Roasted Jalapeños (Oven and Air Fryer Instructions)

Roasted Jalapeños (Oven and Air Fryer Instructions) — Air Fryer Roasted Jalapenos with their smoky flavor and gentle heat, offer a delightful kick to many dishes. 

Whether looking to spice up a classic recipe or searching for the perfect garnish, these versatile peppers never disappoint. Luckily, achieving that perfect roast is easier than ever with both traditional oven and modern air fryer instructions at your fingertips.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting, these methods will guide you to roasted jalapeño perfection, enhancing flavors and elevating dishes in ways you’d never imagined.

Can You Roast Jalapenos In Air Fryer?

Yes!! Roasting jalapeños in an air fryer is possible and efficient and yields great results. The air fryer’s circulating heat ensures the jalapeños get a nice, even roast, making their skin blistered and flavors intensified. This method is quicker than oven-roasting, giving the jalapeños a smoky char. 

Blistered jalapeños in the air fryer

Making blistered jalapeños in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that charred, smoky flavor. Perfect as a fiery snack, a dish garnish, or making homemade salsas. Follow the step-by-step directions and simple method to achieve perfectly blistered jalapeños.​

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Roasted Jalapenos

Are you craving the crispy crunch of fried jalapeños but not the fat and calories that come with traditional frying methods? Air fryers are a great way to enjoy delicious, healthier versions of your favorite dishes.

Below, we’ll show you all the ingredients you need to make fried jalapenos in an air fryer for a quick appetizer or side dish. We’ll walk you through every step, so whether you’re new to cooking with an air fryer or want to add something new to your mealtime rotation, this recipe has covered you!

​Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, as well as the nutritional information. 

• ​Jalapeños: Choose fresh, firm jalapeños that are bright green. These will offer the best flavor and texture when fried.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the jalapeños and the coating.
• Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the coating.
• Paprika or Cayenne powder (optional): For an added kick and a deeper color to the fried jalapeños.
• Nonstick Cooking spray Helps achieve a golden-brown and crispy texture when air frying. It prevents the jalapeños from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Dipping sauce (optional): While not part of the frying process, consider preparing a tangy ranch or a creamy aioli for serving, as they complement the heat of the jalapeños beautifully.

How to make roasted jalapeños in the air fryer 

Are you looking to add some extra flavor to your favorite dish? Roasting jalapenos in the air fryer is a great way to do just that. With their unique smoky, sweet flavor and slightly spicy kick, these roasted peppers will make any meal special! Read on for our guide on expertly roasting jalapenos in an air fryer; you won’t regret it!

From selecting the perfect pepper and prepping it for roasting, all the way through cooking and serving suggestions, we’ve got you covered with tips on how to get every bit of deliciousness out of this amazing veggie. Get ready to level up your dishes – let’s get started!

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Preparation:

a. Wash the jalapeños thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel.
b. If you prefer less spicy, slice them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. If you like them spicy, leave them whole.

Toss:

Lightly coat the jalapeños with a bit of olive oil. You can do this by placing them in a bowl and tossing them with a teaspoon of oil or using a cooking spray. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of salt over them.

Preheat:

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.

Cook Time:

a. Place the jalapeños in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
b. Set teh cook time for  8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through until they are blistered and slightly charred.

Cool & Serve:

Once done, remove the jalapeños from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will continue to soften slightly as they cool. Serve as desired!

​Pro Tips For Roasting Jalapenos In Air Fryer

• Gloves are Your Best Friend: When handling jalapeños, especially when deseeding, it’s a good idea to wear gloves to avoid transferring the spicy capsaicin oils to your eyes, nose, or other sensitive areas.
• Even Cooking: Make sure jalapeños are in a single layer in the air fryer. Overlapping or stacking can lead to uneven cooking.
• Keep It Spicy (or Not): Remove the seeds and white membranes for a milder flavor. For extra heat, leave them intact.
• Piercing the Skin: If you’re roasting whole large jalapeños, consider piercing each with a small knife or fork. This prevents them from bursting during the cooking process.
• Stay Watchful: Every air fryer is different. Keep an eye on your jalapeños, especially the first time you roast them, to prevent over-charring. The cooking time will vary from air fryer to air fryer, depending on how large jalapenos you have.
• Tongs for Turning: Use tongs to turn the jalapeños halfway through cooking. This ensures an even blister on all sides.
• Oil Selection: While olive oil is common, consider using avocado oil or grapeseed oil, which have higher smoke points and are great for roasting at high temperatures.
• Cooling: After roasting, transfer the jalapeños to a plate, cover them with foil, or place them in a zip-top bag for a few minutes. This allows them to steam a bit, making the skin easier to peel if desired.
• Storage: Store roasted jalapeños in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for about a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
• Flavor Boost: Sprinkle a mix of seasonings on the jalapeños before air frying, such as smoked paprika or garlic powder, for an added layer of flavor.
• Reheat with Care: If roasted jalapeños are reheated at a lower temperature in the air fryer to prevent over-charring.

Harnessing the power of your air fryer to roast jalapeños is a game-changer. It’s a quick and mess-free method to achieve that perfect smoky and blistered texture. Enjoy experimenting and elevating your dishes with this spicy addition!

