Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions are a sweet and flavourful side dish made with sliced bell peppers, red onion and a few basic seasonings. They’re easy to prep, take just 15 minutes in the air fryer and make a delicious topping for fajitas and salads!

If you love sautéed peppers and onions, you’ll love them prepared in the air fryer. It’s a great way to get flavourful and tender peppers and onions without the hands on work of preparing them on the stove top. I use a pretty basic seasoning of salt, pepper and garlic, but you can change it up and add different spices and herbs to suit your taste.

The recipe makes a large batch, so you can have these peppers and onions prepped and stored in the refrigerator for easy sides and toppings for fajitas and salads. 

Details on the ingredients

Bell peppers: You’ll need 3 medium-sized 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 flavour of the dish will not be as sweet.

Oil: My oil of choice is extra virgin olive oil, but you can use another type of oil, if you prefer.

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 and had a chance to taste test them. 

Garlic powder: It’s just a small amount of garlic for added flavour. The taste is not pronounced in this dish.

Red pepper flakes: This is optional, but I sometimes add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes when I’m in the mood for a bit of heat. You can either add it before you cook the peppers and onions or after.

How to cook peppers and onions in the air fryer

• Add the sliced peppers and onions to a large bowl and add the oil and seasonings. Toss until well coated.

• Place the peppers and onions in the air fryer basket and air fry on 400F for 15 minutes or until fork tender. Remove the basket at the mid-way point and shake or stir the peppers and onions to ensure even cooking.

• Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for an easy meal prepped side dish.

How to reheat air fried peppers and onions

The easiest way to reheat leftover peppers and onions is to place them in the microwave and warm them for 45-60 seconds, or until heated through.

You can also reheat them in a skillet on the stove top. Either way, just be sure not to reheat them for too long as the peppers and onions may get too soft.

Additional recipe tips and variations

• For even cooking, cut the peppers and onions into 1/2-inch slices. If you cut them thinner or thicker, you may need to adjust the air frying time.

• To change things up, you can make these peppers and onions spicy by adding a little chili powder, smoked paprika and/or cumin. Or for a savoury version, try using Italian seasoning.

• 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 2.75 quart air fryer to make this recipe, and the basket was full. If you have a smaller capacity air fryer, I recommend that you half the recipe.

• If you’re using a larger capacity air fryer, you may be able to reduce the air frying time as the onions and peppers will likely cook a little quicker.

Other air fryer side dishes you might enjoy

• Air Fryer Carrots (three ways)

• Air Fryer Green Beans

• Air Fryer Roasted Beets

Or check out this collection of 21 Air Fryer Side Dishes!

Other recipes with peppers to try

• Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

• Sausage Frittata with Peppers and Onions

If you make these air fryer bell peppers and onions, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below. 

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Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 4 reviews

• Author: Leanne
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 cups
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Air Fry
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions are a sweet and flavourful side dish made with sliced bell peppers, red onion and a few basic seasonings. They’re easy to prep, take just 15 minutes in the air fryer and make a delicious topping for fajitas and salads!

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Ingredients

• 3 medium-sized bell peppers, seeded and cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 medium-sized red onion, peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Optional topping:
  • crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Add the pepper and onion slices to a large bowl and add the oil, salt, garlic and black pepper. Toss until well combined.
2. Place the peppers and onions in the air fryer basket and air fry on 400F for 15 minutes, or until fork tender. Remove the basket at the mid-way point and shake or stir the peppers and onions to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Serve immediately with a dash of red pepper flakes (optional).

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Notes

1. The recipe instructions are based on a 2.75 quart Philips air fryer. Depending on the brand, model and size of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time.
2. If you have a smaller capacity air fryer, I recommend halving the recipe. If you have a larger capacity air fryer, the peppers and onions will likely cook a little faster, so you may need to reduce the air frying time.
3. I used red, orange and yellow peppers, but you can use whatever combination you have on hand. Just note that green bell peppers are not sweet like the other bell peppers and taste a little bitter.
4. The crushed red pepper flakes are optional. I suggest only adding them if you like a little heat.
5. Be sure to check out the FAQ as well as the tips and substitutions section above the recipe for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.