Air-Fryer Padron Peppers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Padrón peppers are a traditional Spanish tapa that is fun, tasty, and easy to cook at home with an air fryer. They are small green peppers, named after the municipality where they were first grown in northwestern Spain. Padrón peppers are generally fried in olive oil and served with coarse salt, making them a great candidate for the air fryer. To make Padrón peppers in an air fryer, simply preheat the air fryer to a high temperature, brush or toss the peppers with olive oil, and cook until blistered. The cooking time should take no more than 5-8 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. Before serving, sprinkle with sea salt and serve with dips or as part of a tapas spread.

How long to cook padron peppers in an air fryer

Cooking padron peppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this classic Spanish tapas dish. The air fryer's high temperature will give the peppers a nice charred surface, and the cooking time should take no more than 5-8 minutes.

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to a high temperature, usually between 200-220°C. Some recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 400°F or 205°C for 3-4 minutes.
• Prepare the peppers: Wash and dry the desired amount of padron peppers. You can also prick them with a fork before cooking.
• Add oil: Place the peppers in a bowl and drizzle or brush them with olive oil. You can also use avocado oil or any oil with a high smoking point. Just make sure the peppers are coated, but not dripping with oil.
• Seasonings: At this point, you can add seasonings like garlic salt, chilli flakes, or lemon zest if you want to give your peppers an extra kick. However, this is not traditional, and most recipes simply call for coarse sea salt or flaked salt added after cooking.
• Cook the peppers: Place the peppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the peppers halfway through. The peppers are done when they are soft, slightly charred, and blistered.
• Serve: Transfer the cooked peppers to a serving plate or bowl and sprinkle with sea salt or flaked salt. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or a dip of your choice.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the amount of peppers you are cooking, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

How to season padron peppers

How to Season Padrón Peppers

Padrón peppers are a traditional Spanish tapa, generally mild in flavour, but with the occasional spicy pepper thrown in, making them a fun and tasty snack. They are usually fried in olive oil and served with a sprinkling of coarse salt.

How to Season Padrón Peppers:

First, wash and dry the peppers. Then, place them in a bowl and drizzle or spray them with olive oil. You want the peppers to look shiny, but be careful not to use too much oil. Next, add your chosen seasonings and toss the peppers to ensure they are well coated.

For a traditional seasoning, use coarse sea salt, such as Maldon sea salt flakes, or garlic salt. For extra flavour, add a pinch of paprika or smoky seasoning. You could also add some spice with dried chilli flakes. A squeeze of lemon juice will add a citrusy zing to the peppers.

Once seasoned, place the peppers in the air fryer and cook for around 5-8 minutes, stirring or shaking the basket halfway through. When the peppers are blistered, charred, and slightly wilted, they are ready. Sprinkle with a little more salt and serve immediately.

Padrón peppers are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheated in the air fryer.

What to serve with padron peppers

Padron peppers are a classic Spanish tapas dish, often served with a sprinkle of sea salt and a dip of your choice. They are a great finger food option and go well with drinks. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Tapas-style dishes

Padron peppers are a great addition to a tapas spread. Here are some dishes that will complement the peppers:

• Warm almond-stuffed olives
• Chorizo cooked in red wine
• Ham croquettes
• Tomato bread
• Spanish omelette
• Garlic shrimp (gambas al ajillo)
• Tortilla de patatas (Spanish tortilla)
• Chorizo in red wine
• Pinchos morunos (Spanish pork skewers)

Other cuisines

If you want to mix and match with other cuisines, try some of these options:

• Chicken satay skewers
• Simple plain hummus with warm flatbreads
• Homemade sushi rolls and nigiri
• Bacon and cherry bites

As a side dish

Padron peppers also work well as a side dish. Here are some ideas for what to serve them with:

• Lamb and sweet potato bake
• Braai mackerel and scallops with aubergine and sweet corn
• Chilli, lime, and garlic chicken
• Chinese-style pigs in blankets
• Simple tomato pasta with mozzarella
• Tandoori sea bass with mango chutney

As a starter

Padron peppers can also be served as a starter, and here are some main course options to follow:

• No-cook chicken couscous
• Stuffed peppers with rice
• Pancetta and Padron peppers casserole

So, there you have it! Padron peppers are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and creating your own unique spread!

How to prepare padron peppers before air frying

Preparing padron peppers for the air fryer is simple and only requires a few steps. Firstly, wash the peppers and dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel. Next, place the peppers in a bowl and drizzle or spritz them with olive oil. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as garlic salt, chilli flakes, or lemon zest, for extra flavour. Toss the peppers in the bowl to ensure they are well coated with oil and any other seasonings. Then, transfer the peppers to the air fryer basket, ensuring that you do not overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the peppers in batches.

What type of salt to use on padron peppers

Padron peppers are a traditional Spanish tapa or bar snack. They are typically fried in olive oil and served with a sprinkling of salt. The type of salt used can vary depending on personal preference, but coarse salt or sea salt flakes are commonly recommended for this dish.

Coarse salt, such as Maldon sea salt flakes, adds texture and flavour to the peppers. The larger crystal size of coarse salt provides a satisfying crunch when biting into the peppers. It also enhances the natural flavours of the peppers and can make them taste even more delicious.

Sea salt flakes, on the other hand, offer a similar benefit of adding a crunchy texture to the dish. They have a more delicate crystal structure than regular table salt, which can enhance the flavour of the peppers without overwhelming their natural taste.

Some recipes suggest using garlic salt as a seasoning for padron peppers. Garlic salt combines the savoury flavour of garlic with salt, adding a subtle garlicky note to the dish. This can be a convenient way to add garlic flavour without using fresh garlic, which can burn easily during cooking.

In summary, the choice of salt for padron peppers depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile. Coarse salt and sea salt flakes are popular choices for their ability to add texture and enhance flavour. Garlic salt is another option for those who want to introduce garlic notes without using fresh garlic cloves. Experimenting with different types of salt can help you find the perfect seasoning for your padron peppers.

Frequently asked questions