Air-Fryer Roasted Peppers: A Quick, Easy, And Tasty Treat

Roasted peppers are a delicious addition to any meal, and making them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve perfect results. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make delicious roasted peppers that are tender, charred, and full of flavour. This guide will teach you how to make roasted peppers in an air fryer, including preparation tips, cooking instructions, and serving suggestions.

Choosing the right peppers

When choosing the size of your peppers, keep in mind that larger peppers will need a longer cooking time, while smaller peppers will cook more quickly. You can also use whole small peppers, such as mini peppers, and cook them for 8-10 minutes.

If you want to add some spice to your dish, consider using chilli peppers. Poblanos, Hatch chillies, and jalapenos are all great options for roasting. Each variety of chilli pepper has its own unique flavour profile and heat level, so you can experiment to find your favourite.

Remember, the beauty of roasting peppers in an air fryer is that you don't need to add any oil or salt – the peppers will be delicious on their own!

How to roast peppers in an air fryer

Roasting peppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add extra flavour to your cooking. It's also a lot less messy than frying them in a pan! This guide will take you through the simple steps to achieve perfectly roasted peppers.

Ingredients

You will need:

• Peppers (any colour)
• Olive oil
• Salt (optional)

Method

• Start by rinsing your peppers and patting them dry with a clean towel.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds. Then, cut the peppers in half.
• Use a pastry brush to coat the pepper halves in olive oil. You can also add a pinch of salt to the non-skin side, if desired.
• Place the peppers skin-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
• Air fry for 10-30 minutes. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer, so check on the peppers after 10 minutes and adjust as needed. You will know they are done when they have slightly charred edges.
• Remove the peppers from the air fryer and let them cool.
• Once cool, you can peel away the skin if desired. This step will depend on your preference for texture.

Tips

• The number of peppers you can fit in your air fryer will depend on its size, so you may need to roast them in batches.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• You can add other ingredients to the air fryer with the peppers, such as garlic cloves or sliced onions.
• Roasted peppers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted peppers are very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as:

• Salads
• Burrito bowls
• Fajitas
• Sandwiches
• Pasta sauces
• Dips
• Tacos
• Casseroles

How to peel roasted peppers

Roasted peppers are a delicious addition to many dishes, and they're so easy to make in an air fryer. But what's the best way to peel them once they're cooked? Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly peeled roasted peppers:

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers for Peeling

After air-frying your peppers, they will need to rest for a while before you start peeling. You can leave them in the air fryer with the basket closed, or if you need to use the air fryer for another batch, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or a kitchen towel. This step is important because it allows the peppers to steam, which helps to loosen the skin and makes peeling easier.

Step 2: Start Peeling

Once the peppers have rested for about 10 minutes, they should be cool enough to handle. Start by using your fingers to gently rub the skins off. The skins should come off fairly easily, but if you encounter any stubborn spots, you can use a paper towel or the dull side of a knife to help scrape the skin away.

Step 3: Remove the Seeds and Ribs

Once the peppers are peeled, you'll want to remove the seeds and ribs (the white pithy parts). Simply slice the peppers open lengthwise and pull out the seeds and ribs. You can also use a paring knife to carefully cut out the ribs and seeds.

Step 4: Chop or Tear the Peppers

At this point, your peppers are fully peeled and ready to be used in your favourite recipes. You can chop or tear them into the desired size depending on how you plan to use them. Roasted peppers are versatile and can be added to salads, sandwiches, dips, sauces, and more.

Tips for Peeling Roasted Peppers:

• Don't skip the steaming step! It makes peeling much easier.
• If you're having trouble removing the skins, try using a dull knife to help lift the skins away from the flesh of the peppers.
• You can leave the skins on if you prefer a charred flavour and don't mind the texture. However, peeling the peppers results in a smoother, more tender texture.

What to do with roasted peppers

Roasted peppers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on what to do with your roasted peppers:

Salads

Roasted peppers are a great addition to salads. They can be tossed into a green salad or used as a topping for a burrito bowl or a Mediterranean chickpea salad. Their silky texture and sweet, tangy flavour will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Sandwiches, Wraps and Pizzas

Add roasted peppers to your sandwiches or wraps for a zip of flavour. They also make a great pizza topping, especially with some basil and mozzarella. For an extra kick, try adding some red pepper pesto to your sandwich.

Dips and Sauces

Roasted peppers are perfect for blending into dips like hummus or sauces. Make a romesco sauce or tangy muhammara, or simply blend them into your favourite hummus recipe. You can also add them to marinara sauce or use them as a topping for crostini.

Eggs

Roasted peppers can be stirred into scrambled eggs or folded into an omelette or frittata.

Soups

Make a roasted red pepper soup, or simply add roasted peppers to your favourite soup recipe for a touch of sweetness.

Appetizers

Roasted peppers can be served as an appetizer, either on their own or as part of a classic antipasti spread. They also work well as a topping for crostini, especially when paired with soft goat cheese, olive oil, and fresh basil.

Pasta

Stir roasted peppers into any pasta dish, or blend them into a pasta sauce. They add a nice tang to the dish and go well with other ingredients like sausage or vegetables.

Meat Dishes

Roasted peppers can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, or used as a topping for chicken or pork. They can also be added to dishes like fajitas or cheesesteak sandwiches.

Other Ideas

• Add them to chilli or curry dishes.
• Make roasted pepper and mozzarella bites.
• Toss them with garlic and herbs for a refreshing side dish.
• Use them in a brunch dish with crispy potato hash browns and greens.

How to store roasted peppers

Roasted peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 days. If you coat them with a little oil, they will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can also add some of the pepper juices to the container.

Freezing is another method of storing roasted peppers for long-term storage. It is super easy, and they thaw out pretty fast once removed from the freezer. Freeze your peppers in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container. They will last up to 2 months.

Another method of storing roasted peppers is to place them in a jar with a pinch of salt, vinegar, and pepper juices. This will leave your peppers with a little bit of tang from the vinegar. Use these peppers for sauces, dips, and soups. They will be good for up to 2 months.

Frequently asked questions