Air Fryer Shishito Peppers (Quick & Easy)

Looking for a fun and flavorful finger food? Try these Air Fryer Shishito Peppers! Ready in just 10 minutes, they offer a mild heat and sweet flavor that’s totally addictive. Bet you can’t stop at just one!

Air Fried Shishito Peppers as an appetizer or side to go with your dinner, prepared right in the air fryer. These air-fried peppers give that perfect blistered skin and loads of flavor in every single bite—a simple but delicious dinner option for any day of the week.

There is nothing better to serve alongside a meal in the summer than slow-roasted shishito peppers. My kids love them if I add them diced in their salads, or even just a side dish along with cornbread. Today, I tried them in the air fryer, and it was so easy.

These go great when you serve them along with Air Fryer Tofu, Air Fryer Edamame, or even Instant Pot Chinese Fried Rice.

What are Shishito Peppers?

This pepper is a Japanese-style pepper. If you have not tried them, give them a try. It is great paired with Mexican dishes, as a side dish, and, as I mentioned, great with cornbread.

This is a great place to find out more information on the peppers. Here’s some additional information about shishito peppers. I love reading about where my food comes from, and that is an excellent resource.

Ingredients Needed

You just need only three ingredients to make these roasted shishito peppers-

• Shishito Peppers
• Olive Oil
• Salt

How to cook shishito peppers in an air fryer

These are the peppers, I purchased. Trader Joe’s really usually has a great deal on them.

Step One: Add the peppers to a small bowl, and then rub olive oil over them, season them with some salt and pepper.

Step Two: Spread in your air fryer basket or tray. Set the temperature to 380 degrees F (air fryer setting) and air fry, with a cook time for 5-7 minutes.

Air Fryer Shishito Peppers Recipe Tips

• Choose Fresh Peppers: Select shishito peppers that are firm and vibrant for the best flavor and texture. Avoid any that are wrinkled or soft.
• Lightly Coat with Oil: Toss the peppers with a small amount of oil, just enough to give them a light coating. This will help them blister beautifully in the air fryer.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and blistering.
• Cook at High Heat: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal blistering. Higher heat gives them that signature charred flavor.
• Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to flip the peppers for even cooking on all sides.
• Add Seasoning After Cooking: For the best flavor, sprinkle salt, lemon juice, or any seasoning of your choice after they come out of the air fryer.
• Serve Immediately: Shishito peppers taste best when served right after cooking, while they’re still warm and crispy.
• Add a Dipping Sauce: Pair these peppers with a flavorful dip like spicy mayo, aioli, or soy sauce to enhance their taste.

Air Fryer Shishito Peppers Recipe Faqs

Do shishito peppers have a lot of heat? Shishito peppers are typically mild, with about 1 in 10 peppers packing a little more heat. They’re not as spicy as jalapeños, so they’re great for most people to enjoy.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Preheating the air fryer isn’t always necessary, but doing so can help the peppers blister faster and more evenly.

Can I make these without oil? Yes, you can air fry shishito peppers without oil, but a light coating of oil will help them blister and brown more evenly, giving them that signature charred flavor.

How long do I cook shishito peppers in the air fryer? Cook the peppers at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Adjust the cooking time depending on how blistered you like them.

Can I add seasoning before cooking? It’s best to add seasoning, like salt, after the peppers are cooked. This helps maintain the peppers’ texture and ensures the seasoning sticks to the blistered skin.

Can I make a large batch at once? For best results, cook the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer. If making a large batch, cook them in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding, which can result in uneven blistering.

How do I store leftovers? Leftover shishito peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.

What dipping sauces go well with shishito peppers? Shishito peppers pair well with sauces like spicy mayo, aioli, soy sauce, or ponzu for added flavor.

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