Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Name: Air Fryer Peppers and Onions
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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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)!

Peppers and onions served in an oval dish with seasonings on the side.

Ingredients and substitutions
How to air fry peppers and onions
Key recipe tips
Recipe FAQs
More air fryer side dish recipes

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.

Ingredients to make air fryer peppers and onions arranged individually on a work surface.

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.

Bell peppers and red onions cut into slices on a wooden cutting board. — **Step 1:** Slice the peppers and onions into 1/2 inch strips.

Sliced peppers and onions in a glass bowl and tossed together with oil and seasonings. — **Step 2:** Place the peppers, onions, oil and seasonings in a large bowl. Toss until well coated.

Seasoned peppers and onions added to the air fryer basket. — **Step 3:** Transfer to the air fryer basket. (It’s okay if the basket is almost full).

Cooked peppers and onions in the air fryer basket. — **Step 4:** Air fry on 400F for 10-12 minutes or until fork tender, shaking the basic once or twice to ensure even cooking.

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

What’s the best way to reheat peppers and onions?

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.

Can you freeze air fried peppers and onions?

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.

Close up of air fryer peppers and onions.

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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