How to Air Fry Bell Peppers

Remove the core and seeds, then cut into ½-inch strips or 1-inch chunks. Uniform pieces cook evenly. Thin strips (¼ inch) will soften and char more quickly and are ideal for fajitas. Thicker pieces hold their shape better if you want a firmer texture.

Toss with 1 teaspoon of olive oil per two peppers, plus salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or Italian herbs. Bell peppers have natural sweetness that intensifies with heat, so no added sugar is needed. A pinch of smoked paprika adds depth.

Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway. For more char, add another 2 minutes at the end. All pepper colors work — red, yellow, and orange are sweeter and caramelize beautifully; green peppers have a slightly more bitter, herby edge.

Air-fried peppers are versatile. Use them in fajitas and quesadillas, on top of pizza, layered in sandwiches, or served alongside sausage and onions. They are a natural companion to the sausage-and-peppers combination that works beautifully in the air fryer.

How do you know when bell peppers are done in the air fryer?

Bell pepper strips or chunks are done when the edges are lightly charred, the skin has blistered, and the flesh is tender — about 10–12 minutes at 400°F (205°C). For stuffed bell peppers, the filling should be hot throughout and the pepper walls soft, which takes 18–22 minutes.

What temperature for bell peppers in air fryer?

400°F (205°C) for 10–12 minutes for strips or chunks, and 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes for whole stuffed peppers. Cut peppers into even strips for faster, more uniform cooking. Toss with a teaspoon of olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

Can you air fry frozen bell peppers?

Yes. Air fry frozen bell pepper strips at 400°F (205°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking once. They won't char as nicely as fresh because of the ice crystals, but they soften and brown adequately. Season after the first shake when the surface moisture has evaporated.