The first time I roasted peppers in my air fryer, I didn’t expect much. Three peppers sat on the counter—one red, one yellow, one soft at the edges. I tossed them in, set the timer, and let the magic happen. In minutes, the kitchen filled with a sweet, smoky smell. The skins blistered, the flesh softened, and the colors deepened. That day, I learned exactly how long to roast peppers in air fryer for perfect results. It’s quick, easy, and works with any budget-friendly model. Now I’m sharing my go-to method so you can enjoy the same fresh, bold flavor.
Why Roast Peppers in an Air Fryer Instead of the Oven?
There’s no long preheat or waiting for the oven to warm up. In less than 15 minutes, you can have soft, sweet peppers with a light char. That means more flavour in less time and lower energy use.
Cleanup is a breeze. No baking sheets to scrub or foil to toss. Just a quick wipe of the basket and you’re done.
Even beginners get great results. It cook evenly, so you don’t need special skills. And yes, even some of the best air fryers under $50 can roast peppers beautifully.
How Long to Roast Peppers in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose your peppers
Pick fresh peppers with firm skin and bright color. Bell peppers are sweet, poblanos add mild heat, and mini sweet peppers roast quickly.
Step 2: Wash and dry
Rinse under cool water, then pat dry. Dry skin blisters better than damp skin.
Step 3: Light oil coat
Brush or rub with a thin layer of olive oil. This helps the skin char and keeps the flesh tender.
Step 4: Set temperature and time
Roast at 370°F for 12–15 minutes. Thicker peppers need closer to 15 minutes, smaller ones around 12.
Step 5: Turn halfway
Flip peppers at the halfway mark for even cooking.
Step 6: Cool and peel
Let them rest in a covered bowl for 5 minutes. The steam loosens the skin for easy peeling.
Roasting Times for Different Pepper Types
| Pepper Type | Time at 370°F | Notes |
| Bell peppers | 12–15 min | Thick flesh, turn halfway. |
| Mini sweet peppers | 8–10 min | Roast whole for juicy centers. |
| Poblano or Anaheim | 10–12 min | Mild heat, peel after roasting. |
| Chili peppers | 6–8 min | Watch closely, they cook fast. |
Tips from Experience for Perfect Roasted Peppers
Use just a little oil—enough to give the skin a light shine. This helps it blister without turning greasy.
Give peppers room to breathe. Overcrowding the basket traps steam and stops the skin from charring evenly.
After roasting, place peppers in a bowl and cover for five minutes. The steam makes peeling the skin almost effortless.
For extra flavor, season before cooking. A pinch of salt, garlic powder, or smoked paprika adds depth and makes the peppers even more irresistible.
How to Store and Use Air Fryer Roasted Peppers
Let roasted peppers cool before storing. In the fridge, they keep fresh for up to four days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to three months.
They’re versatile and add flavour to many dishes. Toss them into pasta, layer in sandwiches, mix into salads, fold into tacos, or stir into soups.
Roast more than you need. Having a stash ready makes meal prep easier and turns quick weeknight dinners into something special.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Roasting Peppers
A good should have a roomy basket, simple controls, and even heating. Space lets the peppers roast without touching, while even heat ensures every side cooks the same.
You don’t need a pricey model to get great results. Many of the best air fryers under $50 handle peppers beautifully.
Popular budget-friendly picks include the Dash Tasti-Crisp, GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart, and Chefman TurboFry. They’re affordable, easy to use, and small enough to fit on most counters while still delivering that perfect blistered pepper.
Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Pepper Mistakes
If peppers turn too soft or mushy, cut back on cooking time. Check them a minute or two earlier next round.
If they don’t blister or char, try raising the temperature slightly or make sure the peppers are fully dry before cooking. Damp skin won’t crisp well.
A bitter taste usually comes from too much charring. Watch closely near the end and shake the basket to avoid burning spots.
These small tweaks help get peppers just right every time.
Final Thoughts
Roasting peppers in an air fryer is quick and easy. It’s a forgiving process, perfect for beginners. Even if you’re new, you’ll get tasty results with a little practice.
Try different peppers to find your favourite—bell, poblano, or spicy chilli. Each adds its own twist to meals.
Give it a try today. Grab some fresh peppers, fire up, and enjoy the simple joy of home-cooked flavour in minutes. You might just fall in love with this quick kitchen trick.