​How To Roast Jalapeno Peppers In Oven

• Preparation:
  • Wash the jalapeños thoroughly under cold running water.
  • Dry the jalapeños using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  • If you want to roast the jalapeños whole, pierce each with a small knife or fork to prevent them from bursting during roasting. Alternatively, you can slice them in half lengthwise for a quicker roast and to make deseeding easier.
• Deseeding (Optional):
  • If you want a milder flavor, you can deseed the jalapeños. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Use a knife to cut a slit along one side of the jalapeño, then roll it between your fingers. Most of the seeds will fall out. You can also cut off the top and use a spoon or a deseeding tool to scrape out the seeds and the white membranes.
• Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
  • Place the jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup. If sliced, place them cut-side down.
• Drizzle with Oil:
  • Lightly drizzle the jalapeños with olive or another cooking oil you choose. You can use a pastry brush to ensure they are evenly coated. This helps in getting that nice roasted char.
• Oven Roasting:
  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
  • Once heated, place the baking sheet in the oven.
  • Roast the jalapeños for 15-20 minutes or until the skins are blackened and blistered, turning them once halfway through for even roasting.
  • If you’re using the broil setting, keep an eye on the jalapeños as they can char quickly. Turning once might take 5-10 minutes under the broiler.
• Cool and Peel (Optional):
  • Once roasted, transfer the jalapeños to a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap or place them in a zip-top bag for about 10 minutes. This will steam the peppers and make the skin easier to peel off. Once cooled, you can peel the skin off your fingers or a knife.
• Storing:
  • Store roasted jalapeños in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about a week. If you want to store them for longer, consider freezing them.

Roasted jalapeños can elevate the flavors in various dishes, from salsas to main courses. Whether using them to spice up a recipe or eating them as a smoky treat, oven-roasted jalapeños are a delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.

How to use roasted jalapeños

Roasted jalapeños are versatile and can be used in many dishes to impart a smoky, spicy flavor. Here are several ways you can use them, they are perfect for serving on game day, game nights, and Super Bowl,  and make a great addition to any meal.

• Salsas and Dips:
  • Blend roasted jalapeños into a salsa verde or red tomato salsa for added depth of flavor.
  • Mix them into guacamole for a smoky kick.
  • Incorporate into queso or other cheese dips, serve with tortilla chips!
• Tacos, Burritos, and Enchiladas:
  • Dice them and sprinkle over tacos or stuff inside burritos.
  • Incorporate into enchilada sauce or layer within the enchiladas themselves.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Slice roasted jalapeños and add them to sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for spicy excitement.
• Soups and Stews: Dice and stir into soups like tortilla soup, chili, or any other soup where you’d like a smoky spice.
• Salads: Dice and sprinkle into salads with a southwestern or Mexican flair.
• Pizzas: Thinly slice and scatter over pizzas, either before or after baking.
• Pasta: Mix into pasta sauces for a spicy kick. They go especially well in creamy sauces or aglio e olio.
• Cream Cheese or Butter: Blend roasted jalapeños into cream cheese for a smoky spread, or stir into butter to create a spicy compound butter for bread or steaks.
• Eggs: Dice and add to scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast burritos.
• Grains: Stir into rice, quinoa, or other grains for an extra layer of flavor.

• Dressings and Marinades

• Preserving: Make pickled roasted jalapeños with salt, sugar, and other spices in a vinegar solution, then store them in the refrigerator.

Remember, removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños will reduce their spiciness if you’re sensitive to heat. Always wash your hands after handling spicy peppers, and be careful not to touch your eyes.

FAQ About Air Fryer Roasted Jalapenos

• Why roast jalapeños?
  • Roasting jalapeños enhances their flavor by adding a smoky depth and reducing the raw bitterness. It also makes them softer, which can be desirable in certain recipes.
• How spicy are roasted jalapeños?
  • Roasting can mellow the spiciness of jalapeños slightly, but they will still have a kick. If you want to reduce the heat, remove the seeds and membranes before roasting.
• How do you store roasted jalapeños?
  • Once roasted, jalapeños can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If submerged in olive oil or pickling liquid, they can last even longer.
• Can I freeze roasted jalapeños?
  • Yes, roasted jalapeños can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for long-term storage.
• How do I peel roasted jalapeños?
  • After roasting, placing the jalapeños in a sealed plastic bag or a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10-15 minutes will make them easier to peel. The steam helps to loosen the skin. Afterward, you can peel off the skin with your fingers or a knife.
• Why are my roasted jalapeños not spicy?
  • The heat of jalapeño is primarily in its seeds and membranes. If these are removed before roasting, the result will be milder. Additionally, spiciness can vary between individual jalapeños due to growing conditions and variety.
• Can I use roasted jalapeños in place of fresh in recipes?
  • Yes, but note that the flavor profile will change. Roasted jalapeños offer a smokier, more mellow flavor compared to the bright, sharp bite of fresh jalapeños.
• How do I know when my jalapeños are fully roasted?
  • The skin should be blistered and charred, and the pepper itself should be softened. This typically takes 15-20 minutes in an oven or air fryer.
• Do I need to wear gloves when handling jalapeños?
  • It’s a good idea, especially if you have sensitive skin or are handling a large number of peppers. The oils can cause a burning sensation on your skin and are especially painful if they come into contact with your eyes.
• Can I roast other peppers the same way?

• Absolutely! This roasting method works well for many types of peppers, including bell peppers, poblano peppers, and serrano peppers.

More Air Fryer Recipes

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• Air Fryer Farm Rich Frozen Jalapeno Poppers