With just four ingredients, air fryer Shishito Peppers has the potential to become the most requested snack by your family. Whether you are looking for easy and low carb snacks or a quick appetizer for your Thanksgiving table or just a’feel happy’ party snack, these blistered peppers are just what you need.
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For someone who loves her air fryer to bits, I have fallen short in expressing that love here.
But these blistered Shishito peppers should not be kept a secret. No, I mean seriously. I will be doing you a great crime if I fail sharing the recipe for the best air-fryer peppers.
Why should you try these air fryer roasted peppers?
Naturally vegan.
Takes less than 20 minutes to make.
Uses just 4 ingredients.
Low carb.
Fantastic appetizer that is perfect for parties.
Last but not the least, sounds fancy.
Even if I say so myself, air frying peppers is the best way to enjoy snacking peppers.
Jump to:
What are Shishito peppers?
If I have to summarise in two words- best peppers! Yep. Originally from Japan, these small green peppers are very low on heat and super addictive. I discovered them accidentally on my local grocers’ website.
I had ordered Padron peppers but they delivered these. Well, a food blogger just cannot pass up the opportunity, can she? Ever since that first accidental order, these peppers are a regular here.
Shishito peppers are also referred to as Sashido peppers or Shashito peppers.
You may have spotted Shishito on Sushi menus. These are commonly used in East Asia. They are slightly hotter than snacking peppers.
They make for perfect bite sized snacks. Think of all those cocktails you can serve with these roasted peppers.
Vibrant green and small, they lend themselves well to almost all flavors. But our favorite is this version.
Where to buy Shishito Peppers?
These peppers have become very popular now. Look for them at your nearby farmers’ markets. You can even Shishito Peppers at Whole Foods in the produce section.
Ingredients
This calls for just 4 ingredients, if you count salt. You know what makes this deal sweeter? We will use just 1 teaspoon oil to make these. The main ingredient for this recipe is the Shishito Pepper.
How to choose Shishito Peppers?
Look for firm green peppers. These peppers are wrinkly and small. And you may find an occasional orange or red pepper too.
Oil
Sesame oil is my go-to for Asian recipes. These days, I have started using more of it even in my regular cooking. And it works like a charm for blistering peppers.
Not a fan of sesame oil?
Extra virgin olive oil or just light olive oil works perfectly well in this recipe. Even though, olive oil is not something I would opt to use in a soy-based recipe, it worked very well for this recipe.
Soy sauce
I have experimented with both light soy sauce and dark soy sauce in this recipe. While light soy sauce is not overpowering, it just does not have that umami punch.
My bet is on dark soy sauce. Deep, nutty and umami flavors without overpowering the entire dish, it is just what we need to bring out the best in these peppers.
Gluten free substitute suggestions
If you do not want to use soy sauce, you can use Tamari or liquid aminos.
Lime juice
Until a few years ago, I had no idea that citrus gives an Asian style dish a flavor boost. The zing and the tang elevates the dish to the next level. These days, I even squeeze lime juice on to my regular rice noodles.
For this recipe, you need lime juice. Lemon and lime have different flavor profiles. While lemons work well for more complex dishes where we just need the tang, limes are what we need in recipes like these.
Variations
- Add ginger and garlic. Simply massage these peppers in a mixture of soy sauce, grated ginger and garlic, olive oil and salt. Air-fry and serve them immediately.
- Use olive oil instead of sesame oil for a different flavor.
- Swap the Shishito peppers with Padron peppers. Both have a similar flavor profile and are low in heat. So Padron peppers work just as well here.
Serving Suggestions
Dipping Sauce for Roasted Shishito Pepppers
While these peppers taste great just on their own, serving them with a dip makes it a complete dish. It also helps if in case you happen to bite on a pepper that is a tad too hot for you to handle.
For the dipping sauce, microwave 2 tablespoon cashew butter for 30 seconds on high or until the butter softens up. Add 2 teaspoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon grated garlic, 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro leaves, ½ teaspoon brown sugar, salt to taste and the softened nut butter. Whisk well. The sauce is ready.
Other dips you can try include garlic aioli or Sriracha mayo.
Recipe Notes
- Make sure to wipe the peppers completely dry before roasting them.
- Exercise caution while adding salt. Since soy sauce already has salt, go easy. I found that I enjoyed these peppers under-salted more.
- Serve them immediately since these peppers go limp after a while. For this reason, I recommend making them just a few minutes before a meal begins.
Method
Prep the peppers
Wash the peppers well. Spread them out on a kitchen towel. Wait until all the moisture is absorbed. Now wipe each pepper gently.
Preheat
Preheat the air-fryer at 400 F ( 200 C) for 5 minutes.
While it heats up, combine the soy sauce, lime juice, salt and sesame oil in a bowl. Place the peppers in a mixing bowl. Pour the lime juice mixture over the peppers and gently massage it onto the peppers.
Air fry peppers
Place the peppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 minutes. Stop mid way after 3 minutes, shake them up and finish air frying for the remaining 3 minutes.
You may hear them popping in the basket while they are being roasted. It is completely normal. They smell like roasted jalapenos or bell peppers while they are roasted.
That is it. Our insanely delicious and very addictive air fryer blistered Shishito peppers are done.
Serve immediately with a dip of your choice.
Recipe Card
📖 Recipe
Air fryer Shishito peppers
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 25 Shishito peppers
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ teaspoon Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Wash the peppers well.
- Spread them out on a kitchen towel.
- Now wipe each pepper gently.
- Make sure there is no moisture.
- Preheat the air-fryer at 400 F ( 200 C) for 5 minutes.
- While it heats up, combine the soy sauce, lime juice, salt and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Place the peppers in a mixing bowl.
- Pour the lime juice mixture over the peppers and gently massage it onto the peppers.
- Place the peppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 6 minutes.
- Stop mid way after 3 minutes, shake them up and finish air frying for the remaining 3 minutes.
- You may hear them popping in the basket while they are being roasted.
- Serve immediately with a dip of your choice.
For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes
Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.
Nutrition
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