If you love sautéed peppers and onions, you’ll love them prepared in the air fryer! These Air Fryer Peppers and Onions are a quick and easy side dish made with sweet bell peppers, red onions and a few basic seasonings. They’re simple to prep, take just 10 minutes to air fry and make a large batch, so they’re perfect to prep ahead for salads, stir fries and fajitas (like these ground beef fajitas)!

Table of contents
This recipe was originally published in January 2021. Back then, I was using a smaller capacity (2.75 quart) air fryer. Since my go-to is now a larger capacity air fryer (5.8 quart), I decided to update the recipe to reflect this. The revised version also includes new photos, tweaks to the recipe and more helpful tips for readers.
For more air fryer side dishes, check out this collection of 15+ quick and easy air fryer sides!
Ingredients and substitutions
Below is a brief overview of the ingredients and recommended substitutions. The recipe card at the end of this post includes the exact quantities used.
- Bell peppers: You’ll need 3 large bell peppers for this recipe. I used red, orange and yellow, but you can use whatever combination you have on hand. If you add green pepper, just keep in mind that they are not sweet like the other bell pepper varieties and taste a little bitter.
- Red onion: I always have red onion on hand for salads and pizza, and they work well in this recipe because they hold their texture and pair nicely with the sweetness of the peppers. You can also use white or yellow onion, but the flavor of the dish will not be as sweet.
- Oil: I like to use olive oil or avocado oil.
- Salt and pepper: This recipe doesn’t over do it on the salt and pepper, so feel free to add more to suite your taste. I suggest adding more after you’ve cooked the peppers and onions, once you’ve had a chance to taste them.
- Garlic powder: It’s just a small amount of garlic for added flavor. The taste is not pronounced in this dish.
- Red pepper flakes: This is completely optional, but I sometimes add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You can either add it before you cook the peppers and onions or after.
How to air fry peppers and onions
Below is a brief overview of the steps to make this recipe along with photos. For further details, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.
Key recipe tips
- Be sure to cut the peppers and onions into 1/2-inch slices. Any thicker and they will take longer to cook. If they’re thinner, the onions may end up a bit stringy and paper thin.
- The peppers are air fried until just tender and the onions start to caramelize on the ends. Both will still be on the firm side, so if you prefer a softer texture, air fry them for a few extra minutes. Just keep an eye on them as they may start to burn.
- I used a 5.8 quart air fryer to make this recipe. If you have a smaller capacity air fryer, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
The easiest way to reheat them is to microwave for 45-60 seconds, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet on the stove top or in the air fryer on 350F for 3-5 minutes. Either way, just be sure not to reheat them for too long as the peppers and onions may get too soft or start to burn.
Yes, you can freeze them, and frozen peppers and onions work well added to stir fries. To freeze, just let them cool and then spread them out on a baking sheet. Place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Note that once thawed, they may have a softer texture, but will still taste delicious.
More air fryer side dish recipes
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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PrintAir Fryer Peppers and Onions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American, Canadian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Peppers and Onions are a quick and easy side dish made with sweet bell peppers, red onion and a few basic seasonings. They’re easy to prep, take just 10 minutes in the air fryer and make a delicious topping for fajitas and salads!
Ingredients
- 3 large bell peppers, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 small red onions (or 1 large), cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and toss until the peppers and onions are well coated.
- Transfer to the air fryer basket and air fry on 400F for 10-12 minutes, or until fork tender. (Shake the basket 1-2 times to ensure the peppers and onions cook evenly).
Notes
- I used red, orange and yellow bell peppers, but you can use whatever combination you have on hand. Just note that green peppers are not sweet like the other varieties.
- For even cooking, cut the peppers and onions into 1/2-inch slices. If you cut the onions thinner, they may end up paper thin once cooked.
- The peppers are air fried until just tender and the onions start to caramelize on the ends. Both will still be on the firm side, so if you prefer a softer texture, just air fry them for a few minutes longer.
- I used a 5.8 quart air fryer to make this recipe. If you have a smaller capacity air fryer, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes.
Can you use mini peppers?
Hi Bev! Yes, you can use mini peppers for this recipe. Depending on their size, I would probably use 9-10 mini peppers in place of the 3 large bell peppers. Just be sure to cut them into 1/2 inch slices or you can even cut them into 1/2 inch rings.
Lots of my onions turned into papery strips. I probably sliced too thin. Chunky onions y’all!
Hi Donna. Thanks for the feedback. You’ll definitely want to slice the onions into 1/2-inch strips!
Can I use frozen peppers?
Hi Carole. I haven’t tested this particular recipe with frozen peppers, but I have air fried frozen veggies with success. If you decide to try frozen peppers, spray them with oil instead of tossing with oil. (If you try to toss them with oil, it may just freeze around the peppers). Air fry them for a few minutes, until they look defrosted, and then add the seasoning. Continue air frying until done. Hope that helps!
The prettiest side! I love the bright colors of these peppers, Leanne! I must try these in the air fryer soon!
Thanks Katherine! I hope you enjoy them!
Yum that looks absolutely delicious! I’ve never used the air fryer to make this side dish before but I bet if offers the veggies a great texture.
Sure does! Thanks Christie. Definitely worth a try!
Peppers and onions are so nice as a delicious side, but also to use as a topping for so much more! Another idea for my air fryer 🙂
Thanks Jennifer! I’ve been loving them on fajitas lately!
This is such a great idea! Will be much faster and easier than on the stove top and with less mess. Looking forward to trying this.
Great pics!
Thanks so much Terry! Hope you enjoy the recipe!