If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful way to enjoy sweet red bell peppers, this Air Fryer Roasted Red Peppers Recipe is an absolute game changer. The air fryer quickly chars the skins, sealing in the smoky sweetness while making the peppers incredibly tender and easy to peel. Whether as a condiment, salad topper, or star ingredient, these roasted peppers bring a bright pop of color and a rich depth of flavor to any meal. You’ll love how simple the process is and how much joy these peppers add to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients produce the most memorable results, and this recipe is proof! Each ingredient plays a key role, from enhancing flavor to perfect texture and that gorgeous roasted color.
- 2 red bell peppers: The main star, providing sweetness and vibrant color perfect for roasting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps the pepper skins blister beautifully in the air fryer.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors and balances the sweetness of the peppers.
How to Make Air Fryer Roasted Red Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Start by carefully slicing each red bell pepper to remove four large pieces around the stem, keeping the core intact for easy handling. Be sure to scrap out all the seeds and membranes to avoid any bitterness and to ensure a smooth texture once roasted.
Step 2: Season the Pepper Pieces
Drizzle the inside surfaces of the pepper pieces with olive oil and sprinkle them lightly with salt. This will encourage blistering and enhance the overall flavor during roasting.
Step 3: Air Fry for Perfection
Place the pepper pieces skin-side up in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook them at the recommended temperature for about 14 to 15 minutes, or until the skins are thoroughly blistered and charred in spots. This method roasts the peppers quickly and cleanly, locking in their natural sweetness.
Step 4: Peel Away the Skins
Once cooked, transfer the peppers to a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a plate. The trapped steam will gently soften the skins, making them incredibly easy to peel off after about 10 to 15 minutes of resting. This step ensures the peppers are silky smooth and ready to enjoy.
Step 5: Store or Use Immediately
Your Air Fryer Roasted Red Peppers Recipe is now ready for any culinary adventure. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or incorporate them right away into your favorite dishes to elevate every bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Roasted Red Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a fresh, aromatic touch that complements the smoky-sweet flavor of your roasted peppers perfectly. A light drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of cracked pepper can also elevate the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
These roasted peppers pair wonderfully with grilled meats, creamy cheeses, or tossed into pasta salads. Their tender texture and intense flavor provide a perfect balance to mild staples like couscous, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these roasted red peppers on open-faced sandwiches, blending them into vibrant dips or hummus, or folding them into omelets and frittatas for bursts of flavor. They also make an excellent topping for pizzas or flatbreads, adding color and a sophisticated smoky note.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover peppers are a joy to have on hand. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week. This makes meal prep or quick garnishes a breeze throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Air Fryer Roasted Red Peppers Recipe even later, freezing is a great option. Place peeled peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They freeze well and can be thawed easily for use in cooked dishes.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the peppers. A quick warm-up is all that’s needed to bring back their luscious texture and amplify the roasted flavors, ready to brighten your meal again.
FAQs
Can I use different colored bell peppers for this recipe?
Absolutely! While red bell peppers are sweeter and have the best roasted flavor, yellow and orange peppers can also be used to add a different sweetness and color palette.
Do I need to peel the peppers after roasting?
Yes, peeling the skin after roasting is essential for the smoothest texture and to remove any bitterness from the charred skin, making the peppers tender and perfect to eat.
Can I roast whole peppers in the air fryer?
It’s best to slice the peppers as directed because this allows for even cooking and blistering of the skin, which aids in peeling and enhances the flavor.
What temperature should I use for roasting the peppers in the air fryer?
A medium-high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) works great for roasting peppers in the air fryer, ensuring they blister nicely without burning too quickly.
How do I use leftover roasted red peppers?
Leftover roasted peppers are incredibly versatile. Use them in sandwiches, salads, soups, pastas, or blended into sauces and dressings for an instant flavor boost.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Roasted Red Peppers Recipe is truly a keeper. It brings out the natural sweetness and smoky goodness of red bell peppers in the easiest and quickest way possible, making it a fantastic addition to your kitchen repertoire. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this simple, delicious recipe again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Roasted Red Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This simple and flavorful recipe for Air Fryer Roasted Red Peppers allows you to quickly roast bell peppers with minimal effort. The air fryer gives the peppers a beautifully blistered skin that is easy to peel off, leaving tender, sweet, and smoky roasted red peppers perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches, pastas, or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- ¼ tsp. salt
Instructions
- Slice bell peppers. Slice ½ inch to the right or left of the stem from top to bottom to remove 4 large pieces, while leaving the core intact. Carefully scrape out and discard any membranes and seeds from each pepper piece. Repeat this process for the second bell pepper.
- Prepare peppers for air frying. Drizzle the inside of the pepper pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle evenly with ¼ teaspoon salt to season.
- Air fry the peppers. Preheat your air fryer. Place the pepper pieces skin-side up in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 14-15 minutes or until the skin is blistered and charred slightly.
- Steam and cool the peppers. After cooking, transfer the hot peppers to a large bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a plate to trap steam. Let the peppers sit for 10-15 minutes until cool enough to handle. This steam loosens the skin for easy peeling.
- Peel the peppers. Gently remove and discard the blistered skin from each pepper piece to reveal the tender roasted flesh beneath.
- Store or use immediately. Use the roasted peppers right away in your favorite dishes or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Make sure to remove all membranes and seeds thoroughly for the best texture.
- The steaming step after air frying is critical to peel the skin easily without damaging the roasted flesh.
- Use roasted red peppers in salads, sandwiches, pasta, or as a flavorful side dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
