Air Frying Peppers: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook peppers, with many recipes available online. The cooking time varies depending on the type of pepper and the desired texture, but generally, it takes around 10-15 minutes to roast peppers in an air fryer. You can also cook stuffed peppers in an air fryer, which takes a little longer. The air fryer adds a crunchy texture to the peppers while keeping the inside juicy and delicious.

How to prepare peppers for the air fryer

Preparing peppers for the air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

You will need bell peppers (any colour of your choice), olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Some air fryers may not require preheating, so you can skip this step if necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers:

Cut the stems off the peppers and remove the seeds. You can cut the peppers in half or slice them into strips. For even cooking, try to make the pepper pieces the same size, ideally about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 3: Season the Peppers:

Place the pepper pieces in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Toss the peppers until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer:

Place the seasoned pepper pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded.

Step 5: Cook the Peppers:

Cook the peppers for about 8-12 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and browning. The peppers are done when they start to soften and develop a nice char on the outside.

Step 6: Serve:

You can serve air fryer peppers as a side dish, in sandwiches, wraps, tacos, or fajitas. They add a pop of colour and flavour to any meal!

What temperature to cook peppers in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook peppers in an air fryer!

There are a few different ways to cook peppers in an air fryer, depending on the type of pepper and the desired outcome. Here is a guide to help you get the best results:

Whole Peppers

To cook whole peppers, set your air fryer to 180°C and cook for 12-15 minutes. You want the skins to be black. After cooking, put the peppers into a bowl and cover to let them cool and steam. This will loosen the skins, making them easier to remove.

Pepper Strips

For pepper strips, preheat your air fryer to 400°C. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. Slice the peppers into strips—the thinner they are, the softer they will become. Toss the pepper strips in a bowl with olive oil and your desired seasonings. Cook at 380°C for 12-15 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket every 5 minutes.

Pepper Halves

For pepper halves, preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Cut the peppers in half and remove the stems and seeds. Brush the peppers with olive oil on both sides and add a pinch of salt to the non-skin side. Place the peppers in the air fryer basket with the skin facing down, leaving space between them. Cook for 10-30 minutes, depending on the size of the peppers and your air fryer model. Check on the peppers after 10 minutes to ensure they don't overcook.

Cooking with Other Ingredients

You can also cook peppers in an air fryer with other ingredients such as onions, sausages, or meat. Simply follow the same instructions for preparing the peppers and add them to the air fryer with the other ingredients. For example, you can cook pepper and onion strips together at 380°C for 12-15 minutes.

Remember that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your pepper slices, so always keep an eye on your peppers to avoid overcooking. Enjoy experimenting with this quick and easy cooking method!

How long to cook peppers in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook peppers in an air fryer!

The cooking time will depend on the size of the peppers and the make and model of your air fryer. As a general rule, bell peppers should be cut into 1/2-inch strips and cooked for around 8-15 minutes at 350-400°F, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through. You'll know they're done when they start to soften and develop a nice char on the outside.

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn't require pre-heating, you can skip this step.
• Prepare the peppers by removing the seeds and stems, then slicing them into 1/2-inch thick strips.
• Toss the pepper slices in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or oregano.
• Place the seasoned pepper slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them.
• Cook the peppers for 8-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.
• The peppers are done when they are fork-tender and slightly charred on the outside. The skin turning black gives the peppers a smoky flavor.

Tips for cooking peppers in an air fryer:

• For even cooking, make sure all the pepper slices are roughly the same size.
• Lay the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some overlap being okay.
• Cook until the skin starts to blacken for a rich, smoky flavor.
• You can use any color of bell pepper (red, yellow, orange, or green), or a combination for a variety of flavors and colors.
• Leftover air-fried peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

What to serve with air fryer peppers

Air-fried peppers are a great side dish with a variety of mains. They are healthy, delicious, and easy to make. You can serve them with:

• Fajitas
• Burrito bowls
• Cheesesteak sandwiches
• Grilled meats, such as chicken or turkey sausage
• Pasta dishes, like Shrimp Fra Diavolo, or with homemade tomato sauce
• Salads or sandwiches
• Tacos
• Grilled steak, chicken, or fish
• Dips, such as Keto Bacon Cheddar Dip
• Italian Sausage
• Shrimp Fajitas

Air-fried peppers are also a great addition to a vegetarian paella or a Mexican-themed dinner. They can be served as a quick and healthy snack with your favourite dip or as a replacement for tortilla chips.

How to store and reheat air fryer peppers

Storing Air Fryer Peppers:

After cooking your air fryer peppers, allow them to cool down before storing them. Place the peppers in an airtight container or a bowl covered with compostable plastic wrap. You can also marinate the peppers in a jar with extra virgin olive oil, which will extend their shelf life. Stored this way, your air fryer peppers will last for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.

Reheating Air Fryer Peppers:

To reheat your peppers, simply place them in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are heated to your liking. You can also reheat peppers in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.

Tips:

• For even heating, slice the peppers in half before reheating.
• To prevent the peppers from drying out, add a small amount of liquid to the air fryer basket, such as water, broth, or tomato sauce.
• For a crispy exterior, increase the reheating time by a few minutes.
• Always ensure your peppers are thoroughly cooked before consuming them.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy air fryer peppers!

Frequently asked questions