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Home » Sides » Air Fryer Shishito Peppers

Air Fryer Shishito Peppers

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
February 18, 2022
4.64 from 19 votes


Last Updated February 18, 2022 | 0 Comments

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Air Fryer Shishito Peppers are a fast and easy air fryer snack or appetizer. Ready in just 10 minutes, these perfectly blistered, smokey little bite-size peppers are mild – not spicy – and so delicious!

White plate filled with cooked air fryer shishito peppers with a side of citrus soy sauce and a lemon wedge.

Blistered Air Fryer Shishito Peppers

Shishito peppers are usually pan fried in hot oil or skewered and broiled (or grilled) until they’re charred and blistered. A messy affair with big-time cleanup, it’s so much easier to cook these delicious little green peppers in an air fryer.

If you’re new to shishito peppers, don’t let their unappealing appearance fool you. They’re actually really good! Sweet like bell peppers, but smokier, and they practically melt in your mouth. Once of my all-time favorite veggie snacks!

What are Shishito Peppers?

Shishito peppers are a thin-skinned East Asian pepper variety popular in Japan. They typically grow to be about 2-4 inches in length. Although they are considered one of the more mild chili peppers, about 1 in 10-20 shishito peppers will pack some heat, so keep that in mind when snacking on these awesome little peppers.

Raw green shishito peppers.

How to Make Shishito Peppers in the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat your air fryer at 400 degrees f for 5 minutes.
  2. Add the shishito peppers to the basket and spray with a light coating of olive oil spray (avocado oil spray is another great choice).
  3. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket once in the middle of cooking. They’re ready when they’re softened and blistered (they’ll smell like jalapeños when they’re cooking).
  4. Optional: As the peppers cook, whisk together the homemade dipping sauce. Add additional citrus juice, to taste.
  5. Japanese shishito peppers are best when enjoyed immediately! So carefully remove them to a clean plate and enjoy warm.

Shishito Peppers Dipping Sauce

If you have some Ponzu sauce stashed away in your pantry or refrigerator, I recommend serving that with your shishito peppers. I did not, so I made my own alternative out of soy sauce, rice vinegar, fresh garlic, and fresh citrus juice (lime juice and lemon juice – or, for a sweeter sauce, try fresh orange juice). It’s not the same as Ponzu sauce, but it’s delicious paired with the smokiness of the peppers. Keep it gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Blistered air fried shishito peppers in an air fryer basket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to buy shishito peppers?

You can find shishito peppers at many grocery stores including Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. They’re also becoming more and more popular at farmer’s markets.

Are shishito peppers hot?

For the most part, shishito peppers are really mild. Occasionally, a spicy pepper may find its way into the bunch, but it’s usually no more than one out of every ten or so peppers.

Can shishito peppers be eaten raw?

Yes. Shishito peppers have thin skins (similar to bell peppers) making them perfect for snacking raw.

Are air fryer shishito peppers good leftover?

It’s best to enjoy your air-fried shishito peppers immediately. After refrigeration and reheating they turn mushy.

White plate filled with blistered air fried shishito peppers and a small side of citrus soy sauce.

What Air Fryer Do I Recommend for This Recipe?

I own and use the COSORI Air Fryer for almost all of the recipes I make. It works great!

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

  • Air Fryer Chicken Legs
  • Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
  • Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Super Crispy)
  • Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
  • Easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
White plate filled with cooked air fryer shishito peppers with a side of citrus soy sauce and a lemon wedge.

Have you tried making shishito peppers in the air fryer?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

White plate filled with cooked air fryer shishito peppers with a side of citrus soy sauce and a lemon wedge.

Air Fryer Shishito Peppers

4.64 from 19 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers are a fast and easy air fryer snack or appetizer. Ready in just 10 minutes, these perfectly blistered, smokey little bite-size peppers are mild – not spicy – and so delicious!
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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack, Vegetables
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 25 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 8 ounces shishito peppers
  • olive oil cooking spray
  • Fresh lemon juice

For the Citrus Soy Sauce (Optional)

  • 3 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoon fresh citrus juice - lemon juice, lime juice, or orange juice (plus more to taste)
  • 2 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic - minced
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Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees f for 5 minutes.
  • Add the shishito peppers to the air fryer basket and spray with olive oil spray (you don't need very much, just a light spritz).
  • Air fry the shishito peppers at 400 degrees f for 8-10 minutes, or until the peppers are softened and blistered. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
  • As the peppers cook, combine the ingredients for the dipping sauce in a small bowl. Season with additional soy sauce or citrus juice, to taste.
  • Serve the shishito peppers immediately drizzled with lemon juice.

Jessica’s Notes

  • Blistered shishito peppers are also delicious when dipped in creamy garlic aioli.
  • Shishito peppers are naturally low-carb and gluten-free. 

Nutritional Information

Calories: 25kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 754mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Air Fryer Shishito Peppers, Shishito Peppers, Shishito Peppers Air Fryer
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About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

84 shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

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Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica! Aka mom, wife, chef, and travel-obsessed photographer. Welcome to The Forked Spoon. Here you can browse hundreds of incredible family-friendly recipes covering dozens of diets, courses, and cuisines. Learn more about me.

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