Air Fryer Bell Peppers: A Light but Tasty Side That Packs a Punch!

If you’ve ever wished your veggies could flirt with fire without the drama of the oven or stovetop, air fryer bell peppers are the answer to your very colorful dreams. This dish ends up being slightly charred at the edges, soft in the center, and is topped off with olive oil and garlic.

This easy, vibrant side dish is proof that vegetables don’t have to try hard to be stars. With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes in the air fryer, you get a deliciously light but flavor-packed plate of roasted bell peppers that works just as well as a side dish or a sandwich filler.

What Are Air Fryer Bell Peppers?

Bell peppers have long been a staple in Mediterranean, Latin American, and Asian cuisines. They are also praised for their vibrant colors, mild sweetness, and versatility. Traditionally roasted, grilled, or sautéed, they’ve been used in everything from antipasti platters to hearty stews.

Air fryer bell peppers not only preserves their natural flavor but enhances it with the simplicity of garlic, olive oil, and a touch of salt. What was once a slow oven-roasted side dish can now be enjoyed in minutes, making it a perfect match for today’s fast-paced but health-conscious lifestyle.

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bell Peppers

• Use a mix of colors. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green is a little more bitter. The variety makes the dish pop both in taste and looks.
• One clove is just enough to give everything a warm, savory kick without overpowering the natural sweetness of the peppers.
• Peppers need breathing room to roast, not steam. Overlap too much, and they’ll get soggy.
• Check your air fryer early. Some models run hot, so start checking at the 15-minute mark to avoid turning your beautiful peppers into pepper jerky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Add Other Veggies?

Absolutely! Zucchini, red onions, and cherry tomatoes all pair beautifully. Just keep the sizes consistent so they cook evenly.

Are These Good for Meal Prep?

Yes! They store beautifully and taste great cold or reheated. Add them to wraps, salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls throughout the week.

What Do You Serve With Air Fryer Bell Peppers?

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even fold into scrambled eggs or pasta.

Can I Skip the Olive Oil?

Technically yes, but a light drizzle helps the peppers roast rather than dry out. You can reduce the quantity if you’re going oil-light.

How to Store Air Fryer Bell Peppers

Store cooled bell peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.  You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and to reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer or warm in a skillet

How to Make Air Fryer Bell Peppers

Give your bell peppers a good rinse, then slice them in half and remove the core, seeds, and any white ribs. Then, slice them into strips ensuring that they are not too thick.

In a large bowl, toss the pepper strips with olive oil, chopped garlic, and a generous pinch of salt. Use your hands or a big spoon to mix everything so the oil and garlic coat every bit of pepper.

Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and spread them out evenly.

Set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and cook for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the peppers halfway through.

Transfer your hot peppers to a plate, sprinkle with extra salt if needed, and serve immediately.