These air fryer shishito peppers are quick and easy to make and don't require much prep. They are delicious and ready in under 10 minutes. Shishito, pan-seared or air-fried, makes the perfect savory snack, side dish, or appetizer for when you fancy something different yet delicious.
I like to serve these blistered shishito peppers with my homemade dipping sauce for some Asian flair. Let me show you how to make it.
If you are wondering why you would eat pepper as a snack or serve it as an appetizer, I have one word for you: flavor! Shishito peppers are mild yet flavorful, with a slight heat that is not overwhelming. Also, making yours at home is cheaper and more flavorful than you would get in a restaurant.
They are popular in Japanese cuisine and can also be found in Korean (kkwari-gochu) and Chinese dishes.
Shishito peppers look like miniature bell peppers but are longer and more slender. They are usually bright green in color and bumpy when you feel it.
Why you will love this recipe
- It's a quick and easy snack or appetizer that is ready in under 10 minutes.
- The peppers come out perfectly blistered and charred on the outside, yet tender and flavorful on the inside like you cooked in the skillet.
- Don't have an air fryer? No problem. Shisisto peppers can be cooked in many ways: baked, pan-seared, or grilled.
- They are very mild and not hot at all. That said, one in ten of these peppers has a kick, but not enough to spoil the fun. In fact, it makes the whole experience more exciting.
- It's a perfect recipe for when you want something savory but not heavy or not overly indulgent.
- Leftovers can be blended or chopped and used in other dishes such as tacos, pasta or dips.
What you will need
300g Shishito peppers (about 20 pieces)
Cooking oil spray. I used avocado cooking spray but you can also use olive oil or any other flavorless cooking oil you prefer.
Flaky sea salt to season
Shishito pepper dipping sauce ingredients
1 Tablespoons Mayonnaise: I used Kiwpie, but any type of mayonnaise would work for this recipe
½ Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon tomato Ketchup
½ teaspoon sugar: you only need a pinch of sugar for this recipe
1 Tablespoon Soy sauce
1 teaspoon sriracha: for a little bit of heat
How to make air fryer shishito peppers
Before you start, wash the peppers well and pat them dry with a kitchen paper towel or leave them to air dry. There is no need to remove the stalk from the peppers
Preheat the air fryer to 400F/200C for 3 minutes.
Remove the basket from the air fryer and spray lightly with cooking oil.
Add the peppers to the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the top with more cooking oil, and then toss the peppers so that they are coated in oil.
Air fry the peppers for 5 minutes, then remove the air fry basket and flip them. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes or until blistered or charred to your liking.
Sprinkle the peppers with some sea salt and transfer to a platter. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over it and serve with my homemade dipping sauce.
How to make the dipping sauce
Combine mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, sriracha, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The dipping sauce can be used immediately or placed in the fridge until needed.
Serve the sauce with the air fryer shishito peppers for a delicious and flavorful combination. These peppers are best served immediately while still warm and crispy.
Watch how to make it
Where can I buy shishito peppers
I got mine from Whole Foods Market's produce section, but they are also sold at Trader Joe's, Costco, and Farmer's Market.
More appetizers you will love
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 300 g Shishito peppers about 20 pieces
- Cooking oil spray
- Flaky sea salt to season
Shishito pepper dipping sauce ingredients
- 1 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
- ½ Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon tomato Ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
Instructions
- Before you start, wash the peppers well and pat them dry with a kitchen paper towel or leave them to air dry. There is no need to remove the stalk from the peppers.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F/200C for 3 minutes.
- Remove the basket from the air fryer and spray lightly with cooking oil.
- Add the peppers to the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the top with more cooking oil, and then toss the peppers so that they are coated in oil.
- Air fry the peppers for 5 minutes, then remove the air fry basket and flip them. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes or until blistered or charred to your liking.
- Sprinkle the peppers with some sea salt and transfer to a platter. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over it and serve with the dipping sauce below.
How to make the dipping sauce
- Combine mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, sriracha, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The dipping sauce can be used immediately or placed in the fridge until needed.The sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
And there you have it, a simple and delicious air fryer appetizer recipe you can make at home in no time. As always, if you made this recipe, I would love to hear from you! Kindly rate the recipe 5 stars and leave me feedback in the comment section below. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save it to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes in your inbox.
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