Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions — Welcome to a world of simplicity and flavor with our Air Fryer Peppers and Onions recipe!

This dish is a testament to how easy and delicious healthy cooking can be. Using your air fryer, you can transform humble vegetables into a vibrant, aromatic, and incredibly tasty side dish or topping.

The air fryer works its magic, giving the peppers and onions a delightful char and tenderness, enhancing their natural sweetness, and bringing out their robust flavors. These air-fried peppers and onions are versatile and a colorful addition to any meal, perfect as a side for your favorite protein, tucked into fajitas, or even as a standalone dish. Get ready to enjoy a fuss-free cooking experience with results that are sure to impress!

Why Cook Peppers and Onions In Air Fryer?

Cooking peppers and onions in an air fryer offers several advantages that make it an appealing choice for preparing these vegetables:

• Enhanced Flavor: The air fryer roasts the peppers and onions, intensifying their sweetness and flavor. This method brings out a caramelization that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods.
• Healthier Option: Air frying requires significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. This results in a healthier dish without compromising on taste or texture. This colorful side dish is perfect for a low-carb diet or a simple side dish.
• Time-Efficient: Cooking peppers and onions in an air fryer is quicker than using an oven. The air fryer heats up fast and cooks the vegetables evenly in a shorter amount of time.
• Convenience: The air fryer is extremely user-friendly and convenient, especially for small servings or when you don’t want to use the oven or stovetop. It’s perfect for quick meal prep or side dishes.
• Crispy Texture: Air frying gives the vegetables a delightful crispiness on the edges while keeping them tender inside, which is a perfect texture for many dishes.
• Less Mess: Air frying contains the cooking within a small space and uses less oil, resulting in less splatter and mess than frying on a stovetop.
• Versatility: Air-fried peppers and onions can be used in various dishes, from fajitas and pizzas to sandwiches and salads, making them versatile in your cooking.

Overall, using an air fryer for peppers and onions is a quick, healthy, and delicious way to prepare these vegetables, adding great flavor and texture to a wide range of dishes.

​Why You Will Love Roasting Peppers And Onions In Air Fryer

You’ll love roasting peppers and onions in an air fryer for a myriad of reasons:

• Effortless Cooking: One of the biggest draws of using an air fryer is its simplicity. Just toss your peppers and onions with oil and your favorite seasonings, set the timer and let the air fryer do the rest. It’s a hassle-free process that requires minimal effort.
• Quick and Convenient: Air fryers heat up rapidly, reducing cooking time. You can have perfectly roasted peppers and onions in just minutes, making it ideal for quick meal prep or adding a flavorful side dish to your meals without delay.
• Healthy Option: Air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. It uses significantly less oil, reducing the dish’s overall fat and calorie content while retaining the vegetables’ natural flavors and nutrients.
• Perfect Texture: The air fryer excels at achieving that desirable combination of crispy edges and tender insides in the vegetables. This texture adds a delightful contrast to various dishes.
• Flavor Enhancement: Roasting in an air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of the peppers and the savory depth of the onions, enhancing their flavors and making them a delicious addition to any meal.
• Versatility in Dishes: Roasted peppers and onions from the air fryer can be used in many dishes – from fajitas and salads to sandwiches and pizza toppings. They add a gourmet touch to everyday meals.
• Reduced Kitchen Mess: Air frying is a contained way of cooking that minimizes splatters and mess, making cleanup a breeze compared to traditional roasting methods.
• Energy Efficiency: Using an air fryer can be more energy-efficient than heating up a conventional oven, especially for small batches.

In summary, roasting peppers and onions in an air fryer is a game-changer for its ease, speed, health benefits, and delicious results. It’s simple to elevate your meals with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Embark on a culinary journey with ease and flavor using this Air Fryer Peppers and Onions recipe. Gather these simple, vibrant ingredients to create a dish that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight to your taste buds, all while harnessing the power and convenience of your air fryer.

​​Remember the step-by-step directions, the full printable version of this recipe card at the bottom of the post, and the nutrient information.

• Bell Peppers (Red Bell Peppers, Yellow, and Green Bell Peppers): A colorful trio of bell peppers not only adds a visual pop to your dish but also brings a variety of flavors, from sweet reds to slightly bitter greens, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Onions: Onions, with their natural sweetness and robust flavor, become even more flavorful when air-fried, adding depth and a slight caramelized texture to the dish. Use white onions, sweet onion, yellow onion, or red onion. 
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps achieve that perfect roast in the air fryer, ensuring the vegetables don’t stick while adding a subtle richness to their flavor. You can use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil.
• Salt and Pepper: These seasoning staples are essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the peppers and onions, bringing out their best qualities with just a simple sprinkle.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder offers a convenient way to infuse a warm, aromatic flavor into the vegetables, complementing their natural tastes without overpowering them.
• Italian Seasoning (Optional): Adding Italian seasoning introduces a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, offering a hint of Mediterranean flair.
• Balsamic Vinegar (Optional): A splash of balsamic vinegar can provide a lovely sweet and tangy contrast, elevating the dish with a gourmet touch.

These simple ingredients work harmoniously in the air fryer to create a dish that’s easy and quick to prepare but bursting with flavors and perfect for a healthy, delicious side or topping.

