Air Fryer Shishito Peppers are a quick and delicious appetizer or side dish. These blistered Japanese peppers are mild and sweet and ready in about 5 minutes.
The first time I had Shishito peppers was at an Izakaya restaurant.
These casual Japanese establishments typically serve small plates for sharing that pair well with beer, sake, or cocktails.
Often on the extensive menus are a large number of grilled items, which I how I had the peppers.
Named after the resemblance of tip of the pepper to a lion’s face, Shishitos are sweet rather than spicy.
However, every once in a while, you may find one that has a little kick.
When I first starting buying them, I used to like to saute them in a little oil until lightly blistered and charred.
But now that I have an air fryer, I love making Air Fryer Shishito Peppers!
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers are a healthy snack or starter.
They are low in calories and high in vitamin C.
And you only need a spritz of cooking spray to prepare them in the air fryer.
I like to serve them alongside other Japanese-inspired dishes such as Baked Teriyaki Tofu with rice and Marinated Asparagus Spears.
Shishitos can be found at most supermarkets these days.
My local Albertson’s stocks them, as does Trader Joe’s.
And I often get them in my Imperfect Produce box.
Preparing Shishito peppers in an air fryer is really easy.
First spread out the peppers in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer.
Next spray them with a little cooking spray.
Give them a shake so it’s evenly distributed.
Air fry the Shishitos for 5 or 6 minutes at 390 degrees until they are blistered and lightly charred in spots.
Transfer them to a serving dish and sprinkle with a generous amount of salt.
I like to use large flake sea salt.
Then enjoy!
Serve the blistered Shishito peppers simply with salt or add other seasonings.
If you want to try them with something other than just salt, I have a few recommendations, which are included with the recipe below.
For a tangy dipping sauce, combine a tablespoon of fresh lime juice with a teaspoon of tamari.
Or you could squeeze a little lemon or lime juice over the dish of peppers.
Also, if you want some more seasoning, you can sprinkle on a little Furikake.
Make sure to check the ingredients since these Japanese blends often contain dried fish or seafood.
But the one I like to buy contains only nori (seaweed), sesame seeds, salt, and sugar.
How should Shishito peppers be eaten?
This part is really simple.
Pick one up by the stem, eat the pepper, including the seeds, and then discard the stem.
Repeat.
You kids might like them, too!
The air fryer is a great appliance for making food with little or no oil, like these Shishito peppers.
Some of my other favorite things to make in this handy small appliance are Air Fryer French Fries with Seasoned Salt, Lemon Tofu, and Orange Tofu.
And you can even make Small Batch Brownies in it!
What are your favorite air fryer recipes? Please let me know in the comments!
Now let’s make Air Fryer Shishito Peppers!
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 dry pint shishito peppers (about 20 peppers)
- cooking spray
- salt to taste (large flake, if available)
Instructions
- Place the shishito peppers in the air fryer basket.
- Spritz with a little cooking spray and shake the basket to evenly distribute.
- Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes at 390 degrees, shaking half way through, until the peppers are blistered and lightly charred in areas.
- Place the peppers on a serving dish and generously sprinkle with salt. Enjoy immediately.
Optional serving suggestions:
- Serve the shishito peppers with a dipping sauce made of 1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice combined with 1 teaspoon tamari.
- Sprinkle the peppers with Furikake seasoning. (Be sure the check the ingredients to make sure it's vegan since some blends contain fish/seafood products.)
- Squeeze a lemon or lime over the peppers before serving.
Leslie says
Why didn’t I ever think of air frying shishitos before? It’s so easy this way. You don’t have to worry about them burning. I used some flake salt from Portland. So yummy.
Amy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Leslie!