These blistered, restaurant-style air fryer shishito peppers have two flavor variations: classic sea salt lemon and sesame Asian-style. They’re insanely delicious and ready in 10 minutes!
Blistered air fryer shishito peppers
I always order blistered shishito peppers when I am out to eat at a restaurant. They are the perfect appetizer and side dish for any meal. They are super tasty, tender, and crispy. The best finger food!
This air fryer shishito pepper recipe will not disappoint. The peppers are tender, the flesh is soft, and the skin is blistered and crispy.
My favorite part about this recipe is that it takes 10 minutes to make, and you can flavor the shishito peppers in over 5 ways: classic lemon, sesame Asian, garlic, cajun, and lime. You can even add bacon crumbles. The options are endless!
I cannot wait to hear what you think about this delicious blistered shishito pepper recipe. My friend and family are obsessed!
Why you’ll love this air fryer recipe:
- They are blistered, tender, and delicious.
- Restaurant-style.
- Perfect finger food.
- Over five flavor options.
- Easy to make in under 10 minutes.
- Serve them as an appetizer or side dish.
- Try these delicious air fryer green beans next!
Ingredients needed
This is seriously the best-ever air fryer shishito peppers recipe! You need shishito peppers, olive oil, and salt. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
Base Ingredients:
- Shishito Peppers: This recipe requires 8 ounces of fresh shishito peppers.
- Olive Oil: To help blister the shishito peppers and soften them as they air fry.
Classic Lemon Sea Salt:
- Lemon: You need the zest from 1 lemon; you can even add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Sea Salt: I love flakey sea salt for this recipe!
Sesame Asian Style:
- Sesame Oil: This adds that classic sesame flavor classic to Asian food.
- Sesame Seeds: You can use white or black sesame seeds.
Kitchen tools required
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make these easy 10-minute air fryer shishito peppers.
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Tools: 1 teaspoon and 1 Tablespoon.
How to cook shishito peppers in the air fryer
These blistered air fryer shishito peppers take under 10 minutes to make! Any level cook can make them since they are so easy to prepare. I love them as an appetizer and as a side dish. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.
Step 1:
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket with non-stick olive oil spray.
Step 2:
Next, rinse and pat the peppers dry. Then, combine shishito peppers and olive oil in a large mixing bowl.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to use oil, you can spray the peppers with avocado or olive oil cooking spray until well coated.
Step 3:
Add the shishito peppers to the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they are in an even layer. If your air fryer is too small, cook in batches.
Step 4:
Air fry for 7 – 10 minutes, shaking the peppers at the 4-minute mark. The shishito peppers should be soft and blistered. (TIP: it’s ok to hear some popping noises as they cook).
Step 5:
Finally, transfer to a serving plate and pick which flavor you want; either sprinkle the blister peppers with flakey sea salt and lemon zest or with sesame oil and seeds
Expert tips for perfect air fryer blistered shishito peppers
Preheat your air fryer. This ensures the shishito peppers are air fried evenly and blistered. Don’t forget to preheat your air fryer, or the cooking time will increase.
Air fry shishito peppers in an even layer – no overlapping! Don’t pile the shishito peppers on top of each other. They must air fry in an even layer so they can get crispy. If your air fryer is too small, cook in batches!
Check your shishito peppers at the 4-minute mark. Every air fryer model is different! It’s important to check at the 4 minute mark to ensure the peppers are cooking properly. You may also need to add extra time if you want the peppers to be crispier.
Popping noises are ok! It’s ok to hear some popping noises as the shishito peppers air fry. It is simply moisture releasing from the peppers as they cook down and blister.
Make this recipe your own and add other ingredients. You can customize this air fryer shishito peppers recipe by adding bacon, garlic, or different seasonings. Make sure to read the next section to get ideas!
Recipe flavor variations
- Classic Sea Salt & Lemon: I love adding lemon zest and flakey sea salt after the peppers are done air frying. So delicious and tastes exactly like the ones you order at a restaurant.
- Sesame Asian Style: The best flavor! You need sesame oil and sesame seeds.
- Cajun Seasoning: Season the shishito peppers with 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning in step #2.
- Garlic: Mince 1 large clove of garlic and add when you season the peppers in step #2.
- Spicy: Add 1 – 2 teaspoons of red chili flakes after the peppers are done air frying to make this recipe spicy.