How To Cook Peppers and Onions In Air Fryer

Cooking peppers and onions in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that yields delicious results. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the Vegetables:

Start by washing and slicing the bell peppers (red, yellow, and green) into strips. Peel and slice the onions into similar-sized strips to ensure even cooking.

Season the Vegetables:

Toss the pepper and onion slices with olive oil in a large bowl to coat them lightly—season with Kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. If using, add Italian seasoning for extra flavor. You can also drizzle balsamic vinegar over the vegetables for a hint of sweetness and tang.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F (190°C). This step ensures that the vegetables start cooking immediately and helps them to roast evenly.

Cook the Vegetables:

Place the seasoned peppers and onions in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary for the best results. Set cook time for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring halfway through until tender and slightly charred.

Serving:

Once the peppers and onions are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Serve immediately as a side dish, a topping for fajitas or sandwiches, or incorporate them into salads or other dishes.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Peppers and Onions, a dish that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to any meal!

Recipe Variations

Experimenting with variations of Air Fryer Peppers and Onions can add new flavors and dimensions to this simple yet delicious dish. Here are some creative twists:

• Mexican-Style: Add a sprinkle of cumin and chili powder before air frying. This gives the peppers and onions a Mexican flair, perfect for fajitas or tacos.
• Balsamic Glaze: After cooking, drizzle the peppers and onions with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
• Mediterranean Twist: Toss in sliced olives, capers, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired side dish.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the oil and seasoning mix for those who enjoy the heat.
• Asian Flavors: Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger for an Asian twist. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• With Sausage: Add slices of pre-cooked sausage to the vegetables before air frying for a hearty one-dish meal.
• Cheesy Delight: After air frying, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the hot peppers and onions for a gooey, cheesy addition.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme after cooking for a fresh and aromatic flavor.
• Sweet and Savory: Include apple slices for a touch of sweetness, complementing the savory notes of the onions and peppers.
• Lemon Zest: Add a fresh zing by tossing the cooked vegetables with lemon zest and squeezing lemon juice.

Each of these variations brings a unique flavor profile to the Air Fryer Peppers and Onions, making it a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various cuisines and preferences.

Pro Tips For Cooking Peppers and Onions In Air Fryer

Cooking peppers and onions in an air fryer can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time:

• Even Slicing: Cut the peppers and onions into uniform sizes. This promotes even cooking, ensuring that all pieces are perfectly tender and slightly charred at the same time.
• Light Oil Coating: Toss the vegetables in just enough oil to coat them lightly. You can use olive, avocado, vegetable, or coconut oil. This helps in achieving a good roast without making them greasy.
• Seasoning Balance: Be careful with the amount of seasoning. Too much can overpower the natural flavors of the vegetables, while too little can leave them bland. Taste and adjust as needed.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the vegetables. This ensures a quick start to cooking and helps achieve that nice roast on the edges.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which might make the vegetables soggy.
• Shake or Stir: Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or use a spatula to stir the vegetables. This ensures that all sides get evenly cooked and charred.
• Cooking Time Adjustment: Depending on your air fryer model and the amount of vegetables, cooking times can vary. Keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed.
• Adding Freshness: After cooking, add a splash of fresh lemon juice or vinegar for a bit of acidity, which can brighten the flavors.
• Utilizing Leftovers: Any leftovers can be used in various dishes like omelets, sandwiches, or salads, adding flavor and nutrition.
• Resting Time: The vegetables rest for a minute or two after cooking. This allows the residual heat to finish cooking them to perfection.

Following these tips, you can make deliciously roasted peppers and onions in your air fryer, perfect as a side dish, fajita filling, or a flavorful addition to a simple meal.​

FAQ’s About Roasting Peppers and Onions In Air Fryer

Creating a FAQ section for roasting peppers and onions in an air fryer is a great idea to address common questions and concerns. Here are some frequently asked questions with their answers:

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before adding the peppers and onions? Yes, preheating the air fryer helps to start the cooking process immediately and ensures even roasting.

Can I use frozen peppers and onions for this recipe? While fresh is best for optimal texture and flavor, you can use frozen peppers and onions. They may release more moisture and not get as crispy as fresh ones.

How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft or soggy? Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook in batches if needed. Also, a light coating of oil and the right cooking temperature are key to achieving a crispy texture. Ensure the colorful peppers have a little oil on them to help them roast to perfection. 

What is the best temperature and time for roasting peppers and onions in an air fryer? Typically, roasting at 380°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes works well, but you should adjust the time based on your air fryer model and the desired roast level.

Can I add other vegetables to the mix? Absolutely! You can include other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, sweet potatoes, eggplant, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may have varying cooking times.

Should I season the vegetables before or after air frying? Seasoning them before air frying is best so the flavors can meld together during cooking. However, for something like balsamic vinegar, you might want to add it after cooking to maintain its flavor profile.

How long can I store the leftover roasted peppers and onions? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or microwave when ready to use.

Can I roast different colored peppers together? Yes, different colored peppers can be roasted together. They add a variety of flavors and make the dish visually appealing.

Is it necessary to toss the vegetables midway through cooking? Yes, stirring or shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps the peppers and onions roast evenly.

Can I make these peppers and onions ahead of time? Yes, you can roast them ahead of time and reheat them when needed. They’re great for meal prep and can be added to various dishes. Place the leftover air fryer bell peppers into an airtight container. 

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Sausage
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Easy Air Fryer Frozen Italian Sausage
• Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
• Air Fryer Steak Bites

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