Air Fryer Shishito Peppers

Name: Air Fryer Shishito Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces shishito peppers; olive oil cooking spray; Fresh lemon juice; 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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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.

How to Make Shishito Peppers in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer at 400 degrees f for 5 minutes.
Add the shishito peppers to the basket and spray with a light coating of olive oil spray (avocado oil spray is another great choice).
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).
Optional: As the peppers cook, whisk together the homemade dipping sauce. Add additional citrus juice, to taste.
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.

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

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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.

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