Air Fryer Roasted Bell Peppers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Roasted bell peppers are a delicious and healthy treat, perfect as a side dish or even as a snack with your favourite dip. They are rich in vitamins, low in calories, and high in fibre. The best part is that they are incredibly easy to make in an air fryer and take very little time. You can use any colour of bell pepper – red, yellow, orange, or green – and simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. The air fryer should be set to around 400°F for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the peppers and the model of the air fryer.

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: Wash and Cut the Bell Peppers

Start by washing your bell peppers. Then, using a sharp knife, cut off the stems and remove the seeds. You can also cut the peppers in half or slice them into strips or pieces, depending on your preferred size.

Step 2: Season the Bell Peppers

Drizzle olive oil over the bell pepper pieces and toss to coat evenly. You can also add other seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or oregano to enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend temperatures between 350-400°F (175-200°C). However, some recipes suggest cooking at a lower temperature of 200°C or a higher temperature of 400°F.

Step 4: Cook the Bell Peppers

Place the seasoned bell pepper pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them. Cook for 10-30 minutes, depending on the size of your peppers and the desired level of doneness. For even cooking, consider shaking or tossing the peppers halfway through the cooking process.

Step 5: Cool and Peel the Bell Peppers

Once the bell peppers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. You can speed up this process by transferring them to a bowl and covering it with plastic wrap. After cooling, the skin of the peppers should slide off easily.

Step 6: Serve or Store the Bell Peppers

Your air-fried bell peppers are now ready to be served as a side dish or added to various recipes like salads, sandwiches, pasta, or dips. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

For sliced bell peppers, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 12 minutes, tossing halfway through. You can also cook sliced peppers at 350°F for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring once, until the peppers are tender and beginning to brown.

For whole bell peppers, cut in half and remove the stems and seeds. Brush with olive oil and add a pinch of salt. Cook at 200°C for 10 to 30 minutes, checking after 10 minutes and then every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Note that cooking times can vary depending on the model of your air fryer.

For halved bell peppers, cut each pepper into quarters after removing the stems and seeds. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook at 400°F for 13 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

For quartered bell peppers, rinse and cut in half. Remove the stems and seeds, and place the halves in the air fryer in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 8 minutes. Allow the peppers to cool before removing the skins.

How to serve air fryer bell peppers

There are many ways to serve air fryer bell peppers. They can be used as a topping for tacos, burrito bowls, and sandwiches. They can also be served as a side dish with grilled meats, shrimp, or Italian Sausage. Here are some specific examples and tips for serving air fryer bell peppers:

• Salads or wraps: Roasted bell peppers can be added to salads or used as a wrap filling. They provide a nice, smoky flavour and a healthy dose of vitamins and fibre.
• Brunch: Create a delicious brunch by pairing roasted bell peppers with crispy potato hash browns, greens, and avocado.
• Tacos and fajitas: Air fryer bell peppers go well with tacos and fajitas. They can be served as a topping or filling, adding a charred, smoky flavour to the dish.
• Healthy vegetable side dish: Dress the bell peppers with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes for a healthy and tasty side dish.
• Dip: Air fryer bell peppers can be served with dips such as Keto Bacon Cheddar Dip. They make a great, healthy snack and are perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
• Italian Sausage: Serve the air fryer bell peppers as a side dish with Italian Sausage for a classic sausage and pepper dish.
• Shrimp Fajitas: Add some Mexican flair to your dinner by including air fryer bell peppers in your shrimp fajitas.
• Pasta: Air fryer bell peppers can be blended into a pasta sauce or added directly to pasta dishes like Shrimp Fra Diavolo.
• Sandwiches: These peppers are a tasty addition to sandwiches, especially cheesesteak and sausage sub sandwiches.
• Paella: For a vegetarian option, add the air fryer bell peppers to a vegetable paella.
• Other dishes: Air fryer bell peppers are versatile and can be added to various dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and more.

How to store air fryer bell peppers

Roasted bell peppers are a delicious and versatile addition to any dish, and they're super easy to make in an air fryer. But how do you store them to ensure they stay fresh and tasty? Here are some tips to keep your air fryer bell peppers in top condition:

Storing Air Fryer Bell Peppers in the Refrigerator:

• Let the roasted bell peppers cool down completely.
• Place the peppers in an airtight container or a bowl covered with compostable plastic wrap. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 4-5 days.

Extending the Shelf Life of Air Fryer Bell Peppers:

• Marinate the roasted bell peppers in a jar with extra virgin olive oil. This will help them stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
• You can also try canning or pickling your roasted bell peppers for long-term storage. These methods will keep them shelf-stable for months.
• Another option is to freeze your roasted bell peppers. Cut them into strips and place them in airtight containers or freezer bags. They will last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Tips for Storing Air Fryer Bell Peppers:

• Always wash the peppers before roasting to remove any pesticides.
• If you want to store them for longer than 2 weeks, consider freezing or canning them instead of refrigerating.
• To defrost frozen peppers, let them thaw on the counter or in the refrigerator.
• Always discard the peppers if you see any signs of mold or spoilage.

Other ways to cook bell peppers

There are several other ways to cook bell peppers, each method producing a unique flavour and texture. Here are some of the most common alternatives to using an air fryer:

Pan-roasting

This is a super-easy way to cook bell peppers and brings out their natural sweetness. You can use any combination of colours and sizes of peppers, but make sure they are firm with no bruises or soft spots and have smooth skin.

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peppers and sauté, stirring and turning frequently, until the skins start to blister and brown. Add water, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pan and cook for one minute so the peppers steam, then uncover and stir for another minute before serving.

Grilling

Brush the peppers with olive oil or cooking spray, and place them directly over a medium heat on the grill. Turn them as they cook so that all sides get charred. Large peppers, like bell peppers, will need about 25-30 minutes. Leave the grill uncovered if you are using charcoal, but cover if you are using gas.

Boiling

Boil 1-2 inches of water in a large skillet with high sides. When the water is boiling, add salt, then add the peppers and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are crisp-tender.

Steaming

Boil about an inch of water in the bottom of a steamer or a large stockpot with a metal/wire mesh colander. Cut the peppers into smaller pieces, ensuring they are consistent in size and shape, and add to the steamer basket. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes.

Stir-frying

Pour 1-2 tablespoons of oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high for a couple of minutes. Cut the peppers into rings, strips, or bite-sized pieces, and cook, stirring frequently, for about 4-7 minutes, until they are crisp-tender.

Frequently asked questions