- Zesty Lime: Instead of lemon zest, use lime zest! It adds the best zesty flavor.
- Bacon: While the peppers are air frying, pan-fry 2 – 4 strips of bacon (pork or turkey bacon) until extra crisp. Top the peppers with the crispy, cut-up bacon crumbles at the end.
What to serve with shishito peppers
Air fryer shishito peppers make for a great appetizer and side dish! Here are a few ideas on what to serve them with:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are shishito peppers spicy and hot?
Shishitos are considered to be a mild chili pepper. For reference, they are hotter than green bell peppers but milder than a jalapeño. A fun fact about shishito peppers is that 1 in 10 shishito peppers will be spicy hot. On the Scoville chart, shishito peppers range in heat from 50 to 200 units. In comparison, a jalapeño is 5,000 SHU.
What is a shishito pepper scoville level?
Shishito peppers range in heat from 50 to 1,000 Scoville heat units (SHU). In comparison, a jalapeño is 5,000 SHU.
Do shishito peppers have seeds?
Yes, shishito peppers have seeds.
Is this recipe healthy?
These air fryer shishito peppers are healthy. First, there are minimal ingredients in this recipe. Second, shishito pepper is low carb and low calories. They are high in fiber and a good source of vitamins C, A, and E.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan since there is no butter.
What’s the best dipping sauce for shishito peppers?
To options are endless! I love dipping shishito peppers in tzatziki, homemade or store-bought caesar dressing, garlic-lime crema, and even hummus.
Are shishito peppers keto?
Yes! Shishito peppers are keto-friendly. They are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber. One serving of about 9 to 10 peppers has 1 gram of net carbs.
What’s the best temperature to air fry shishito peppers?
For best results, air fry shishito peppers at 400°F. If the temperature is too low, the peppers won’t blister. If the temperature is too high, they will burn.
How long do I air fry shishito peppers at 400°F?
Blistered shishito peppers take about 7 to 10 minutes to air fry at 400°F.
Can you freeze shishito peppers?
Yes! Shishito peppers freeze very well for up to 6 months. Just add the uncooked shishito peppers to a freezer-safe bag and freeze. When you are ready to cook them, allow the peppers to defrost in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Do not air fry until they are defrosted because the peppers will be soft and mushy otherwise.
Can I make them ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! Air fryer shishito peppers store very well for meal prep. Simply add them to airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Read the section below for instructions on how to reheat.
How to store and reheat leftovers:
Storing: Air fryer shishito peppers are best enjoyed hot after air frying since they will be extra crispy and blistered. However, you can easily store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 – 5 minutes or in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5 – 10 minutes until warm. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 60 – 90 seconds until warm.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Air Fryer Broccolini
- Air Fried Parmesan Zucchini
- Air Fryer Green Beans (4 Ways!)
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Air Fryer Bagel Bites
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 8 ounces shishito peppers
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Classic:
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 – 2 tsp flakey sea salt
Sesame Asian Style:
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket with non-stick olive oil spray.
- Rinse and pat the peppers dry. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine shishito peppers and olive oil. Alternatively, if you don’t want to use oil, you can spray the peppers with avocado or olive oil cooking spray until well coated.
- Add the shishito peppers to the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they are in an even layer. If your air fryer is too small, cook in batches.
- Air fry for 7 – 10 minutes, shaking the peppers at the 4-minute mark. The shishito peppers should be soft and blistered. (TIP: it’s ok to hear some popping noises as they cook).
- Transfer to a serving plate and pick which flavor you want! Either sprinkle the blister peppers with flakey sea salt and lemon zest or with sesame oil and seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
Bacon: While the peppers are air frying, pan-fry 2 – 4 strips of bacon (pork or turkey bacon) until extra crisp. Top the peppers with the crispy, cut-up bacon crumbles at the end. Air fry shishito peppers in an even layer – no overlapping! Don’t pile the shishito peppers on top of each other. They must air fry in an even layer so they can get crispy. If your air fryer is too small, cook in batches! Storing: Air fryer shishito peppers are best enjoyed hot after air frying since they will be extra crispy and blistered. However, you can easily store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 – 5 minutes or in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5 – 10 minutes until warm. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 60 – 90 seconds until warm.
Nutrition
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