Quick and Easy Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Air fryer shishito peppers are your go-to for a quick, flavorful snack or appetizer! With their smoky heat and vibrant taste, they’re guaranteed to be a hit every time. Bonus: they’re naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly, so everyone can enjoy!
If you haven’t experienced blistered veggies yet, you’re in for a real treat. My air-fried shishito peppers recipe is hands down one of the simplest, most delicious ways to enjoy them. The peppers come out beautifully charred and super flavorful, with each bite offering a fantastic mix of mildly sweet, smoky, savory goodness. Bonus: the air fryer does all the work! Enjoy.
Why You’ll Love These Delicious Blistered Shishito Peppers
- This recipe is so easy to make! Just toss the ingredients in a large bowl, air fry them, and enjoy.
- It comes together in less than 10 minutes, making it perfect even for the busiest days.
- This air fryer recipe uses simple ingredients. Shishito peppers can usually be purchased at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or your local grocery store.
- It’s full of natural flavors from the shishito peppers and the spices.
- It’s a low-carb recipe with low calories, too, and the peppers make it a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.
- The peppers can be served as appetizers, snacks, or side dishes. Your choice!
- You can customize the flavors to suit your personal preferences.
Ingredient Notes
Whole Shishito Peppers: The main ingredient. They have a naturally mild, slightly smoky flavor, though you might get an occasionally hot pepper in a bunch. Once blistered, they develop a delightfully soft, slightly chewy skin.
Olive Oil: Helps the peppers blister beautifully in the air fryer.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the peppers.
Smoked Paprika: Imparts smokiness that enhances the natural flavors of the already-smoky peppers.
Coarse Sea Salt: Enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. If you do not have a coarser salt, regular salt will get the job done.
Flaky Sea Salt: Optional; can be used as a garnish.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Optional; can be used to add a rich, nutty flavor to the dish thanks to the browned sesame seeds.
How to Make Shishito Peppers in the Air Fryer
- Place shishito peppers in a bowl, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Air fry at 400°F for 9 minutes, shaking halfway, until blistered.
- Finish with flaky salt and/or sesame oil.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Shishito Peppers
- With a squeeze of lime juice, fresh lemon juice, or some lemon zest for added brightness.
- On a serving dish paired with a dip like garlic parmesan sauce, spicy sriracha aioli, miso mayo, Tzatziki sauce, or a simple combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- On a charcuterie board alongside various cheeses, olives, and nuts.
- Paired with fried rice, steamed rice, or soba noodles.
- Chopped into bits and added as a topping on grain bowls or pizza.
- Paired with roasted vegetables.
- As a side dish to various vegetable mains like creamy halloumi pasta, butter bean curry, or slow cooker vegetarian chili.
Expert Tips
- Choose bright green and firm peppers, particularly those without blemishes or soft spots, as these offer the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t cut the stems off – they’re a good way to handle the peppers.
- After washing, pat the peppers dry before seasoning and putting them in the air fryer. Any excess moisture might lead the peppers to steam instead of char.
- To prevent them from bursting in the air fryer, make a small slit in each pepper before coating them with seasoning and cooking them.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket with peppers, which might lead to uneven cooking.
Storing and Reheating
Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Don’t freeze them — the peppers might become mushy when you reheat them.
To reheat, pop them in the air fryer, oven, or microwave. However, note that using the microwave might make the peppers softer.
More Delicious Pepper Recipes For You to Enjoy
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound whole shishito peppers washed and patted dry, stems included
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt or to taste
- flaky sea salt optional garnish
- Toasted sesame oil optional garnish
Instructions
- Place the shishito peppers in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and coarse sea salt over the peppers. Toss to coat.
- Arrange the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 9 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the peppers are blistered and tender.
- For additional flavor, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and/or a drizzle of sesame oil before serving.
- Enjoy warm!