Your Air-Fryer Peppers will steal the show with their bright colors! The air fryer provides a quick and easy way to add a side of flavor and nutrition to virtually any entrée.
I used to think of bell peppers as an ingredient meant to be diced and cooked down into oblivion. I also considered roasted bell peppers to be something you get in a jar at the store—too much trouble to make at home. Thankfully, I got an outdoor grill of my own a few years ago, and all my bell pepper opinions have now changed. Bell peppers are more than just an ingredient. They’re flavorful in their own right, and not only are they good raw (with lots of different dips!), but they’re amazing when blistered on a grill and made into their own side.
There are times, however, when I just don’t feel like going outside, such as the entire month of December. Last December, for example, I decided I’d put my air fryer to good use for some veggies I usually grilled outdoors in summer. First up was a stash of bell peppers I had amassed through various grocery store produce sales. I was worried they wouldn’t be as good as my trusty grilled pepper recipe. Boy, was I wrong.
Air-fryer peppers are actually the way to go. Making peppers in the air fryer is easier than lighting up the grill; they cook to a very similar consistency, and I don’t have to go outside. This recipe is so simple yet so tasty, you might find you’ve eaten three entire bell peppers by yourself at the end of dinner. Pair these peppers with a main protein and a light starch, and your family will feel like they’re at a July barbecue—even if it’s the middle of December.
Are These Air-Fryer Peppers Healthy?
Bell peppers are very healthy. Though the different colors vary somewhat in nutritional value, they’re all low in calories and fat, and they contain lots of vitamins (especially A and C), antioxidants, fiber, and minerals. Olive oil adds plenty of healthy fats to this side dish, too. Given this is a simple recipe for a vegetable, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn they are suitable for most diets, including keto, vegan, gluten-free, Mediterranean, and Whole30.
Shake Up The Seasonings
As with any roasted vegetable, these air-fryer peppers are easy to customize with your preferred seasonings. This recipe uses the “bare bones” of seasonings: salt and pepper. So there’s plenty of room to add different flavors. Here are a few seasonings you might like to try out.
- Cajun seasoning blends: For a touch of spice from the bayou, use a Cajun seasoning blend. If you go this route, don’t bother adding salt and pepper. Many Cajun seasoning blends are heavy on the salt, and we all know they’re heavy on heat!
- Go Mexican-style: For perfect fajita peppers, keep the salt and pepper, but add cumin, oregano, chili powder, and onion powder. You can add chipotle powder for a touch of spicy, smoky heat! A squeeze of fresh lime after cooking will make them extra tasty.
- Curry it up: A sprinkle of curry powder turns these peppers into a tandoori-style side.
- Add some garlic and onion: I pretty much put garlic powder and onion powder on everything in my kitchen, and it works a charm on these peppers, too.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let the peppers cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe ziplock bag, but remove as much air from the bag as possible before bidding them farewell. When it comes time to eat, let the frozen peppers thaw completely in the fridge. You can then warm them back up in the air fryer, on the stove, or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Peppers can go with so many entrées, both as a side or as a topping. I love them with Vietnamese Grilled Chicken, Indian Chicken Kebabs, and on top of these easy Air-Fryer Brats.
You can also use them as the basis for a stir-fry, adding strips of steak or Crispy Baked Tofu to the mix. Or, you can add some onions to your air fryer (cook them separately from the peppers, but using the same steps as this recipe) and use the mix for delicious fajitas or tacos.
Ingredients
- 3 large bell peppers
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut off the tops of the bell peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, and slice the peppers into ½-inch wide strips.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. In a mixing bowl, toss the bell pepper strips with the olive oil. Make sure each strip is lightly coated. Add the salt and ground black pepper, then toss again.
- Place the seasoned bell pepper strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air-fry the peppers for 12 minutes. Don't forget to give the basket a gentle shake halfway through. The peppers are done when they are tender and have charred edges.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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