Air Fryer Peppers: The Perfect Timing For Crunchy Treats

Air fryers are a great way to cook lots of vegetables without spending too much time in the kitchen. If you're looking to cook peppers in an air fryer, you'll be pleased to know that it's a very simple process. All you need to do is cut, season, and load your peppers into the air fryer, and you're good to go! The cooking time will depend on how crispy you like your peppers, but it should take somewhere between 8 and 15 minutes.

How long to cook peppers in an air fryer

Air fryer peppers are a great, tasty and healthy side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. They are also incredibly easy to make and can be cooked in under 20 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook peppers in an air fryer.

Preparation

Firstly, you will need to prepare your peppers. For this, you will need to remove the seeds and stems, and then slice the peppers. The ideal thickness of the slices is around 1/2 an inch. You can use any colour of bell peppers, but red peppers are the sweetest, followed by orange and yellow, and green bell peppers have a more robust, grassy flavour. You can use one colour or a combination of peppers for a variety of flavours and colours.

Oil and Seasoning

Once your peppers are sliced, toss them in olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Coating the peppers in oil will enhance the overall flavour and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket. If you don't have olive oil, you can use another high-heat oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil.

Air Fryer Temperature

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer doesn't require pre-heating, you can skip this step.

Cooking Time

Place the peppers in the air fryer basket and cook for around 12 minutes, tossing halfway through. You may want to check on them a couple of times and give them a turn so that they cook evenly. You'll know they're just about done when they start to soften and the outside is developing a nice char.

Serving

Once cooked, your air fryer peppers are ready to serve. They go well with fajitas, burrito bowls, and cheesesteak sandwiches, or they can be served as a side dish with grilled meats.

Reheating and Storage

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

Leftover air fryer peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.

How to reheat peppers in an air fryer

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

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a crucial step as it ensures your peppers are heated evenly and efficiently. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the leftover peppers by laying them out in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are in a single layer for even heating.

Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, place the basket inside and set the timer. For reheating peppers, they should only need between two and five minutes to heat through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

After the peppers have been in the air fryer for a few minutes, check on them and give the basket a shake to ensure they are heated through and don't stick to the basket.

Once they are heated to your liking, carefully remove the basket and place the peppers on a plate or serving dish. They are now ready to be enjoyed!

Reheating peppers in an air fryer is a simple and quick process that ensures your peppers are hot and tasty, without becoming soggy or burnt.

How to prep peppers for an air fryer

Preparing peppers for the air fryer is a simple process. First, select your peppers of choice. Bell peppers are a popular option, and you can use any colour, including red, yellow, orange, and green. You can also use mini sweet bell peppers or poblano peppers.

Next, you'll want to cut the peppers. Start by removing the stems and seeds. Then, slice the peppers into pieces about 1/2-inch thick. You can slice them vertically or horizontally, depending on your preference. Some recipes recommend slicing them into strips, which are great for adding to salads or toast.

Once your peppers are sliced, it's time to season them. Drizzle or brush olive oil on the peppers to coat the surface. This will enhance the flavour and prevent sticking. You can also use other high-heat oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil. After oiling, season the peppers with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, or Italian seasoning.

Finally, arrange the seasoned pepper slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to cook the peppers in batches.

What type of peppers to use in an air fryer

When it comes to air-frying peppers, you have a lot of options to choose from. Bell peppers are a popular choice, and you can use any colour, including red, yellow, orange, and green. Red bell peppers are the sweetest and most flavourful, while orange and yellow peppers have a subtle tang. Green bell peppers have a more robust, grassy flavour. You can also use mini sweet peppers or poblano peppers.

If you want to add some spice to your dish, you can mix in some mild or spicy peppers with your bell peppers. Some options for spicy peppers include jalapeños, banana peppers, or pepperoncini.

When preparing your peppers for the air fryer, make sure to remove the seeds and stems, then slice them into 1/2-inch thick pieces. You can also cut them into strips or leave them in halves, depending on how you plan to use them.

How to serve air-fried peppers

Air-fried peppers are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried peppers make a great side dish for grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or fish. They can also be served alongside tacos, fajitas, burrito bowls, or even eggs. The peppers are tender, charred, and slightly sweet, making them a delicious addition to any meal.

In Wraps and Sandwiches

Air-fried peppers can be added to wraps, sandwiches, or subs. Try pairing them with ingredients like cheese, sausage, or other grilled vegetables. You can also spread some roast garlic on your bread for an extra flavour kick.

In Salads

Add some colour and flavour to your salads by tossing in some air-fried peppers. Cut the peppers into strips or slices and combine them with your favourite salad ingredients. They go particularly well in a healthy cheeseburger salad.

In Pasta Dishes

Air-fried peppers can be tossed into pasta dishes or mixed into a homemade tomato sauce. They add a burst of flavour and texture to your pasta and go well with shrimp or other seafood.

In Vegetarian Dishes

Vegetarians can enjoy air-fried peppers too! Add them to a vegetarian paella, quinoa-stuffed peppers, or an Asian vegetable stir-fry. They provide a great balance of sweetness and crunch to meatless meals.

With Dips and Toppings

Air-fried peppers can be served as a snack or appetiser with dips such as hummus, guacamole, or tzatziki. They can also be used as a topping for pizzas, nachos, or flatbreads. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!

Frequently asked questions