Air Fryer Roasted Chili: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Roasting chilli peppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add a smoky flavour to your cooking. The circulating high heat of the air fryer blisters the skins of the peppers, giving them a char-grilled taste. The process is also straightforward: simply core and seed the peppers, place them in the air fryer, and leave them to steam. This article will explain the steps in detail and offer tips for getting the best results.

How to prepare the chili before roasting

Preparing your chili peppers before roasting is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your chili peppers for the best roasting results:

Selecting the Right Chili Peppers:

Choose fresh chili peppers that are firm, vibrant in colour, and free from blemishes or soft spots. Look for peppers that are in season and locally grown, as they will have the best flavour. You can use a variety of chili peppers such as Hatch, Poblano, Anaheim, or Jalapeno, depending on your preference for heat and flavour.

Washing and Drying:

Wash the chili peppers thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Once cleaned, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to pat them dry. Removing excess moisture is important to ensure even cooking and to prevent steam buildup in the air fryer.

Coring and Seeding:

Before roasting, it is recommended to core and seed the chili peppers. Wear plastic or rubber gloves, especially if you have sensitive skin, to protect your hands from the capsaicin in the peppers. Cut away the core of each pepper, then slice it lengthwise down one side. Use a small spoon to carefully scrape out and discard the seeds. Seeding before roasting makes the process easier and avoids the hassle of doing it after cooking.

Cutting and Slicing (Optional):

If you plan on using the chili peppers in specific dishes or recipes, you may want to cut or slice them to the desired size. For example, if you're making chili rellenos, slice down one side of the pepper and remove the seeds while keeping the stem intact. Alternatively, you can slice the peppers into strips or chop them into smaller pieces, depending on your intended use.

Brushing with Oil (Optional):

Although not necessary, you can lightly brush the chili peppers with olive oil or cooking spray before roasting. This can enhance the flavour and promote even cooking. However, if you prefer a drier roasting result, you can skip this step.

Single Layer Arrangement:

When placing the chili peppers in the air fryer, ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each pepper, ensuring consistent cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to roast the peppers in batches.

Now that your chili peppers are prepared, you can proceed with roasting them in your air fryer! Remember to follow the specific temperature and timing guidelines provided by the air fryer manufacturer for the best results.

The benefits of roasting chili in an air fryer

Roasting chili in an air fryer has many benefits. Here are some of the advantages:

Speed and Efficiency

Air fryers preheat quickly, and their circulating high heat evenly blisters chili skins, producing a sweet, char-grilled flavor. The cooking time is significantly shorter than oven roasting, and the cleanup is minimal.

Flavor Enhancement

Roasting chili in an air fryer adds a smoky, earthy flavor to the peppers and makes them more digestible and easier to peel. The high heat breaks down the peppers, releasing their natural sweetness. Roasted chili can be added to various dishes, such as chili, tacos, dips, sauces, sandwiches, salads, pasta, omelets, soups, and casseroles.

Convenience

Air fryers are a convenient option if you don't have a gas stove or want to avoid turning on the oven. They also allow for even cooking without the need for oil or salt, producing delicious results with minimal prep work.

Easy Storage

Roasted chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to six months. This allows you to enjoy the flavor of roasted chili all year round.

How to roast chili in an air fryer

Roasting chili in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add extra flavor to your cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly roasted chili.

Step 1: Choose the Right Chili

When selecting chili peppers, look for ones that are firm, fresh, and free from blemishes or soft spots. Poblanos, Hatch chiles, jalapenos, and Anaheim peppers are all great options for roasting.

Step 2: Prepare the Chili

Wash the chili peppers thoroughly under cold running water. Once cleaned, pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel. If you're seeding chile peppers, it's recommended to wear plastic or rubber gloves to protect your skin. Cut away the core of each pepper, then slice it lengthwise down one side. Use a small spoon to carefully remove the seeds.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chili

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the prepared chili peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly brush or spray the chili peppers with olive oil or cooking spray, and sprinkle with salt if desired.

Cook the chili peppers for 10-15 minutes, using tongs to flip them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the peppers, so keep an eye on them. The peppers are done when they are charred and blistered.

Step 4: Steam and Peel the Chili

Once the chili peppers are nicely charred, turn off the air fryer and let them rest in the basket for about 10 minutes. This steaming process helps to loosen the skin for easy removal. If you need to use the air fryer for another batch, you can transfer the roasted chili peppers to a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a kitchen towel.

After steaming, the chili peppers should be cool enough to handle. Using your fingers, gently rub off the skins. If there are any stubborn spots, you can use a paper towel or the dull side of a knife to help scrape off the skin.

Step 5: Store the Roasted Chili

Roasted chili peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 6 months.

How to peel roasted chili

Roasting chilli peppers is a great way to add a smoky flavour to your cooking. But how do you peel them once they're roasted?

First, it's important to let the peppers rest. Leave them in the air fryer, or put them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or a kitchen towel. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, or until they're cool enough to handle. This will make them easier to peel.

Now for the peeling. Using your fingers, gently rub the skins off the peppers. If you're having trouble with stubborn spots, you can use a paper towel or the dull side of a knife to help scrape the skin off. You can also try using a spoon to scrape off the peel.

Once peeled, slice the peppers and remove the ribs and seeds.

And that's it! You now have perfectly roasted and peeled chillies ready to be used in your favourite dishes.

Recipes that use roasted chili

Roasted chili is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor, color, and texture. Here are some mouth-watering recipes that use roasted chili:

• Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a kick to your sandwiches and wraps by including roasted chili peppers. They pair exceptionally well with chicken and turkey, providing a smoky and spicy twist.
• Pasta Dishes: For a burst of flavor and color, toss some roasted red peppers into your pasta dishes, especially those with creamy sauces. The sweetness of the peppers will complement the creaminess of the sauce.
• Salads: Chopped roasted peppers are an excellent addition to fresh salads. Their sweet and smoky flavor will elevate your salad game to the next level.
• Pizza Toppings: Use roasted peppers as a pizza topping to add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. The charred bits will give your pizza an extra smoky kick.
• Dips and Spreads: Add a vibrant color and a hint of smokiness to your hummus, baba ganoush, tapenade, or cream cheese spread. Your guests will be impressed by the unique flavor profile.
• Soups and Stews: Mix roasted peppers into your favorite soup or stew to elevate the flavors. They are especially good in Mexican tomato soup or chile verde.
• Tacos and Quesadillas: Roasted chilies are a perfect complement to other ingredients such as grilled vegetables, beans, cheese, and salsa in tacos, quesadillas, burritos, or burrito bowls. They add a smoky flavor and a hint of spice.
• Egg Dishes: Chopped roasted bell peppers are a tasty addition to omelets, scrambled eggs, or frittatas. They provide a colorful and flavorful boost to your breakfast or brunch.
• Sauces and Marinades: Blended roasted peppers can enhance the flavor of barbecue sauce, marinade for grilled meats, or pasta sauce. Try making a roasted red pepper marinara sauce for your next spaghetti night.
• Roasted Pepper Chili: For a hearty and spicy meal, make a chili with a mix of roasted peppers, meat, sausage, and beans. You can adjust the heat by varying the types of peppers used.

Frequently asked questions