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!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Yes. Shishito peppers have thin skins (similar to bell peppers) making them perfect for snacking raw.
It’s best to enjoy your air-fried shishito peppers immediately. After refrigeration and reheating they turn mushy.
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!
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.
RECIPE CARD
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
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
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
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
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