Roasting Poblano Peppers In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy Method

Roasting poblano peppers in an air fryer is an easy and convenient way to prepare this popular ingredient for Mexican dishes. With an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly charred and blistered peppers without having to turn on your oven or use a stove. This method is also quicker than traditional roasting, taking under 20 minutes to cook. To get started, simply wash your peppers, dry them, and place them in the air fryer. You can then brush them with oil and sprinkle with salt before roasting, or cook them without any additional ingredients. The peppers are ready when they are charred and puffy, and you can serve them as a side or use them in a variety of dishes.

How to roast poblano peppers in an air fryer

Roasting poblano peppers in an air fryer is easy and convenient. This guide will walk you through the steps to achieve perfectly roasted poblano peppers every time.

Step 1: Wash the peppers

Give the poblano peppers a thorough wash under running water. You can use a vegetable brush to gently scrub them clean. This step ensures that any dirt or residue is removed before cooking.

Step 2: Dry the peppers (optional)

Some sources suggest patting the peppers dry with a paper towel after washing. This step is optional but helps ensure that there is no excess moisture on the peppers before placing them in the air fryer.

Step 3: Poke holes in the peppers

Using a sharp knife or the tip of a sharp object, poke 2-3 holes in each poblano pepper. This step is important as it allows steam to escape during the roasting process and prevents the peppers from popping or exploding inside your air fryer.

Step 4: Place peppers in the air fryer

Arrange the poblano peppers in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Make sure they have some space around them for even cooking.

Step 5: Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt (optional)

Lightly brush the peppers with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. You can also use an oil spray for even coating. Optionally, you can sprinkle some salt over the peppers for added flavor.

Step 6: Set the temperature and time

Close the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Set the timer for 12-18 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the peppers.

Step 7: Check and flip the peppers

Keep an eye on the peppers during the cooking process. You may need to flip them halfway through to ensure even roasting. The peppers are ready when they are blackened, charred, and blistered all over.

Step 8: Remove the peppers from the air fryer

Once the peppers are roasted to your desired level of doneness, use tongs to carefully remove them from the air fryer basket. Be cautious as the peppers and the air fryer will be very hot.

Step 9: Place peppers in a bag to steam

Place the roasted poblano peppers into a plastic bag, such as a Ziploc bag, and seal it. This step helps to steam the peppers as they cool down, making it easier to peel off the skin. Leave the peppers in the sealed bag for about 10 minutes.

Step 10: Peel and deseed the peppers

After the peppers have cooled down slightly, remove them from the bag. Gently peel away the charred skin using your fingers or gloves. Cut the peppers in half and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. You can also remove the stems at this stage.

Step 11: Serve or store the peppers

Your roasted poblano peppers are now ready to be used in your favorite recipes! You can chop, slice, or stuff them as needed. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

How to prepare poblano peppers for roasting

Ingredients

Poblano peppers are the only ingredient you need to roast them in an air fryer. However, if you want to add some flavour, you can use olive oil and salt.

Wash the Peppers

Give the peppers a good wash. You don't need to dry them unless you are using oil.

Poke Holes in the Peppers

Use a sharp knife to poke 2-3 holes in each pepper. This is to allow steam to escape while they are roasting and prevent them from popping.

Add Oil and Salt (Optional)

Lightly brush or spray the peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Place in the Air Fryer

Place the peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Roast

Air fry the peppers at 400°F for 12-18 minutes, or until the peppers are blackened and charred on all sides.

Allow to Cool

Remove the peppers from the air fryer and place them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and allow them to steam as they cool for about 10 minutes.

Peel and Remove Seeds

Remove the peppers from the bag and gently peel away the skin. Slice the peppers in half and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds.

How to stuff poblano peppers

Ingredients:

• 3 large poblano peppers
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of shredded chicken
• 1 14.5-oz can of diced tomatoes (not drained)
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 3 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Cut the poblano peppers in half and remove the seeds. Place them onto a lined baking sheet.
• In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Add the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes (with liquid), and taco seasoning to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed into the chicken.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese. Use a spoon or spatula to help it melt and mix in smoothly.
• Stuff the filling into the poblano peppers and place them, open side up, back onto the baking sheet. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper half, about 2 tablespoons each.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the peppers are soft and the cheese is melted.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips:

• If you want to add extra spice, you can include the seeds from the poblano peppers in your filling.
• You can replace the chicken with ground beef, turkey, or pork.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and replace it with cooked black beans, corn, or quinoa.
• If you want to add rice, you can replace half of the chicken with cooked rice.
• You can also swap the chicken with Mexican chorizo, taco meat, shredded pollo asado, or pulled brisket.
• For a shrimp filling, roast the poblano peppers in the oven first, then fill them with shrimp fajitas.
• To speed up the recipe, you can use an air fryer. Cook the stuffed peppers at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

How to peel roasted poblano peppers

Roasting poblano peppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. It is also possible to roast them on a grill, in the oven, or over an open flame. Roasting brings out the rich, earthy flavors of poblano peppers and softens them, making them easier to eat.

Step 1: Wash the Peppers

Give the poblano peppers a good rinse under running water and gently dry them with a paper towel.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers for Air Frying

Using a sharp knife, poke a few holes in each pepper to allow steam to escape during the cooking process. This step is important to prevent the peppers from popping or exploding in the air fryer.

Step 3: Air Fry the Peppers

Place the peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 12 to 20 minutes, or until the peppers are blackened and charred on all sides.

Step 4: Steam the Peppers

Once the peppers are charred, remove them from the air fryer and place them into a plastic bag or a bowl covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This step helps to steam the peppers, making it easier to remove the skin. Let the peppers sit for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Peel the Peppers

When the peppers are cool enough to handle, use your hands or a fork to gently peel or rub off the charred skin. Be careful not to over-rub, as you don't want to remove too much of the smoky flavor.

Step 6: Remove the Seeds and Stem (Optional)

If desired, slice the peppers in half and use a spoon to gently scrape out the seeds. The seeds can add a bit of extra heat to your dish, but they may also have a slightly bitter flavor. Be sure to remove the stem as well.

Step 7: Use the Roasted Peppers in Your Favorite Recipes

Now that your poblano peppers are peeled and prepared, you can use them in a variety of dishes. Try adding them to sauces, sandwiches, salads, enchiladas, pasta dishes, salsa, or as a topping for tacos. You can also stuff them with cheese, rice, or ground beef for a delicious and hearty meal.

Roasted poblano peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 days or frozen for later use. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic or foil and place them in an airtight container.

What to serve with roasted poblano peppers

Roasted poblano peppers can be served in a variety of ways, as a side dish or as part of a main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve with roasted poblano peppers:

Appetizers and Snacks

Roasted poblano peppers can be chopped up and added to dips such as guacamole, or pureed and added to a buttermilk dressing to be drizzled over tomatoes or lettuce. They can also be blended with sour cream, cilantro, and spinach to make a vibrant green cream sauce, perfect for dipping nachos or spreading on crackers.

Main Courses

Poblano peppers are very versatile and can be added to a variety of main courses. They can be stuffed with meat, quinoa, vegetables, or cheese, and served with rice or tortilla chips. They can also be added to tacos, enchiladas, pasta dishes, or salads. For a heartier meal, try adding them to a chili or soup, such as a chicken tortilla soup or white chicken chili.

Side Dishes

Roasted poblano peppers also make a great side dish. They can be served as part of a relish, paired with fish, or added to a cornbread stuffing. They can also be grilled or roasted and served as a simple side, or pureed and added to a sauce.

Drinks

For a unique twist, poblanos can be muddled into tequila-based drinks, such as a margarita, adding a mild kick to your cocktail.

Frequently asked questions