These blistered Air Fryer Shishito Peppers deliver the perfect blend of smoky flavor and subtle heat in just 8 minutes. This lightning-fast appetizer transforms these mild Japanese peppers into addictively crispy, seasoned bites that’ll have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a healthy snack, this foolproof recipe packs a nutritious punch with 14g of fiber and 50mg of Vitamin C per serving. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and your trusty air fryer to make restaurant-quality shishito peppers at home.
Fresh and Crispy Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
- Shishito Peppers: 15 fresh peppers, look for bright green ones with smooth skin
- Spray Oil: Light coating for perfect blistering (any neutral cooking spray works great)
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Prep the Peppers: Give them a good rinse under cool water and pat dry thoroughly
- Season: Lightly spritz the peppers with oil spray, ensuring even coating
- Arrange: Place peppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket for even cooking
- Air Fry: Set temperature to 390°F (198°C) and cook for 6 minutes – don’t worry about the popping sounds, that’s normal!
- Final Touch: Remove carefully, sprinkle with salt while hot, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce
Quick Tips
- Total Time: Just 8 minutes (2 min prep + 6 min cooking)
- Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed immediately while hot and blistered
- Nutritional Bonus: Rich in Vitamin C and fiber!
Serving Suggestions
These blistered shishito peppers make a fantastic appetizer or side dish! While they’re tasty with just salt, try them with ponzu sauce, soy sauce, or a quick spicy mayo (just mix mayo with a dash of sriracha). They’re perfect for parties since you can eat them with your fingers – just grab the stem and bite off the pepper. Keep some lemon wedges nearby for a bright, citrusy touch!
Quick Tips
Listen for the popping sounds while cooking – this means your peppers are blistering nicely! Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; the peppers need space to blister evenly. While most shishito peppers are mild, about 1 in 10 can be spicy – that’s part of the fun! If you’re worried about heat, take smaller bites at first.
Storage Tips
These peppers taste best right out of the air fryer when they’re hot and crispy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F. The texture won’t be quite the same as fresh, but they’ll still be yummy!
Health Benefits
Shishito peppers pack quite a nutritional punch! They’re loaded with vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system. With lots of fiber and very few calories, they make a great healthy snack. Plus, the small amount of oil used in air frying keeps these peppers light and good for you.
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 15 shishito peppers
- spray oil
Instructions
- Remove the peppers from the packaging. Wash peppers and remove any unwanted pieces.
- Gently spritz the peppers with spray oil.
- Put washed peppers into the air fryer basket.
- Air Fry the peppers at 390F/198C for 6 minutes. You will hear popping sounds in the air fryer, it is just the peppers expanding.
- Remove peppers from basket. Season with salt and serve with a dipping sauce.
