These Air Fryer Shishito Peppers are an easy snack that are filled with smoky, charred, and delectable flavors.
» You might also like these Air Fryer Crispy Artichokes.
Shishito peppers are the perfect snack for those that love smoky peppers, but aren’t very good with spice. Hailing from East Asia, shishito peppers are commonly cooked in a wok and enjoyed as a snack. By making them in the air fryer, you get the same effect without all the oil and effort!
The outside of the green peppers char and blister, so that each bite tastes smoky yet sweet. Pair it with some ponzu sauce or eat them as is! This recipe only needs 4 ingredients and 15 minutes of your time. Give shishito peppers a try, and let us know in the comments what you think.
Ingredients You Need
- Shishito Peppers: they are a mild pepper that are often eaten in East Asia. Spice levels can vary between peppers, but they are still a milder pepper.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: using a bit of oil will prevent the shishito peppers from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: will be used as a garnish, to add an extra level of flavor to the peppers after cooking.
- Flake Salt: has a larger grain than regular salt, so it’s best for garnishing. Feel free to use kosher salt as well.
How To Make Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Start by washing the peppers and drying them thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer basket.
Spray the peppers with cooking oil or toss them in cooking oil before adding them to the basket.
Air fry at 400° F for 6 minutes, shaking the basket half way through cooking.
Transfer the peppers to a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with flake salt before serving hot.
Questions About the Recipe
Are shishito peppers spicy?
The spice level of shishito peppers can vary between each pepper. However, none are ever spicier than a jalapeno. So, even the spiciest shishito pepper is quite mild. Typically shishito peppers run from 50-200 Scoville Heat Units, so they are very mild. Only one in 1 in 10 peppers is slightly spicier.
Should I trim the top off the shishito peppers?
There’s no need to trim the peppers. It is best to cook them whole. The top leaves you a little handle to pick them up by.
Can I eat shishito peppers raw?
Yes, you can eat shishito peppers raw, but they taste best cooked.
Are air fryer shishito peppers good to make ahead of time?
We don’t recommend cooking the peppers ahead of time. Once they have cooled down, they tend to turn soft and squishy. They are best eaten hot straight out of the air fryer with a little olive oil and flake salt.
Substitutions & Variations:
- Shishito Peppers: if you can’t find shishito peppers, you can also use padron peppers. Shishito peppers from East Asia are similar to Padron peppers from Spain. They can be used interchangeably.
- Citrus: instead of garnishing the peppers with olive oil, squeeze some lemon juice over them for a nice kick of citrus.
- Saucy: pair the peppers with a refreshing sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic and lemon juice. Shishito pairs wonderfully with citrus flavors, so try it with the above mix or with Ponzu sauce.
Tips & Notes
- Since you will be eating the skin of the shishito peppers, make sure to wash them thoroughly.
- Toss the shishito peppers around the basket halfway through cooking to help them cook more evenly.
- Pair the peppers with a sauce or dip for an extra level of flavor.
- This recipe works well with other types of peppers, so experiment with bell peppers or jalapenos for more smoky snacks.
- Wear food-safe gloves when handling shishito peppers and avoid touching your face. Though they are mild, the spice from them can still hurt your eyes and nose.
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Easy Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound shishito peppers
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Extra Virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon flake salt
Instructions
- Place the peppers in the air fryer basket. Spray with cooking oil (or toss with olive oil before putting into the basket).
- Air fry at 400° F for 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- Transfer the peppers to a plate. Drizzle on olive oil and sprinkle with flake salt before serving hot.
Notes
- Shishito peppers from East Asia are similar to Padron peppers from Spain. They can be used interchangeably.
- Typically shishito peppers run from 50-200 Scoville Heat Units, so they are very mild. Only one in 1 in 10 peppers is slightly spicier.
All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.
Nutrition
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Laura spends a lot of her time cooking and creating recipes to share. She loves traveling and learning about new foods around the world to bring into her own recipes at home.