Roasting peppers in the air fryer is a game-changer! Not only is it super quick and easy, but the results are downright mouthwatering. Whether you are roasting chiles or roasting bell peppers you end up with delicious vibrant flavor.
Roasting peppers is a great way to provide extra flavor and depth to your cooking, adding flavor to chili, tacos, dips, and sauces. It can be done in various ways, using a traditional oven, a frying pan, or a grill.
But an air fryer is one of the easiest and most efficient methods. Not only does it take minimal prep and clean-up, but it also produces evenly roasted peppers that are easy to peel.
In this article, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of air frying peppers, including serving ideas, storage tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. And while my photos show roasting chile peppers, this works exactly the same for sweet bell peppers!
Here are my favorite recipes that use roasted peppers! Try chile relleno casserole, Cincinnati chili, or Southwest chicken salad. Or try air fryer shishito peppers for a sweet and spicy side dish.
🫑Choosing the Right Peppers
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
There are many different types of chiles, each with its unique flavor and heat level. Some popular varieties for roasting include:
- Anaheim peppers
- Poblano peppers
- Jalapeño peppers
- Serrano
- Habanero
- Hatch chiles
- Bell peppers
- Banana peppers
Freshness is key when it comes to roasting peppers. Look for peppers that are firm and free from blemishes or soft spots. Choose ones that are in season and locally grown for the best flavor when possible.
❓Why Roast Peppers?
Roasting peppers adds a smoky, earthy flavor and makes the peppers more digestible and easier to peel. Plus, roasting helps break down the peppers, releasing their natural sweetness.
Trust me, once you try roasted peppers, you’ll want to put them in everything – from sandwiches and salads to pasta dishes and omelets!
Roasting also makes it easier to remove their skin. The high heat of the roasting process causes the skin to blister and peel away from the flesh of the pepper. This is especially helpful if you are using peppers in a dish where the skin is undesirable.
🥣How to Roast Peppers in an Air Fryer
- Wash the peppers thoroughly under cold running water. Once clean, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Place the prepared peppers in air fryer in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the chiles for 10-15 minutes, using tongs to flip them halfway through the cooking time. The pepper size can affect the cooking time, so keep an eye on them. When they are done they will look brown, and the skin will be charred and blistered.
- Once the peppers are nicely charred and tender they need to rest before peeling.
🌶️How to Peel Roasted Peppers
- You can leave the peppers in the air fryer with the basket closed, and they will steam in the air fryer.
- If you need the air fryer to make another batch, put the roasted chiles in a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a kitchen towel.
- Let them sit in the air fryer or a bowl for about 10 minutes or until they’re cool enough to handle.
- Using your fingers, gently rub the skins off the peppers. If you’re having trouble with stubborn spots, you can use a paper towel or the dull side of a knife to help scrape the skin off.
- Slice the peppers and remove the ribs and seeds.
- You now have perfectly roasted and peeled chiles or bell peppers ready to be used in your favorite dishes!
🍴Serving Ideas
I’ve got a few tried-and-true ideas that my family loves:
- Dips: Chop up those roasted chiles and mix them into your favorite dips, like guacamole or hummus. You won’t believe the flavor explosion.
- Sauces: Blend your roasted red peppers into a marinara sauce to use on spaghetti or pizza.
- Add to chili: Add a smoky and spicy twist to your classic chili recipe by adding some chopped roasted hatch chiles.
- Bowls: Spice up your next Buddha or burrito bowl with a generous helping of roasted chiles.
- Sandwiches or wraps: Elevate your sandwich game by adding some roasted bell peppers to the mix. They’re delicious in a grilled cheese or veggie wrap.
- Soup: Stir some roasted chiles into your favorite soup for an extra kick of flavor. I love adding them to my Mexican tomato soup – it’s the perfect comfort food.
- Tacos: What’s a taco without some roasted chiles? They add a smoky flavor and a bit of heat.
- Casseroles: Use the roasted peppers to top off your favorite casseroles, or make chile relleno casserole where they are the star of the show.
💭How to Store
Roasted chiles should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can freeze them for longer storage of up to 6 months.
I like to put roasted chile peppers in ice cube trays for freezing. Then once they are frozen, place the chile cubes in a freezer bag. Next time I’m making a big pot of chili or soup I can toss in a cube of peppers!
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Air fryer steams skin off: Remember that letting the peppers steam after roasting helps the skin peel off easily. Don’t skip this step!
- Combine varieties: You can roast more than one kind of peppers at a time.
- Don’t overcrowd: When roasting, it’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You want the chiles to have room to cook evenly.
- Use tongs to turn: Flipping the peppers halfway through cooking can be tricky, so I recommend using tongs to make the process easier and safer.
- No oil or salt needed: The beauty of roasting peppers in an air fryer is that you don’t need any oil or salt. They’re naturally delicious!
📝FAQ
Peeling the peppers after roasting is recommended, as it removes the tough outer skin and reveals the tender, flavorful flesh underneath. However, you can skip this step if you are okay with the skin’s texture.
Poblanos, Hatch chiles, jalapenos, and bell peppers are my favorite for roasting. But each variety has its unique flavor profile and heat level, so experiment and find your favorites!
Don’t worry if your roasted peppers appear slightly charred – this is a sign that they’ve been cooked properly! The charred bits add a smoky depth of flavor. Just keep an eye on them while they cook to prevent excessive burning.
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Air Fryer Roasted Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-6 chili peppers or bell peppers
Instructions
- Place peppers in the air fryer basket. You can fill the basket but don't overlap the peppers.4-6 chili peppers or bell peppers
- Cook at 400°f for 10-15 minutes or until the skins blacken and blister. Flip the peppers over after 8 minutes.
- Turn the air fryer off after the chilies are cooked, and let them stay in the air fryer for 10 minutes to allow them to sweat. This loosens the skin for removal.
- Or, put the peppers in a bowl if you want to use the air fryer for another batch. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and allow the peppers to rest.
- Once the peppers are cool, remove the chilies and peel away the skin. It should easily peel off as you rub them.
- Slice the skinned peppers lengthwise and remove the stems, seeds, and veins.
Notes
- It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You want the chiles to have room to cook evenly.
- You can roast more than one kind of peppers at a time.
- The beauty of roasting chiles in an air fryer is that you don’t need any oil or salt. They’re naturally delicious!
- Store roasted peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-6 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
I have been laboriously roasting and peeling peppers for decades. I only got an air fryer 2 months ago. Once I discovered your recipe, I’ve been in heaven, the process is so fast and easy I now look forward to pepper day! I can’t begin to thank you enough!