Air Fryer Bell Peppers Recipe
I love this recipe because it transforms simple bell peppers into a smoky, flavorful delight with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Plus, it’s the perfect way to add a healthy, colorful crunch to my meals without spending too much time in the kitchen—total win!
I adore making lively, healthful dishes, and these Air Fryer Bell Peppers are a top pick. They are stuffed with nutrients and this recipe combines them with olive oil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to make a super easy and super tasty snack or side dish that you can whip up in no time.
Antioxidant-rich and super low effort, this recipe is my go-to for an awesome dish packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Bell Peppers:
High in antioxidants and vitamin C; low in calories.
Olive Oil:
Fats that are good for the heart; they provide richness and flavor.
Smoked Paprika:
Contributes to a smoky depth; contributes to a vibrant color.
Garlic Powder:
Imparts a mouthwatering flavor; strengthens the body’s defenses.
Onion Powder:
Improves heart health; sweet, savory flavor.
Ingredient Quantities
“`html
- 3 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
“`
Instructions
1. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to warm it up.
2. Rinse the bell peppers well in cold water and dry them off with paper towels.
3. Remove the tops of the bell peppers, take out the seeds, and discard the white membrane. Slice the peppers into strips; each strip should measure about 1 inch wide.
4. In a big mixing bowl, mix the bell pepper strips, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Тoss well until the peppers are coated evenly.
5. Put the seasoned strips of bell pepper in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You might have to work in batches to keep them from crowding.
6. Cook the peppers in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes, making sure to shake the basket halfway through so that the peppers in your basket cook evenly. You want the peppers to come out tender and just slightly charred.
7. When finished, carefully extract the bell pepper strips from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
8. Move the air-fried bell peppers to a plate for serving.
9. Taste and, if necessary, adjust seasoning by adding additional salt or spices to attain your desired flavor profile.
10. The bell peppers can be served air-fried as a side dish or as a salad, sandwich, or wrap topping. Enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Air fryer
2. Measuring spoons
3. Sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Mixing bowl
6. Tongs or spatula
7. Plate
8. Paper towels
FAQ
- Can I use mini bell peppers instead of large ones?This recipe can indeed utilize mini bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time, as they might take less time to cook than their bigger brethren.
- Do I need to preheat the air fryer?Typically, it is advised to preheat your air fryer for more even results. Preheating for about 3-5 minutes before the addition of the bell peppers can help.
- Can I use other spices?Certainly! You can play around with spices and herbs such as cumin, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to personalize the flavor to your preference.
- How can I store leftover bell peppers?Any leftovers should be placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3-4 days. Serve any reheated portions in the same way you served the original portions. An air fryer makes a good reheating appliance.
- Will the bell peppers be crispy?The bell peppers will become nicely charred and have slightly crispy edges, while the insides remain tender, when making them in the air fryer.
- Can I use less oil?Certainly! Olive oil strengthens the spices’ flavor and helps them stick to the peppers. If you want to cut back on oil, you might consider using a cooking spray instead. This will provide the needed moisture for the next step.
Substitutions and Variations
When a recipe calls for olive oil, you can substitute in one of these ways: Use the same amount of avocado oil. Use melted coconut oil. Use another oil of your choice—preferably a lighter oil (for example, canola oil or safflower oil).
When a recipe calls for black pepper, you can use white pepper or red pepper flakes. They will give you some heat, which you may want, but in another way, they are not really substitutes for black pepper. These are not the kind of ingredients you would just reach for if black pepper were not around.
If you have garlic powder in short supply, replace it with minced fresh garlic or use garlic salt instead. Remember that if you’re going with the latter option, you’ll need to adjust the amount of salt you use in the rest of your dish.
Onion powder can be swapped for minced fresh onion or the powder from shallots.
For smoked paprika, use regular paprika or chili powder for a spicier kick.
Pro Tips
1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Although the instructions mention warming up the air fryer, ensure that it’s fully preheated before adding the peppers. This helps them cook evenly and achieve that slightly charred finish.
2. Uniform Slicing: Slice the bell peppers into uniformly thick strips to promote even cooking. Consistency in size ensures that all pieces cook at the same rate.
3. Avoid Overcrowding: Space the pepper strips out in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate effectively. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and some strips turning out less crispy.
4. Add a Touch of Lemon or Lime: For a burst of freshness, squeeze a little lemon or lime juice over the cooked peppers just before serving. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful zing.
5. Use Fresh Spices: Ensure that your spices are fresh for the best flavor. If they’ve been sitting in your pantry for too long, they might not deliver the desired taste. Consider using freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick.
Air Fryer Bell Peppers Recipe
My favorite Air Fryer Bell Peppers Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Air fryer
2. Measuring spoons
3. Sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Mixing bowl
6. Tongs or spatula
7. Plate
8. Paper towels
Ingredients:
“`html
- 3 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
“`
Instructions:
1. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to warm it up.
2. Rinse the bell peppers well in cold water and dry them off with paper towels.
3. Remove the tops of the bell peppers, take out the seeds, and discard the white membrane. Slice the peppers into strips; each strip should measure about 1 inch wide.
4. In a big mixing bowl, mix the bell pepper strips, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Тoss well until the peppers are coated evenly.
5. Put the seasoned strips of bell pepper in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You might have to work in batches to keep them from crowding.
6. Cook the peppers in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes, making sure to shake the basket halfway through so that the peppers in your basket cook evenly. You want the peppers to come out tender and just slightly charred.
7. When finished, carefully extract the bell pepper strips from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
8. Move the air-fried bell peppers to a plate for serving.
9. Taste and, if necessary, adjust seasoning by adding additional salt or spices to attain your desired flavor profile.
10. The bell peppers can be served air-fried as a side dish or as a salad, sandwich, or wrap topping. Enjoy!