Air-Frying Bell Peppers: The Perfect Timing

Air fryer bell peppers are a quick and easy way to add a pop of flavour to any dish. They can be used in a variety of ways, including in salads, sandwiches, wraps, burrito bowls, and as a topping for chicken or in stir-fries. The cooking time will depend on how roasted you want your bell peppers to be and how thickly you cut them, but on average, they should be done in under 15 minutes.

How to prepare bell peppers for air frying

Preparing bell peppers for air frying is a simple process. First, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for around 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, you can start slicing your bell peppers. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds and ribs inside. You can then slice the peppers into strips, aiming for around 1/4 to 1/2-inch thickness.

Once you have your pepper strips, place them in a large bowl and add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss or stir the peppers until they are evenly coated in oil and seasonings. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or oregano for extra flavor.

Now your bell peppers are ready to go into the air fryer! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, if possible, to ensure even cooking. Cook at 400°F for 8 to 12 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket every 5 minutes or so to prevent overlap and ensure even crisping. The total cook time will depend on your preferred level of doneness, so keep an eye on them and adjust the timing as needed.

Your air-fried bell peppers are now ready to be served! They make a great addition to various dishes, including fajitas, burrito bowls, sandwiches, salads, and more. Enjoy!

How long to cook bell peppers in the air fryer

Air fryer bell peppers are a quick and easy way to add a pop of flavor to any dish. The cooking time will depend on how roasted you want your bell peppers to be, the thickness of the slices, and the make and model of your air fryer.

To start, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your bell peppers by washing them and slicing them into strips. For even cooking, it is best to slice the bell peppers into even strips of about 1/2-inch thickness. Place the bell pepper strips in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or oregano to enhance the flavor.

Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the bell pepper strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook the bell peppers for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the bell peppers as they cook, as the timing can vary depending on your air fryer. You want the bell peppers to be fork-tender with a slight char on the outside. If they need more time, cook them in one-minute intervals until they reach the desired level of doneness.

Once the bell peppers are cooked to your liking, serve them as a side dish or add them to your favorite recipes like fajitas, burrito bowls, sandwiches, or stir-fries. Air fryer bell peppers are a versatile and tasty addition to any meal!

How to serve air-fried bell peppers

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

Mexican Night

You can serve air-fried bell peppers as a side dish or as part of a Mexican-themed meal. They go well with dishes such as fajitas, burrito bowls, tacos, and quesadillas. You can also add them to sandwiches or wraps for a tasty lunch option.

Grain Bowls

Bell peppers can be a delicious addition to grain bowls. Try serving them with other roasted vegetables, a protein source such as chicken or tofu, and a grain like quinoa or brown rice.

Salads

The peppers' smoky flavour and tender texture make them an excellent salad topping. They pair well with greens, avocado, and whipped cheeses such as feta or ricotta. You can also add them to potato salads or pasta salads for a burst of colour and flavour.

Proteins

Air-fried bell peppers make a tasty side dish for various proteins. Try serving them with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or sausage. They also go well with fish and eggs.

Stir-Fries

If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, try adding air-fried bell peppers to your stir-fry. They'll save you time by eliminating the need to chop and sauté the peppers separately.

Sandwiches

The peppers can be a tasty addition to sandwiches, especially when paired with meats and cheeses. Try them in a cheesesteak sandwich or a sausage sub.

Other Ideas

• Topper for bowls, such as Salsa Verde Chicken Bowls or burrito bowls
• Side dish for grilled meats, such as Peruvian Chicken or grilled turkey sausage
• Addition to vegetarian dishes, such as a vegetarian paella
• Ingredient in pasta dishes, such as Shrimp Fra Diavolo or homemade tomato sauce
• Topping for pizzas

How to store leftover air-fried bell peppers

Air-fried bell peppers are a tasty and versatile treat, and storing your leftovers properly will ensure you can enjoy them for longer. Here's a detailed guide on how to store leftover air-fried bell peppers:

Choosing the Right Container

Use an airtight container to store your leftover air-fried bell peppers. This could be a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, or a zip-top bag. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the peppers.

Preparing the Peppers for Storage

Allow the peppers to cool completely before storing them. Place them in a single layer, or with minimal overlap, in your chosen container. If you have a large batch, consider dividing them between multiple containers to ensure even cooling and to prevent overcrowding.

Absorbing Moisture

To maintain freshness and prevent spoilage, it's important to manage moisture. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture, changing it regularly. This is especially important if you're storing the peppers for an extended period.

Refrigeration

Store the container of peppers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week. Place them on a shelf or in the vegetable drawer, ensuring they are not in the same drawer as fruits, as these release ethylene gas, which can cause vegetables to rot faster.

Freezing

If you wish to store your leftover air-fried bell peppers for longer than a week, consider freezing them. Spread the peppers on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen peppers to a zip-top bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. They will keep well in the freezer for up to a year.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover air-fried bell peppers, you can reheat them in the air fryer itself! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, place the desired amount of peppers in the basket, and cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for making the best air-fried bell peppers

Cut the Peppers Evenly

Try to cut each bell pepper into 1/2-inch strips so that they cook at the same speed. The more evenly they are sliced, the more evenly they will cook.

Lay the Peppers in a Single Layer

Place the peppers in the air fryer basket in as close to a single layer as possible. Some overlap is okay, but be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.

Cook Until the Skin Starts to Blacken

Cook the peppers until the skin starts to blacken in places. This will give them a rich, smoky flavor. Check on the peppers after 8 minutes, and give them another minute or so if they need more time.

Use Your Preferred Peppers

Any kind of bell pepper will work for this recipe. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green bell peppers have a more robust, grassy flavor. Use whichever color you prefer, or a combination for a variety of flavors and colors.

Customize with Seasonings

You can customize your air-fried bell peppers in many ways by adding your favorite seasonings and spices before cooking. Try garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, or balsamic vinegar for some extra flavor.

Store Leftovers Properly

Leftover air-fried bell peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook the peppers for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Frequently asked questions