Air Frying Peppers: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook peppers, with most recipes taking under 15 minutes. The peppers emerge tender, with a smoky char on the outside. The cooking time will depend on the size of the peppers and the type of air fryer being used. Peppers can be sliced or cooked whole, and seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.

How to prepare peppers for the air fryer

Preparing peppers for the air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Choose Your Peppers

Select fresh, firm peppers that are free from blemishes or soft spots. You can use any type of bell pepper, such as red, yellow, orange, or green. Red bell peppers are the sweetest, while green bell peppers have a more robust, grassy flavour. You can also use mini sweet bell peppers or poblano peppers.

Step 2: Wash and Cut the Peppers

Wash the peppers thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the seeds, stems, and ribs. Cut the peppers into uniform slices, about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures even cooking.

Step 3: Season the Peppers

Place the sliced peppers in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. Toss the peppers until they are evenly coated and seasoned. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or oregano for extra flavour.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Some air fryers may not require preheating, so check your specific model's instructions.

Step 5: Arrange the Peppers in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned pepper slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the peppers in batches.

Step 6: Cook the Peppers

Cook the peppers for about 12-15 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the pepper slices, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The peppers are done when they start to soften and develop a nice char on the outside.

Step 7: Serve or Store the Peppers

Once the peppers are cooked to your desired doneness, serve them as a side dish or add them to your favourite recipes. You can also store leftover peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy!

How long to cook peppers in the air fryer

Air fryer peppers are a quick and easy dish to make, and they go with almost anything! You can use any colour of bell pepper, but red peppers are the sweetest, followed by orange and yellow, and green bell peppers have a more robust, grassy flavour. You can also roast chiles or chile peppers in the air fryer.

How to Cook Peppers in an Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn't need preheating, you can skip this step. Remove the seeds and stems from the peppers, then slice them into 0.5-inch-thick pieces. Toss the peppers in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the peppers in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they aren't overcrowded, and cook for 10-15 minutes. Toss the peppers halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The peppers are done when they are tender and slightly charred on the outside.

Tips and Tricks

• If you're adding sliced onions to your peppers, make sure they are sliced thickly so they don't fall through the holes in the air fryer basket.
• If you want to add extra flavour, sprinkle on some garlic powder, onion powder, or oregano, or drizzle on some balsamic vinegar.
• To prep the peppers, use a sharp knife to remove the stems and seeds, then slice the peppers vertically into 0.5-inch pieces.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can broil your peppers in the oven. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and put them under a preheated broiler until the skin blackens and blisters.
• To reheat peppers, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

How to serve air-fried peppers

Air-fried peppers are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried peppers make a great side dish for grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or fish. They also pair well with sausages, whether grilled turkey sausage or Italian sausage. You can also add them to a vegetarian paella for a meatless option.

In Wraps and Sandwiches

Try adding air-fried peppers to your favourite sandwiches or wraps. They are delicious in grilled cheese sandwiches, veggie wraps, or even cheesesteak sandwiches. For a healthy brunch option, serve them with crispy potato hash browns, greens, and avocado.

In Salads and Bowls

Air-fried peppers are a tasty addition to salads and bowls. Toss them into a salad or burrito bowl, or try them in a Buddha bowl or Salsa Verde Chicken Bowl. They can also be used as a topping for tacos or fajitas.

With Eggs

If you're looking for a savoury breakfast or brunch option, air-fried peppers go well with eggs. Serve them alongside your favourite style of eggs and some hashbrowns for a hearty morning meal.

In Pasta Dishes

Add some flavour to your pasta dishes by tossing in some air-fried peppers. They can be mixed into a tomato-based sauce or blended into a marinara sauce for spaghetti or pizza.

In Dips and Sauces

Chop up your air-fried peppers and mix them into dips like guacamole or hummus for an extra burst of flavour. You can also blend them into sauces or add them to your favourite chilli recipe.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

If you have leftover air-fried peppers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes, or pop them in the microwave.

How to store air-fried peppers

Air-fried peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Allow the peppers to cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag and store them in the refrigerator. Consume within 5 days.

Tips for Storing Air-Fried Peppers:

• Ensure the peppers are completely cooled before storing.
• Use an airtight container to prevent odours from seeping into the peppers and to maintain freshness.
• Consume the peppers within the recommended time frame for optimal taste and food safety.
• Label the container with the date of storage to keep track of freshness.
• Do not overfill the container, as this can cause the peppers to be crushed or bruised.
• Store the container in a visible area of the refrigerator to remind you to consume them within the recommended time frame.
• If you wish to extend the shelf life of the peppers, consider freezing them. Frozen peppers can last for up to 6 months to 1 year.

How to reheat air-fried peppers

Reheating air-fried peppers is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the leftover peppers. Take the desired amount of peppers from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature. It is recommended to use air-fried peppers within 5-7 days of cooking and storing them.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the peppers in the air fryer basket. Ensure that the peppers are in a single layer and not overcrowded. You may need to reheat them in batches, depending on the quantity and the size of your air fryer.

Close the air fryer basket and let the peppers reheat for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

After about 2-3 minutes, your peppers should be nicely warmed through. Carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve them as desired. You can enjoy them as a side dish, in sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for salads, bowls, or tacos.

Reheating air-fried peppers is a quick and convenient way to enjoy them again. This method ensures that the peppers retain their flavour and texture without becoming soggy or overcooked.

Additionally, you can also reheat air-fried peppers in the microwave. However, using the air fryer helps elevate that charred taste and gives them a nice crisp texture.

Frequently asked questions