Air Fryer Shishito Peppers

Air fryer shishito peppers are a delicious easy appetizer. The shishito peppers get perfectly blistered in the air fryer. Serve these with your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice.

I've been making shishito peppers since I was first able to find them in stores. A couple of restaurants here in Austin started serving blistered shishito peppers as appetizers, and suddenly everyone seemed to want them, and for good reason! They are delicious on their own or paired with a variety of dipping sauces.

For over 7 years I've been cooking blistered shishito peppers in a wok, but only recently have I started making them in my air fryer.

And what a revelation! They are so easy to make and are ready in less than 10 minutes start to finish.

What a tasty and fun appetizer. And so much less expensive than going to a restaurant! If you love shishito peppers as much as me, pop them in your air fryer for a fun and easy treat.

Ingredients

• Shishito peppers - These are small peppers that can be found in the produce section of some grocery stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, etc. They can also be found at farmers markets.
• Olive oil - You could also use avocado oil or sesame oil.
• Salt - The shishito peppers are delicious with a sprinkling of salt.
• Sesame seeds (optional)

How to make air fryer shishito peppers

Wash and dry your shishito peppers if necessary.

Then, add the peppers to a large bowl. Add olive oil and toss to combine.

Add shishito peppers to the air fryer basket.

Air fry at 400 degrees F for 6-8 minutes, tossing halfway through cooking.

Plate, and season with salt. I also added sesame seeds to mine!

What are shishito peppers?

Shishito peppers are bright green peppers that are mild. While most shishito peppers are low on the heat scale, about 1 in 10 is spicy.

They have a thin skin, and you can actually eat raw shishito peppers, but I think they are best blistered and cooked.

Are shishito peppers spicy?

Most shishito peppers are mild, but about one in ten is spicy. That's one of the reasons they are so fun to eat! It's always a toss up of whether you've just popped a mild one or a spicy one in your mouth. Have a drink close by!

What to serve with the shishito peppers

You can easily serve these air fried shishito peppers over rice or with some chicken or steak.

They are also tasty with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of soy sauce or tamari.

I love the shishito peppers with air fryer salmon, or air fryer honey dijon chicken.

Dipping sauce ideas

• Ponzu sauce
• Hoisin mayo
• Yuzu mayo

Recipe tips

• All air fryers cook differently. Check around the 6 minute mark to see if peppers are done to your liking.
• These shishito peppers are best eaten immediately. They do not reheat well, as they become mushy.
• Toss the shishito peppers halfway through cooking to make sure they are cooked evenly.

Air fryer pepper recipes

• Air fryer bell peppers
• Air fryer mini peppers
• Air fryer stuffed mini peppers
• Air fryer sausage and peppers
• Air fryer stuffed bell peppers

Air fryer recipes

• Air fryer frozen edamame
• Air fryer salmon teriyaki
• Air fryer gochujang chicken thighs
• Air fryer radishes
• Air fryer garlic butter salmon