Air-Fried Snap Peas: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer snap peas are a quick, easy, and healthy snack or side dish. They are low in calories but high in fibre and vitamins. The air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of the sugar snap peas, which are a cross between regular garden peas and snow peas. The pods are edible and the peas are best enjoyed raw or lightly cooked.

To make air fryer snap peas, first, rinse the snap peas in a colander and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, remove the ends and string from each pod. Next, add the peas to a large bowl and toss with oil and seasonings. Place the snap peas in the air fryer basket and air fry on 400°F for 7-9 minutes. Shake the basket after 4 minutes to ensure they cook evenly.

You can serve air fryer snap peas with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil or a squeeze of lemon juice.

How to prepare snap peas for the air fryer

Ingredients

To make snap peas in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Snap peas (also known as sugar snap peas)
• Olive oil (or another oil of your choice)
• Salt
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, garlic salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, lemon juice, oregano, Parmesan cheese)

Preparation

First, rinse the snap peas in a colander and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can also use a salad spinner for this step.

Next, remove the ends and strings from each pod. The strings can be a little tough, so it is recommended to remove them unless you are using stringless snap peas.

Now, it's time to season the snap peas. You can toss them with olive oil and a simple mix of salt and pepper, or get creative with other seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder, garlic salt, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, lemon juice, oregano, and Parmesan cheese.

Once your snap peas are seasoned, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F. Place the snap peas in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for 6-9 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Your snap peas are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a healthy snack or a delicious side dish.

The best temperature and time to air fry snap peas

Air-frying snap peas is a quick and easy way to cook them, and it brings out their natural sweetness. The best temperature to air fry snap peas is between 390ºF and 400ºF. This will ensure they get tender but maintain a little crunch.

The cooking time will depend on how tender you like your snap peas. They only need to be lightly cooked, so they just require 7 to 12 minutes in the air fryer. At 7 minutes, they will still have a slightly firm texture. If you prefer them more tender, air fry for another 1 to 2 minutes. Don't leave them in the air fryer for too long, or they will become soft.

It's important not to overcook snap peas as they are best enjoyed raw or only slightly cooked. You'll know they're done when they're fragrant and have some nice caramelized spots.

How to serve snap peas

Air fryer snap peas are a quick and easy side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Side Dish

Air fryer snap peas make a delicious and healthy side dish for a variety of main courses. They pair well with grilled chicken, tofu, or fish dishes such as air fryer salmon or salmon teriyaki. You can also serve them with rice or noodles for a balanced meal.

As an Appetiser or Snack

The snap peas can be enjoyed as a crunchy and nutritious snack on their own. For a more substantial appetiser, serve them with a dip like hummus or a sauce like garlic parmesan cream sauce or teriyaki sauce.

In Stir-Fries and Salads

Snap peas are a great addition to stir-fries and salads. They can be tossed into a stir-fry with other vegetables and protein for a tasty and healthy meal. In a salad, they add a nice crunchy texture and a burst of freshness.

With Other Vegetables

Air fryer snap peas can be served alongside other roasted or air-fried vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes. This makes for a vibrant and nutritious meal.

Seasonings and Toppings

There are several ways to season and garnish air fryer snap peas to enhance their flavour. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil or lemon juice can add a nice touch. You can also add spices like red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or minced garlic for a savoury kick.

How to store and reheat snap peas

To store snap peas, keep them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will typically last for 3 to 5 days when stored this way. You can also freeze snap peas to extend their shelf life to about 12 months. To do this, wash the snap peas, remove the stems, blanch them in boiling water for 1.5 minutes, and then package them in airtight containers or freezer bags.

When reheating snap peas, you can use a skillet, microwave, or air fryer. Reheat the snap peas for just a minute or two in a hot skillet, or microwave them briefly until warm. If you're using an air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket after 4 minutes.

How to remove the string from snap peas

Removing the string from snap peas is an important step to ensure a pleasant eating experience. The strings can be tough and annoying when lodged between your teeth. While it is an extra step, it is worth doing for the best flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing the strings from snap peas:

• Position the pea so that the convex side (the side without the strings) faces you. It should look like a smile, not a frown.
• Using a paring knife, make a small slit on each end of the shell, cutting from the convex side to the concave side (away from your body). Don't cut all the way through—you want the tips to stay attached so you can use them as a handle.
• Grab the tips and pull them along the concave side of the shell. The strings will come off easily. Discard the string and pull the second tip in the opposite direction to remove the other string.
• Alternatively, you can remove the strings without a knife by simply ripping off the tips of the peas and pulling in opposite directions to remove both strings.
• Another method is to use a toothpick to remove the strings. Poke the toothpick into the tip of the pea and move it upward to pull out the string. Then, move the toothpick downward to remove the string from the base of the pod.

Once you have removed the strings from your snap peas, you can prepare them in an air fryer for a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish. Simply toss the snap peas with olive oil, salt, and any other desired seasonings, and air fry for 7-9 minutes at 400°F.

Frequently asked questions