For a sweet, mildly spicy, salty, and smoky bite there is nothing better than these Air Fryer Shishito Peppers. In 15 minutes this addicting appetizer is ready. A must-have for any party or game day.
Why this Shishito Pepper Recipe is Amazing: The crispy charred skins & the tender peppers come out perfectly in the air fryer - easier than sautéing/oven-roasting & healthier than frying.
If you have never tried shishitos & wonder what they taste like - you are not alone. These small green peppers have a citrus & grassy flavor. Are shishito peppers spicy - they are not.
Full disclosure - eating them is like playing a guessing game because 1 out of every 20 peppers is hot. I admit I like when I get a spicy one. Are you up for the adventure?
This was inspired by other recipe on this site, shishito peppers with cream cheese & bacon. This version is vegan & vegetarian while still being gluten-free & low-carb. You cannot go wrong with either - OK, now we cook!
Ingredients
Just a few ingredients for this shishito pepper recipe and you have a tasty snack, appetizer, or side dish. Two ingredients are needed & some optional spices for extra flavor.
Here are the ingredients needed to make this recipe:
- Shishito Peppers - wash & dry them but leave the stems on which make them easy to pick up & eat.
- Avocado Oil Spray - this high heat oil is best for air fryers.
- Optional - salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika etc.
See the recipe card for quantities & substitutions/variations.
How to Air Fry Shishito Peppers
This is one quick and easy recipe. In less than 15 minutes start to finish you have a wonderful appetizer.
This method works in both basket and tray-type air fryer. I own a Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer so this is the time and temperature per my machine. Models may vary slightly but will still cook up just fine.
Here are the easy steps for making this recipe:
- Wash & Dry The Shishitos
- Spray & Season
- Air Fry
See the step-by-step instructions with photos below plus the recipe card at the end of the post.
1 - Wash & Dry the Shishitos
Before cooking, wash and thoroughly dry the peppers. You want them to blister easily so the skins need to be dry.
Do not remove the stems. Leave the stems on the shishito peppers. They act like little holders to pick them up to dip and eat them.
2 - Spray & Season
Next lightly spray the peppers with the avocado oil on both sides. Place them in a single layer in your air fryer.
Toss with some salt & pepper if desired. I also like a bit of garlic powder and paprika.
3- Air Fry
Air frying them is fast and doesn't take long at all. With the shishitos already in there, set the air fryer to 400° and set the timer for 8 minutes. No preheating needed.
The 2-3 minutes it takes to preheat plus the 8 minutes is the perfect amount of time when air frying shishitos. They may pop or hiss when cooking & that is totally normal.
You can tell they are done once the ends start to turn dark brown and most of the skin has started to shrivel. You will notice that smoky charred smell coming from the air fryer.
They should look like the image below. The blistered skin has dark areas and the green shishitos have shrunk a bit in the air frying process.
Serving Suggestions
Once they are done air frying, use a set of tongs to plate them. Blistered shishito peppers are best eaten immediately when hot & fresh. Sprinkle with salt to taste & enjoy.
What to Serve with Shishito Peppers : They are common in East Asia and are often used in Japanese and Korean cooking so any Asian-inspired recipe goes well with this recipe. I love them as a starter when making Teriyaki Flank Steak or Korean Gochujang Wings.
Serve them as is or with a favorite dipping sauce. My creamy shishito dipping sauce recipe is a sweet, salty, & nutty combination of tamari, garlic, & sour cream.
Recipe Tips & Behind the Scenes
Here is my recipe for success - including what I learned when testing, funny stories or bloopers, and more.
- #1 tip - make sure the peppers are dry before air frying.
- If you don't like brunt/scorched/blackened skin, cook at 350° instead of 400°.
- Sprinkle with seasoned salt for added flavor.
- This recipe works in any model of air fryer.
- Shishitos are healthy. They're high in anti-oxidants that benefits your heart and immunity. Plus a good source of Vitamin A, C, & E.
- No guarantees, but I find that if the shishito has a bit of red coloring & feels heavier than others (more seeds inside), it may be a HOT one!
- The recipe is paleo, keto, low-carb, diabetic, low-calorie, low-fat, gluten-free, Whole30, vegan, or vegetarian.
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 8 ounces shishito peppers
- avocado oil spray
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Before cooking, wash and thoroughly dry the peppers. Do not remove the stems. Leave the stems on the shishito peppers.
- Once they are clean and dry, spray them with avocado oil. Now they are ready to go into the air fryer. Place shishito peppers in a single layer in the basket or tray of your air fryer.
- To cook, set the air fryer to 400°. Set the timer for 8 minutes. There is no need to let it preheat before placing the peppers in. The total time of about 2-3 minutes to preheat and then 8 minutes of air frying time is perfect.
- While they cook, they may pop and hiss. That is ok, they should not explode but just expand as they cook.
- Once the timer beeps, they are ready. They should be blistered with dark charred areas. Carefully remove them with tongs to a plate or bowl.
- Sprinkle them with salt as desired. Serve immediately as is or with your favorite dips.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 375° for 3 minutes.
Anjali says
I love shishito peppers and these turned out perfectly in the air fryer!! So much easier than charring them on the stovetop or trying to roast them in the oven!
Vanessa says
I can't believe how easy these are to make! I have only ever had them out before and now I can also enjoy them at home. If there is a spicy one in the bunch, it seems to always find me lol.
Angela says
Oh me too - spicy pepper guessing game it is.
Genevieve says
You can never go with an air fryer recipe and these shishito peppers look awesome!
Tara says
Oh yum! Shishito peppers are a favorite of mine. Yours look fantastic and I love that crunchy texture from the air fryer.
veenaazmanov says
I am already craving for some yummy and flavorful Appetizers like these. Simple and yet so tempting.