Air Frying Bell Peppers: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryer bell peppers are a quick and easy way to add a pop of colour and flavour to any dish. They can be served as a side, in sandwiches, wraps, salads, tacos, fajitas, and more. The cooking time depends on the size of the peppers and the type of air fryer, but on average, they take 8-12 minutes to cook at 360°F to 400°F. The peppers should be sliced into 1/2-inch strips and tossed in oil and seasonings before cooking.

How to prepare bell peppers for air frying

Preparing bell peppers for air frying is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Bell Peppers

First, select your bell peppers. You can use any colour of bell pepper you prefer, such as red, yellow, orange, or green. Keep in mind that green peppers are less ripe and have a slightly bitter flavour, while red peppers tend to be sweeter. You can use just one colour or a combination of colours for a variety of flavours and colours.

Step 2: Cut the Bell Peppers

Cut each bell pepper in half, remove the stem, and scoop out the seeds. Then, cut each half into lengthwise pieces. For even cooking, try to cut the pepper pieces into uniform sizes, about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 3: Season the Bell Peppers

Place the bell pepper pieces in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss the peppers to coat them evenly with oil. This will enhance the flavour and prevent sticking. Then, season the peppers with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.

Step 4: Arrange the Bell Peppers in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned bell pepper pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have some space around them for even cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Bell Peppers

Cook the bell peppers for about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the desired level of doneness. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the air fryer basket to ensure the peppers cook evenly on all sides. The peppers are done when they are tender and slightly charred on the outside.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the bell peppers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve them as a side dish, in wraps or sandwiches, or with your favourite dip. You can also add them to dishes like fajitas, burrito bowls, or pasta. Enjoy!

How long to cook bell peppers in an air fryer

Air fryer bell peppers are a quick and easy way to add a pop of flavour and colour to any meal. They are a great side dish and can be served with fajitas, tacos, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pasta, and more.

How to Cook Bell Peppers in an Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, slice the bell peppers into strips or squares, around 1/2-inch thick. You can use any colour bell peppers you like, but some of the most common are red, yellow, orange, and green. Red bell peppers are the sweetest, while green bell peppers have a more robust, grassy flavour.

Next, toss the sliced peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. You can also add sliced onions and even mushrooms to the mix. Place the bell peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Cook the bell peppers for around 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are tender and slightly charred. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the peppers and the make and model of your air fryer, so be sure to keep an eye on them.

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Bell Peppers

• Slice the bell peppers as evenly as possible to ensure even cooking.
• Lay the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure they get nicely roasted.
• Cook the peppers until the skin starts to blacken for a rich, smoky flavour.
• If you want them crispy, slice the peppers thinner and toss them often during cooking.
• For a fork-tender texture, keep the peppers in larger slices and cook until they are fork-tender to your liking.
• Stay close to the air fryer, rotate and test the peppers often for the best results.

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Bell Peppers

Allow the cooked bell peppers to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

To reheat the bell peppers, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lay the leftover bell pepper slices in the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

How to reheat bell peppers in an air fryer

Reheating bell peppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures that your bell peppers are heated evenly and efficiently.

Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers

While the air fryer is preheating, you can get your bell peppers ready. Lay the leftover bell pepper slices in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping too much. This ensures that the peppers get evenly heated and roasted.

Step 3: Reheat the Bell Peppers

Once the air fryer has preheated, it's time to cook your bell peppers. Place the air fryer basket with the bell pepper slices inside and cook them for 2-3 minutes. This should be enough time to heat them through.

Tips for Reheating Bell Peppers:

• It is important to note that the timing may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your bell pepper slices. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
• If you want to add a bit of spice to your bell peppers, you can sprinkle on some red pepper flakes before reheating them.
• You can also reheat other vegetables along with bell peppers, such as onions, mushrooms, or broccoli.
• For an oil-free version, you can use lemon juice or vegetable stock instead of olive oil to coat the bell peppers before reheating.

What to serve with air fryer bell peppers

Air fryer bell peppers are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Mexican-themed dishes

Air fryer bell peppers can be a great addition to Mexican-themed nights. Serve them with carne asada quesadillas, chicken taco bowls, steak fajitas, or sweet potato black bean tacos. They can also be a tasty side dish to grilled meats like shrimp fajitas or Italian sausage.

Sandwiches and wraps

The peppers can be a delicious ingredient in sandwiches or wraps. Try them with cheesesteak sandwiches, sausage subs, or even in a classic Italian sausage and peppers sandwich.

Rice bowls and salads

Add some colour and flavour to your rice bowls or salads by including air fryer bell peppers. They go well with burrito bowls, fajitas, and vegetarian paella. You can also toss them into pasta dishes like Shrimp Fra Diavolo or homemade tomato sauce.

Snacks and dips

Air fryer bell peppers can be a healthy and tasty snack. Serve them with dips like Keto Bacon Cheddar Dip, or use them as a low-carb alternative to tortilla chips.

Other dishes

These peppers can also be added to various other dishes, such as Air Fryer Shishito Peppers, Air Fryer Blooming Onion, or Mexican Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. They can be a tasty side dish to grilled meats like Peruvian Chicken or grilled turkey sausage.

How to store air fryer bell peppers

Air fryer bell peppers are a tasty and colourful addition to any meal. They can be served as part of a Mexican feast, as a side dish, or in sandwiches and wraps. But how do you store them?

First, allow the peppers to cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a ziploc bag. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week. You can enjoy them hot or cold!

To reheat the peppers, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the leftover pepper slices in the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

If you have any leftover stuffing or filling from your peppers, this can also be stored and reheated. Seal the leftovers tightly and store them in the fridge for up to four days. You can also reheat these in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently asked questions