Easy Air Fryer Shishito Peppers

Jump to Recipe

Air Fryer Shishito Peppers make for a quick and effortless snack or appetizer in the air fryer. They come out perfectly charred and blistered with a smoky flavor. These bite-size peppers are mild, not spicy, and incredibly tasty! Ready in 10 minutes.

Air Fried Shishito Peppers

Air fryer shishito peppers are a healthier and less messy alternative to traditional stir-frying methods in a wok or skillet. If you haven't tried shishito peppers yet, they make for a delicious appetizer that's incredibly easy to prepare.

You can find them at Trader Joe's or many farmers markets and supermarkets. With just four simple ingredients - shishito peppers, olive oil, salt, and lemon wedges - this recipe takes less than 10 minutes to make. The peppers come out perfectly charred and blistered, making for a tasty snack or appetizer.

You'll Need

Shishito Peppers: Look for fresh, bright green shishito peppers at your local grocery store or farmers market. They are usually sold in bags or clamshells and can be found in the produce section.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality olive oil to toss the peppers in before cooking. You can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.
Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt works best for seasoning the peppers.
Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the peppers and helps to balance out the heat. Be sure to serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the peppers before eating.
Dipping Sauce (optional): You can serve Air Fryer Shishito Peppers plain or with a dipping sauce of your choice. Some popular options include soy sauce, garlic aioli, or tzatziki.

How to Make Shishito Peppers in Air Fryer

First preheat the fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Next, rinse the peppers and dry them off with a paper towel.

In a mixing bowl, coat the peppers evenly with olive oil by tossing them.

Place the peppers in the air fryer basket and fry them for 6-8 minutes in a single batch, shaking the basket every couple of minutes to ensure they cook evenly.

When the peppers are charred and blistered on the outside, remove them from the fryer. Sprinkle some salt over the peppers and serve them immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips

Here are some tips for making Air Fryer Shishito Peppers:

Use fresh shishito peppers: Fresh shishito peppers will have a better flavor and texture than older or frozen peppers.
Shake the basket: Shake the air fryer basket occasionally during cooking to ensure that the peppers cook evenly and develop a charred, blistered texture.
Serve immediately: Air Fryer Shishito Peppers are best served immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
Experiment with dipping sauces: Try serving them with different dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, garlic aioli, or tzatziki, to add variety and flavor to your dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Shishito Peppers Spicy?

Shishito peppers are generally considered a mild pepper, with a Scoville heat unit (SHU) range of 50-200. While there is always some variation in heat level, most people do not find shishito peppers to be very spicy. However, it is important to note that some shishito peppers can be spicier than others, so there is always a chance that you may encounter a particularly hot one.

Are Air Fryer Shishito Peppers healthy?

Yes, Air Fryer Shishito Peppers are generally considered a healthy food option. They are low in calories and high in nutrients, such as vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants.

Where to Buy Shishito Peppers?

Shishito peppers can be found in many grocery stores and farmers markets. They are often sold in pre-packaged bags and can be located in the produce section alongside other types of peppers. Some stores that commonly carry shishito peppers include Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Asian markets.

Can I eat the stems of Shishito Peppers?

Yes, the stems of shishito peppers are safe to eat. However, some people prefer to remove them before cooking or eating for a better texture and presentation.

Storage

If you have leftover air fryer shishito peppers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, place them in an airtight container or resealable bag and refrigerate.

When you're ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and add the peppers to the basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy again.

❗ Keep in mind that the texture of the peppers may change slightly after refrigeration, so they may not be as crispy as when they were freshly cooked.

Other Air Fryer Recipes to Try!!!

Air Fryer Baked Camembert

Potato Chips Air Fryer

Air Fryer Potato Skins

Zucchini Chips Air Fryer

Garlic Bread in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Salmon Bites with Garlic Cream Sauce

Air Fryer Meatloaf

If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I will be happy to hear from you!