Hello, fellow food enthusiasts and home cooks! Today, I’m excited to share with you an incredibly simple yet utterly delicious recipe that I have incorporated into most of my dishes, the Air Fryer Bell Peppers and Onions. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to whip up a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
I prefer cooking my bell peppers and onions in the air fryer as opposed to Sautéing, Roasting, Grilling, Steaming, and Slow cooking because the air fryer saves time, you do not need to keep turning and still get a perfect taste every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: With minimal oil, this veggie side dish is a healthy alternative to sautéed or fried vegetables.
- Flavorful: The combination of bell peppers and onions creates a sweet, savory, and slightly charred flavor that’s irresistible.
- Versatile: Serve it alongside grilled meat, toss it with pasta, or enjoy it as a standalone dish – the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bell Peppers and Onions
- 3 bell peppers (a mix of colors), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes and garlic for a spicy kick.
How to make Air Fried Bell Peppers and Onions
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Ensuring that your air fryer is properly preheated will help the vegetables cook evenly and get that perfect char.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the air fryer is preheating, slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Place them in a large bowl. You can slice using a sharp knife and board or a food processor. Make sure to aim for an even cut if using a knife to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Season
Add the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them in now. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
Step 4: Air Fry
Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the vegetables from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy them as a side dish, over rice, or as a topping for grilled meats.
Tips and Tricks
- Ensure Even Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your personal preference.
- Add Protein: Make it a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers and onions, but keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary. Frozen vegetables tend to release more moisture when cooking, so you might not get the same level of char or crispiness as with fresh vegetables. You may need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
Preheating the air fryer ensures that the vegetables cook evenly and get a nice char. It is a recommended step, but if you are pressed for time or your air fryer does not have that function, you can skip it – just remember that you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or any other vegetables you have on hand. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may have different cooking times.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or until heated through for the best texture.
This versatile side dish pairs well with grilled meats, and fish, or as a topping for pizzas and sandwiches. You can also add it to salads, and tacos, or serve it over rice or quinoa.
While the oil helps to crisp up the vegetables and add flavor, you can make this recipe without it if you prefer. You might not get the same level of char, and the vegetables could be a bit drier, but it will still be tasty.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure that your spices are gluten-free if you have a sensitivity or celiac disease.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make this recipe in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer, and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly charred.
The vegetables are done when they are tender and have a nice char around the edges. The cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so keep an eye on them, especially the first time you make this recipe.
Yes, you can add slices of sausage, chunks of chicken, or any other protein you like. Just make sure the meat is cooked to its safe internal temperature.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a mouth-watering side dish that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Air Fryer Bell Peppers and Onions is not just a treat for your palate but also for your body, thanks to its healthy profile. Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and comment below with your experience if you make it.
Happy cooking!
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About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
