bell peppers, you can also cut them into strips or chunks. Just be mindful that the slices are not too thin, or they might fall through the holes of the air fryer basket.
When slicing the onion, peel it first and then cut it lengthwise into halves or quarters. From there, you can make vertical cuts to create uniform slices or dice it into small pieces if you prefer. It is important to maintain a consistent size to ensure even cooking.
After slicing, place the peppers and onions in a large bowl or baggie. Add your chosen oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, and seasonings. Toss or massage the mixture until the peppers and onions are evenly coated. You can season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or other spices of your choice.
Once the vegetables are well-coated, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to promote even cooking. Follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures, typically around 400°F for 15 minutes, tossing or stirring halfway through, for perfectly cooked peppers and onions.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 8 to 17 minutes to cook peppers and onions in an air fryer. The time varies depending on the desired texture and the model of the air fryer.
The ideal temperature for cooking peppers and onions in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F.
Cut the peppers and onions into 1/2-inch slices. Place them in a large bowl, add oil and seasonings, and toss until evenly coated.
