Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Peppers and Onions: A Quick & Delicious Recipe

Looking for a simple, flavorful side dish that’s ready in minutes? Look no further than air fryer roasted sweet peppers and onions! This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a satisfyingly sweet and savory flavor. The air fryer perfectly roasts the vegetables, caramelizing their natural sugars and creating a slightly charred, irresistible texture. Forget preheating a massive oven – the air fryer is your new best friend for quick weeknight meals. This method uses less energy and yields fantastic results.

Why Air Fry Sweet Peppers and Onions?

Air frying offers several advantages over traditional oven roasting:

• Speed: Air fryers cook food much faster than ovens due to their concentrated heat and circulating air. You can have perfectly roasted peppers and onions in about 15-20 minutes.
• Energy Efficiency: Air fryers use less energy than ovens, making them a more economical choice for smaller dishes.
• Crispy Texture: The circulating hot air creates a wonderfully crispy exterior on the peppers and onions, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Easy Cleanup: Air fryer baskets are typically non-stick and easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher.
• Less Oil: You need significantly less oil when air frying compared to pan-frying or oven roasting, making it a healthier option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients:

• Sweet Peppers: 2-3 large sweet peppers (bell peppers) of different colors (red, yellow, orange) for visual appeal and variety in flavor. Green bell peppers can also be used, but they have a slightly more bitter taste.
• Onion: 1 large yellow or white onion. Red onions can also be used, but they have a stronger, more pungent flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. This helps the vegetables roast evenly and adds flavor.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a delicious aromatic flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors of the vegetables.
• Optional Seasonings: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, dried oregano, dried basil, or paprika for added flavor complexity.

Equipment

• Air Fryer: Any air fryer will work, but the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model.
• Cutting Board: For chopping the vegetables.
• Knife: A sharp knife for slicing and dicing.
• Mixing Bowl: To toss the vegetables with oil and seasonings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make perfectly air-fried roasted sweet peppers and onions:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash the Peppers: Rinse the sweet peppers under cold water and dry them thoroughly.
2. Remove the Seeds and Membranes: Cut the peppers in half, remove the stem, seeds, and white membranes. This step is crucial as the membranes can be bitter.
3. Slice the Peppers: Cut the peppers into thick strips, about ½ inch wide. Thicker strips will prevent them from becoming too soft during cooking.
4. Peel and Slice the Onion: Peel the onion and cut it in half. Then, slice each half into ½ inch thick strips.
5. Mince the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. You can use a garlic press or mince them by hand.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

1. Combine Vegetables in a Bowl: Place the sliced peppers and onions in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Olive Oil and Garlic: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and add the minced garlic.
3. Season with Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the vegetables. Adjust the amount to your liking.
4. Add Optional Seasonings (Optional): If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, or paprika for added flavor.
5. Toss to Coat: Toss the vegetables thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Air Fry the Vegetables

1. Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional): Some air fryers require preheating. Check your air fryer’s manual to see if preheating is necessary. If so, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2. Arrange Vegetables in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned peppers and onions in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the vegetables from roasting properly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
3. Air Fry: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping the vegetables halfway through. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the vegetables.
4. Check for Doneness: The peppers and onions should be tender and slightly charred. If they are not cooked to your liking, continue air frying for a few more minutes, checking frequently.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove from Air Fryer: Carefully remove the roasted peppers and onions from the air fryer basket.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately as a side dish or use them in other recipes.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Peppers and Onions

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Overcrowding prevents the vegetables from roasting properly and results in steamed vegetables instead of roasted ones. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use Enough Oil: Olive oil helps the vegetables roast evenly and prevents them from drying out. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount.
• Season Generously: Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of the vegetables. Season generously to your liking.
• Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the vegetables halfway through ensures they cook evenly on all sides.
• Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the vegetables. Check for doneness frequently and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of the vegetables. Try adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
• Use Parchment Paper (Optional): To minimize cleanup, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers. Ensure the parchment paper doesn’t block airflow.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer roasted sweet peppers and onions are a versatile side dish that can be served in many ways:

• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, fish, or tofu.
• In Sandwiches and Wraps: Add them to sandwiches, wraps, or paninis for extra flavor and texture.
• On Pizza: Use them as a topping for homemade pizza.
• In Pasta Dishes: Toss them with pasta and your favorite sauce.
• In Tacos and Fajitas: Add them to tacos, fajitas, or burritos.
• In Omelets and Frittatas: Incorporate them into omelets, frittatas, or quiches.
• With Eggs: Serve as a side with scrambled eggs or fried eggs.
• As a Topping for Bruschetta: Spoon over toasted bread for a delicious appetizer.

Variations

Here are a few variations you can try:

• Spicy Peppers and Onions: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Italian Peppers and Onions: Use Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and dried basil for an Italian-inspired flavor.
• Mediterranean Peppers and Onions: Add chopped Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a Mediterranean twist.
• Balsamic Roasted Peppers and Onions: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze after cooking for a tangy and sweet flavor.
• Add Other Vegetables: Include other vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms for a heartier side dish.
• Sweet and Savory: Drizzle a little maple syrup or honey over the peppers and onions during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and savory combination.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time to save time later:

• Chop Vegetables: Chop the peppers and onions and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Season Vegetables: Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil and seasonings and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

When ready to cook, simply air fry the vegetables according to the recipe instructions.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover air fryer roasted sweet peppers and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

The following is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 120-150
• Fat: 8-10g
• Saturated Fat: 1-2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: Varies depending on salt added
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 6-8g
• Protein: 1-2g

Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion

Air fryer roasted sweet peppers and onions are a quick, easy, and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a flavorful and healthy dish that everyone will love. So, fire up your air fryer and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Recipe Card

Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Peppers and Onions

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large sweet peppers (bell peppers), sliced
• 1 large yellow or white onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings: red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, or paprika

Instructions:

1. Wash and slice the peppers and onions. Mince the garlic.
2. In a bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if required by your model.
4. Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes:

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust cooking time depending on your air fryer.
• Experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor.