Air Fryer Roasted Mini Peppers

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Roasting mini peppers in the air fryer is so easy! These sweet peppers take no time to soften and char (either whole or halved) and make a delicious addition to salads, sandwiches, appetizer boards, and more.

Roasted mini peppers on a serve plate garnished with fresh herbs.

I seem to be set on roasting peppers in less-conventional ways (i.e. no gas stove, broiler, or grill). Roasting poblano peppers in the oven has been my go-to method for years, since I lived in an apartment without aforementioned gas stove, grill, or a broiler that wouldn't set off fire alarms.

Here I'm bypassing the oven entirely and roasting mini sweet peppers in the air fryer.

Have you had these little peppers yet? They're really versatile, both easy to crunch on raw for a snack or cooked in a variety of ways. Using them as a vessel for sausage and cheese in these Italian stuffed mini peppers is highly recommended. But one of the simplest ways to cook them is by roasting.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

Just like with my poblanos, you don't need a gas burner, grill, or functioning broiler. All the roasting here is done in an air fryer.
The steps couldn't be more straight-forward. Simply rub peppers with oil, set your timer, and flip once.
Roasted mini peppers have a bunch of delicious uses. Eat them straight-up, slice and use in a variety of recipes, add them to sandwiches, salads or appetizer boards, etc.
That wonderful charred flavor develops without any seasonings, but these air fryer mini peppers can easily be spiced up however you like.

Twelve mini sweet peppers in a large strainer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Note: Mini sweet peppers can often be found in 8-, 16-, or 32-ounce bags in the produce department. A mix of red, orange, and yellow, they're not spicy at all and have a sweeter flavor than bell peppers. This recipe (if you can call it that) for air fryer mini peppers is written for 10 peppers, but can easily be adapted for a smaller or large number.

For Whole Peppers

Rinse peppers and pat dry. Add them to a bowl and toss well or rub with oil until coated.

Whole mini peppers and a spatula in a mixing bowl tossing the peppers with olive oil.

Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the peppers in it in a single layer.

Oil-rubbed whole mini peppers on a mesh air fryer tray.

Air fry at 375°F for 6-7 minutes, flip each pepper over, and air fry for 3-4 minutes more, or until charred to your liking.

Roasted whole mini sweet peppers on an air fryer basket.

For Pepper Halves

Slice each mini pepper in half lengthwise. You don't have to remove the stem.
Using a spoon, scrape away the white pith and seeds.

Mini peppers sliced in half on a cutting board (left) and a spoon scooping out the pith and seeds (right).

Rub pepper halves with oil and place them cavity-side up in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 10 minutes or so, flipping the pepper halves over about halfway through.

Mini pepper halves on an air fryer basket before (left) and after (right) roasting.

Tips and Tricks

If halving the peppers for these air fryer mini peppers, start roasting them concavely, with the outer surface facing down. Flip them over for the second half of roasting so that liquid doesn't pool in the center.
All air fryers have their quirks, so your peppers may take a little longer or shorter to roast. Roast them until they are darkened and charred to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

As a roasted pepper option on an appetizer board, topping for crostini, etc.
Sliced and tossed in a green salad or grain bowl
Sliced open and placed as a flavorful layer on a sandwich or panini (especially good in a peppers and onions grilled cheese or air fryer grilled cheese)
Added to a pasta dish, omelette, or scrambled eggs

Air fried mini sweet peppers on a plate garnished with fresh herbs and flaky salt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to remove the skin from roasted mini peppers?

You don't have to remove the skin from mini peppers as it is edible and thinner (less "in the way") than the skin on other pepper varieties. That said, it wrinkles up once the pepper has been roasted, so it's pretty easy to grab and remove if you want.

Do you have to remove the seeds from mini sweet peppers?

You can if you like, but it's not necessary. The white pith and small seeds are edible. Unlike other pepper varieties, mini sweet pepper seeds are fewer in number, smaller in size, and much less obtrusive. They're also not spicy, like other pepper seeds are, so leaving them is fine.

How do you store air fryer mini peppers?

Once roasted, let the peppers cool and store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Can you freeze roasted mini peppers?

Yes. Freeze them individually on a sheet pan, then once frozen you can add them all to a container or freezer bag. This extra step prevents them from sticking to one another in a big lump.