Air Fryer Roasted Ancient Red Sweet Peppers Recipe – Quick & Easy!

Ancient red sweet peppers are full of natural sweetness, and roasting them brings out even more flavor! In just 11 minutes, this air fryer recipe delivers perfectly roasted, tender peppers with a touch of seasoning. It’s a healthy, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly side dish that’s ideal for any meal.

Why You’ll Love Roasted Ancient Red Sweet Peppers In The Air Fryer

• Bursting with Sweetness: Ancient red sweet peppers have a natural sweetness that becomes even more pronounced when roasted. The air fryer gives them a perfect balance of tender and slightly charred flavors in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: No need to wait for the oven to preheat! This recipe takes just 11 minutes in the air fryer, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal prep.
• Versatile Side Dish: These roasted peppers are a fantastic addition to salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. You can even enjoy them as a simple, flavorful side dish alongside any main course.
• Healthy and Light: Low in calories but full of nutrients, these roasted peppers are great for anyone looking to eat healthier. They’re naturally vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need ancient red sweet peppers, olive oil, and some basic seasonings to make this recipe. It’s easy to customize with your favorite herbs or spices to suit your taste!

Ingredients For Roasted Ancient Red Sweet Peppers In The Air Fryer

• Ancient Red Sweet Peppers – These unique peppers have a natural sweetness that intensifies when roasted. They are slightly sweeter and more tender than bell peppers.
• Olive Oil – Adds a rich flavor and helps the peppers roast evenly in the air fryer.
• Salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the peppers.
• Black Pepper – Adds a bit of spice to balance the sweetness of the peppers.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Roasted Ancient Red Sweet Peppers In The Air Fryer

• Air Fryer – Essential for roasting the peppers quickly and efficiently with minimal effort.
• Knife – For slicing the peppers in half and removing the seeds.
• Cutting Board – To safely prepare the peppers for roasting.
• Mixing Bowl – Used for tossing the peppers with olive oil and seasonings.
• Measuring Spoon – To measure the olive oil.

How To Make Roasted Ancient Red Sweet Peppers In The Air Fryer

• Start by slicing off the stems of the ancient red sweet peppers and cutting them in half.
• Remove the seeds from each pepper, leaving the pieces large for easier roasting.
• In a mixing bowl, toss the peppers with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
• Place the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 11 minutes, until the peppers are tender and slightly charred.
• Once done, remove the peppers from the air fryer and serve them hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these roasted ancient red sweet peppers as a flavorful side dish alongside air-fried steak, chicken breast, or tilapia fish.
• Add them to cucumber chickpea salads for a burst of sweetness and color, or toss them into an arugula pasta dish for extra texture and flavor.
• Use them as a topping for turkey cheese sandwiches, wraps, or burgers to add a roasted, smoky sweetness.
• You can also serve them as part of an easy appetizer spread with dips, cheeses, and crackers for a colorful, healthy option.
• For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve them with hummus, pita bread, and olives.

Tips For Success

• Use Fresh Peppers: For the best flavor and texture, make sure to use fresh, firm ancient red sweet peppers. Soft or wrinkled peppers may not roast as well.
• Cut Evenly: Cutting the peppers into equal halves ensures they roast evenly. Larger pieces are better for air frying, as they retain moisture and roast beautifully.
• Toss Thoroughly: Make sure the peppers are evenly coated with olive oil and seasoning. This helps with even roasting and adds flavor to every bite.
• Single Layer: Always place the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, with some pieces becoming too soft while others stay too firm.
• Check Early: Every air fryer is slightly different, so it’s a good idea to check the peppers a couple of minutes before the 11-minute mark. If they’re already browned and tender, they’re ready to come out!

Variations And Substitutions

• Different Peppers: If you can’t find ancient red sweet peppers, feel free to substitute with regular red, yellow, or orange bell peppers. They have a similar sweetness and roast beautifully in the air fryer.
• Add Garlic: For extra flavor, toss the peppers with minced garlic or garlic powder before roasting. The garlic will infuse into the peppers and give them a savory kick.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili powder when seasoning the peppers.
• Herb Variations: Try adding dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for an herby twist. Fresh herbs can also be sprinkled on after roasting for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Lower Oil Option: If you’re looking to cut down on oil, you can use a light spray of olive oil instead of tossing the peppers with a tablespoon. The peppers will still roast nicely with minimal oil.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: After roasting, allow the peppers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: If you’d like to freeze them, place the cooled roasted peppers in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: To reheat the roasted peppers, you can place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore some of the original crispness. Alternatively, you can warm them up in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, though they will be softer.
• Serving Cold: These peppers taste great cold too! Add them directly to salads or use them as a topping for sandwiches straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of peppers for this recipe?

Yes, you can! If ancient red sweet peppers aren’t available, you can easily substitute with bell peppers or even smaller varieties like mini sweet peppers. The cooking time may vary slightly, but they will still roast beautifully in the air fryer.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No preheating is required for this recipe. Just place the peppers in the air fryer, set the temperature and time, and let the air fryer do its magic.

How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too soft?

The key is to cut the peppers into larger pieces and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures the peppers roast evenly and retain some firmness while getting that nice char.

Can I add other vegetables to roast with the peppers?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini, onions, or cherry tomatoes to the mix. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of vegetable you add.

What can I serve these roasted peppers with?

These peppers are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a side dish with grilled meats, toss them into a pasta salad, or use them as a topping for sandwiches or wraps. They also make a great addition to an antipasto platter.

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Easy Microwave Cooked Bell Peppers: Cooked in minutes, these microwave bell peppers are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a quick side dish.

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Char-Grilled Bell Peppers Recipe: Sweet and smoky, these grilled bell peppers are a fantastic side dish or addition to salads, sandwiches, and more.

Quick Sautéed Bell Peppers Side Dish: This quick sautéed bell peppers recipe creates a vibrant and tasty side dish with just a few simple ingredients.

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