Air fryer bell peppers are the perfect blend of roasted sweetness and crispy perfection. With three simple ingredients and little prep time, you can enjoy perfectly roasted peppers in under 20 minutes.
Perfect for fajitas, adding to sandwiches, or topping salad, these roasted bell peppers are easy to make and bursting with sweetness.
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Air Fryer Veggies
Air fryer veggies are both flavorful and versatile. They offer quick and easy prep, cooking in half the time as roasted vegetables. The vegetables come out tender, full of flavor and with those perfect charred edges everyone loves. Using little oil to cook, they offer a healthy, low-carb diet option that makes the perfect addition to any meal.
Most vegetables come out amazing in the air fryer. Favorites include Air Fryer Rosemary Potatoes which are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside and my Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash, which cooks in half the time and is the perfect low-carb alternative to pasta. Of course, these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, with their crispy coating and soft, flavorful center, give a whole new meeting to the word “fries”. With air fryer veggies, eating your greens has never been so delicious!
Why You'll Love Air Fryer Bell Peppers
Air fryer bell peppers are more than just a vegetable side dish; they're a tasty delight that brings a burst of flavor, color, and convenience to your table. Here are several reasons why you'll fall in love with air-fried bell peppers:
Irresistible Crispy Texture: This easy air fryer recipe transforms bell peppers into crispy, tender bites with a slightly charred exterior.
Speedy Cooking: Air fryers reduce cooking time compared to traditional methods such as oven roasting and stovetop frying.
Versatility: Air-fried bell peppers can be a side dish, a topping for fajitas, burrito bowls, a salad ingredient, or even as a healthy snack.
Healthier Option: Air frying requires little oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying. Savor the delicious flavors of roasted peppers without the excess calories.
Flavorful Seasoning Options: Experiment with different seasonings, from classic salt and pepper to garlic powder, to exotic spices, to tailor the flavors to your taste.
Vibrant Colors: Colorful red peppers, yellow bell peppers, and green peppers aren't just visually appealing but provide a variety of vitamins and antioxidants.
Easy Cleanup: Air fryers are known for their easy cleanup. Most parts are dishwasher-safe, and since you use minimal oil, there's less mess to deal with.
Family-Friendly: Air-fried bell peppers are a hit with both adults and kids. They make for a tasty and nutritious addition to family meals.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for cooking peppers in air fryer. The nutrition info and full recipe with exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
- Bell Peppers - choose all one color or mix red bell peppers, orange peppers, yellow bell peppers, and even green bell peppers. You can also use mini sweet peppers or other kinds of peppers listed below.
- Olive Oil - to help brown the peppers. You can also use avocado oil.
- Fajita Seasoning - See the Recipe Variations section for other seasoning ideas.
Other Peppers
This air fryer peppers recipe is not just for bell peppers. You can switch them out with:
- Anaheim Peppers
- Banana Peppers
- Chili Peppers
- Hatch Peppers
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Padron Peppers
- Poblano Peppers
- Shishito Peppers
Note that thinner peppers like shishito peppers will take less time to cook.
How to Air Fry Bell Peppers
Here a some photos and the simple steps for prepping and air frying peppers.
- Wash fresh bell peppers and remove stems and seeds. Slice into ½" slices.
- Place in a large bowl and drizzle in olive oil.
- Add fajita seasoning or salt and pepper.
- Toss to evenly coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F then place peppers in the basket of the air fryer, spreading them evenly.
- Air fry for 12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time.
Nicely charred and with a little bite, these roasted peppers are ready for adding to your favorite Mexican dishes. Their ease of preparation, crispy texture, and adaptability make them a healthy side dish to any meal.
Recipe Tips
Cooking bell peppers in an air fryer is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy this vibrant vegetable. Whether you're new to air frying or a seasoned pro, these recipe tips will help you achieve perfectly roasted and seasoned peppers every time.
- Choosing the Right Bell Peppers: Opt for bell peppers of any color to add a vibrant mix of flavors and colors to your dish.
- Prepping the Peppers: Slice them into uniform slices. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Coating with Olive Oil: Coat the sliced peppers with olive oil thoroughly. This helps achieve that desirable crispy texture in the air fryer while adding a touch of rich flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer is crucial for consistent and efficient cooking. Set it to 400°F and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes before adding the peppers.
- Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking and a nicely roasted exterior, turn the peppers halfway through the cooking time. This step helps in achieving that perfect char and flavor on all sides.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the peppers during the cooking process. Depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of your pepper slices, the cooking time may vary slightly. Adjust as needed to prevent overcooking.
Recipe Variations
With these versatile recipe variations, you can customize your air fryer peppers to suit different occasions and preferences. Whether you're looking for a quick side dish, a savory topping, or a flavorful twist, these options have you covered. Get creative and enjoy a variety of delicious pepper creations!
- Air Fryer Peppers and Mushrooms: Elevate your pepper game by adding earthy mushrooms to the mix. Simply slice your favorite mushrooms and air fry them alongside the peppers. The result is a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Air Fryer Peppers and Onions: For a classic pairing, try air frying peppers and onions together. The natural sweetness of onions complements the peppers beautifully. It also makes the classic fajita veggie combo. Opt for either yellow onion or red onions.
- Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers: Take it up a notch by adding sausage to your air-fried peppers. The juicy and flavorful sausage pairs wonderfully with the roasted peppers, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. Experiment with different sausage varieties, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or bratwurst, to suit your taste.
- Flavorful Seasoning Swaps: Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasoning blends to transform the flavor profile of your air fryer peppers. Consider substituting the Fajita seasoning with options like salt and pepper for a simple touch, Italian seasoning for classic flavors, Greek seasoning for a burst of Mediterranean herbs, Old Bay seasoning for a seafood-inspired twist, Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick, or your favorite spice blend to personalize the dish to your liking.
How to Use Air Fryer Peppers
These Mexican seasoned peppers are great as a topping or filling for:
- Burritos
- Enchiladas
- Fajitas
- Mexican Casseroles
- Quesadillas
- Tacos
- Taco Salad
Season them with just salt and pepper or other seasonings and serve them as a side dish for steak, chicken, or fish.
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Peppers:
Once you've enjoyed your delicious air fryer peppers, it's essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture.
Begin by allowing the peppers to cool down to room temperature. Then place them in an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator.
Leftover air fryer peppers can typically be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Beyond that, their quality may start to decline.
How to Reheat Leftover Air Fryer Peppers:
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating air fryer peppers is a breeze:
- Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, it's the best method for reheating. Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover peppers in the air fryer basket and heat for a few minutes, checking periodically until they reach your desired temperature. This method helps maintain their crispy texture.
- Oven: Alternatively, you can use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.
- Stovetop: On the stovetop, you can reheat the peppers in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until they are warmed up to your liking.
Remember that the reheating time may vary based on the amount of leftovers and the method you choose. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, as this can affect their texture.
More Air Fryer Sides
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Air Fryer Tater Tots
Find lots of easy air fryer recipes right here on 2CM!
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Air Fryer Peppers
Ingredients
- 3 bell peppers any color
- 1 ½ Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Fajita seasoning or ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Remove the stems and seeds from the bell peppers. Slice them into ½" slices.
- Place in a bowl and add the olive oil and fajita seasoning. Toss well.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned peppers into the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time.
- Turn into bowl and serve with fajitas, tacos, hamburgers, on a salad or as a side to grilled meats.
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