Air Fried Shishito Peppers: A Delicious and Nutritious Appetizer
Spice up your meals with this delicious appetizer!
Shishito peppers are a mouthwatering side dish with a blend of mild heat, rich flavors, and a satisfying crunch. This appetizer is a perfect way to start a meal, whether hosting a dinner party or simply spicing up lunch or dinner!
Air Fried Shishito Peppers
Looking for a delicious, nutrient-rich, spicy appetizer to pair with tonight’s main course? These shishito peppers will be a unique and fun addition to your meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
Just the right amount of spice. Although I'm typically not a fan of spicy foods, I find that shishito peppers are a perfect balance for my palate. They tend to be quite mild in flavor, and their subtle spiciness offers just enough kick to keep things interesting without overpowering the dish.
Easy. What I love about air fryer recipes, and this one in particular, is how simple and quick they are! The entire process, from prep to plate, comes together in less than 15 minutes. Plus, it only calls for a handful of ingredients, making it stress-free and minimal effort that's perfect for those hectic days or impromptu get-togethers.
Healthy. Beyond their yummy flavor and easy preparation, shishito peppers also pack a nutritional punch. They're a great source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient known to boost our immune system and contribute to overall health. So not only are you indulging in a tasty treat, but you're doing your body a favor too!
The Story Behind the Recipe
The inspiration behind this recipe comes from my mom, who's a major fan of spicy foods. Whenever we dine out together, she always orders the shishito peppers appetizer.
There's a level of excitement to each bite of the pepper, as you never know which one will have a little extra heat! So when my mom came over to help with my daughter Olive, I decided to recreate that restaurant favorite right in our kitchen. Spoiler alert: She loved them, polished them off in one sitting, and gave high praises to the dipping sauce!
Air Fried Shishito Peppers Ingredients
8 ounces of shishito peppers: The star of the show. Shishito peppers are a mild, East Asian variety that pack a delightful, subtly sweet flavor. When looking to buy shishito peppers at the grocery store or farmers market, pick out firm, glossy peppers that are a vibrant green. And remember to wash and dry them thoroughly before use to ensure they're clean and ready for cooking.
2 teaspoons of avocado oil: This oil is chosen for its mild flavor and high smoke point, making it ideal for air frying. Avocado oil ensures the peppers are evenly coated and will crisp up nicely in the air fryer without burning. However, olive oil and sesame oil also work well in this recipe if you prefer!
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt: The salt elevates the shishito peppers' natural flavor. While a half teaspoon is suggested, you can always adjust this amount to suit your personal taste preference. Just remember, it's easier to add more salt later than to remove it, so it's often better to err on the side of less salt initially.
Sauce
Mayo: This forms the creamy, rich base of the sauce. Its slightly tangy flavor pairs well with the other ingredients and complements the peppers without overpowering them.
Lemon or lime juice: This adds a fresh, tangy burst of acidity to the sauce. It helps cut through the mayo's richness and enhances the flavor profile. Lemon juice also brightens up the taste and pairs wonderfully with the mild, slightly sweet heat of shishito peppers.
Paprika: This adds a mild, sweet, smoky note to the sauce, giving it depth and complexity. It also imparts a lovely warm color to the sauce, making it visually appealing as well.
Garlic powder: A must in many recipes for its savory depth, garlic powder contributes a layer of aromatic warmth that complements the smokiness of the paprika. It's a more subtle alternative to raw garlic, ensuring the sauce doesn't overpower the shishito peppers.
Salt: The key to bringing all these flavors together, a bit of salt intensifies and balances the flavors in the sauce, helping to ensure that it's not overly sweet or tart. Always add salt to taste, as the ideal amount can vary.
How to Make Shishito Peppers in the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400F. This ensures the air fryer reaches the correct temperature so that your peppers will roast evenly and at the right speed, just like you'd preheat a conventional oven. For the best air frying results, I recommend this air fryer.
Next, you'll want to toss your shishito peppers in the avocado oil and salt(Pro tip: for more of a lemon-y kick, throw some lemon zest in there too!). Ensure they are all evenly coated. This process allows the oil and salt to permeate the peppers, seasoning them throughout and promoting that perfect crispy exterior.
Place the coated peppers into your air fryer basket. Aim for a single layer without overcrowding it. This is important for ensuring each pepper gets cooked evenly, allowing the hot air to circulate freely.
Set your timer for 9 minutes. At around halfway, spend a couple of minutes shaking the basket. This helps to rotate the peppers so they cook evenly on all sides.
While the peppers are roasting, you can put together your dipping sauce. Combine your mayo, lemon or lime juice, paprika, and garlic powder in a medium bowl, and whisk until smooth. This zesty, creamy sauce perfectly complements the mild heat of the shishito peppers.
Once the air fryer's timer dings, your roasted shishito peppers are ready! Transfer them to a serving plate, making sure to be careful as they'll be hot. Serve them alongside the dipping sauce, and dig in right away! The peppers are best enjoyed hot, right out of the air fryer, to truly savor their slightly charred, crispy texture and smoky, air-fried flavor.
In the mood for even more air fried appetizer recipes? Check out my Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries.
FAQ
What should you serve air fried shishito peppers with?
Air-fried shishito peppers make a flavorful addition to any meal! They're perfect as a snack on their own, served with a zesty dipping sauce. They also pair wonderfully with grilled meats, sushi, or noodle dishes. You can even use them as exotic toppings for pizzas or stir-fry.
What are some health benefits of eating air fried shishito peppers?
Is this delicious recipe a healthy appetizer too? Yes! Shishito peppers are a great source of vitamins and nutrients. They are particularly high in Vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system, and Vitamin A, important for vision and skin health.
By air frying them, you're using less oil than traditional frying methods, reducing the overall fat content. This method retains the nutritional value of the peppers while offering a delicious, crispy texture.
Are shishito peppers spicy?
Shishito peppers are generally mild in heat, which makes them perfect for those who prefer a subtler, less spicy flavor. However, it's said that approximately one in every ten shishito peppers is significantly spicier than the rest! This brings a fun surprise to each serving, making your dining experience a bit more exciting. Despite this, even the 'hot' ones are less spicy than most common chili peppers.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS air fried shishito peppers! IF YOU LOVE IT, LET ME KNOW ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK.
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Ingredients
- 8 ounces shishito peppers, washed and dried
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F.
- Toss the peppers with avocado oil and salt until evenly coated.
- Place into your air fryer layer basket in an even layer. Cook for 9 minutes, shaking half way through.
- While the peppers are roasting, combine the ingredients of your dipping sauce by mixing together mayo, lemon juice, paprika and garlic powder until smooth.
- Transfer the peppers on a plate with the dipping sauce. Serve immediately.
