Benihana Shishito Pepper Copycat Recipe

Recreate Benihana’s famous shishito peppers at home with this easy copycat recipe. Crispy, blistered, and full of flavor, they make the perfect appetizer or side dish.

If you love the smoky, slightly sweet, and perfectly blistered shishito peppers at Benihana, this copycat recipe brings them straight to your kitchen.

Quick and easy to make, these peppers are lightly charred and seasoned to perfection, making them an irresistible appetizer or side dish.

Perfect for entertaining, weeknight dinners, or snacking, they deliver restaurant-quality flavor without the wait.

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

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home: Enjoy the same smoky, blistered peppers you love at Benihana.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just minutes, perfect for weeknights or last-minute appetizers.
• Healthy & Light: Low in calories but packed with flavor, making it a guilt-free snack.
• Versatile Serving: Ideal as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack.
• Customizable Spice: Mildly sweet with a hint of heat, easy to adjust to your taste.

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.

Benihana Shishito Pepper Ingredients

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

• Shishito Peppers: Mild Japanese peppers, slightly sweet with occasional heat.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich oil that enhances flavor and texture.
• Salt: Simple seasoning that elevates and balances overall taste.

How To Make Benihana Shishito Peppers

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.

Benihana Shishito Pepper Copycat 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.

Storing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Keep leftover shishito peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: Reheat peppers in an air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warm and slightly crispy. Alternatively, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.

Benihana Shishito Pepper Copycat 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.

More Copycat Benihana Recipes

Benihana Fried Rice

Copycat Benihana Edamame Recipe

Benihana Tempura Shrimp Copycat Recipe

Benihana Gyoza Copycat Recipe

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