Air Fryer Shishito Peppers are one of the easiest vegan appetizers you can make in the air fryer, ready in just 10 minutes with only 4 ingredients! They’re light, smoky, and perfectly charred and blistered. Finish with a squeeze of lemon on the top and they are always a hit!
Have you tried blistered Shishito peppers? I first had them at a friend’s place and was instantly hooked—they were blistered, salty, and bursting with flavor. I just had to make them from scratch at home!
Now I grab a bag from Costco and pop them in the air fryer whenever I need a quick snack or easy appetizer. They cook in just 6–7 minutes, come out perfectly charred and blistered - just the way I like it!
I love using the air fryer for vegetables—it’s one of my favorite kitchen tools! From air fryer roasted cauliflower, to air fryer baby potatoes, roasted air fryer roccoli, and more.
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What are Shishito Peppers?
Shishito peppers are mild, thin-skinned Japanese green peppers, ideal for roasting or air frying thanks to their delicate texture and slightly smoky flavor. The name comes from the Japanese words Shishi (lion) and Togarashi (chili pepper), meaning "Lion Head Pepper."
They’re long, wrinkled, and often compared to jalapeños in shape—though much milder—and are different from Spanish Padrón peppers, which can occasionally pack unexpected heat.
Why make this recipe?
- You only need 4 ingredient
- Quick & Easy. Ready in under 10 minutes.
- Only need a fraction of oil than the pan charred shishito peppers.
- Delicious and Healthy Appetiser - you can snack on it as much as you like
- Dietary Needs - It's Whole 30 compliant, Paleo-friendly, Keto-friendly, Dairy Free, Soy Free, and suitable for Vegans & Vegetarians too.
Ingredients
- Shishito Peppers or Padrón Peppers – Both work beautifully in this recipe. You can find them in UK supermarkets like Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or in bulk at Costco.
- Oil – Any neutral-flavoured oil works well. I usually go for avocado oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil.
- Sea Salt – A must! Be generous with the seasoning. it really brings the peppers to life.
- Lemon Juice or Lime Juice – A fresh squeeze right after cooking.
How to Make Air fryer Shishito Peppers? Step by Step
Step 1. Wash and dry the shishito peppers.
Step 2. Preheat the Air fryer at 400F for 3 minutes. I have used Instant Pot vortex air fryer for this recipe. After 3 minutes, add the shishito peppers to the air fryer basket.
Toss with ½ a teaspoon of oil or use a sunflower cooking spray.
Step 3. Air fry for 6-7 minutes.
Note - Don't be surprised by the popping sound, the peppers tend to pop a bit as they char and roast. The roasting of the peppers smell like roasted jalapenos.
Step 4. Transfer the air fried shishito peppers to a plate. Season with salt and drizzle lemon juice and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Air frier blistered Shishito Peppers is a great snack on its own. But I also love serving them with yogurt garlic sauce, onion and garlic dip, sweet chilli mayo, 5 minute boom boom sauce or sesame ginger sauce.
Sandhya's Pro Tips
- Preheat your air fryer – A hot basket helps the peppers blister quickly and evenly.
- Cook hot and fast – Use a high temperature so the peppers get that perfect char without turning soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd – Arrange the peppers in a single layer with some space in between. Overlapping = steaming, not roasting.
- Watch closely – These cook fast. Keep an eye in the last minute so they don’t burn.
- Use a touch of oil – A light drizzle of olive oil helps with blistering and adds flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Season right away – Once out of the air fryer, sprinkle sea salt and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Do it while they’re hot so everything sticks.
Recipe FAQ's
Shishito Peppers are available in Costco UK warehouse, local farm stores, or Amazon UK. Look for them in the fresh produce section in your local grocery store. You will also find Padron Peppers (a close cousin of Shishito ) at Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.
It’s said 1 in 10 peppers are spicy and the rest are mild. I have not experienced the spicy chilli pepper so far, but my husband has. It is like a pepper roulette every time, you try them. Serve with a creamy dip to balance off any heat, if any. Some are hot and some are not!!
Absolutely, you can eat them raw. Raw Shishito peppers have a sweet flavor with a crispy texture like green bell peppers.
Raw Shishito peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks in a sealed bag. Once roasted, store in airtight container and enjoyed within 3–5 days.
Shishito peppers pair beautifully with a variety of dips and sauces. Try them with sweet chili mayonnaise, yogurt garlic sauce, ranch dressing, stir fry dresssing sauce, or a creamy Greek yogurt ranch.
You can follow the exact same method, ingredients, and cooking time as for Shishito peppers. Just swap in for Padrón peppers—they cook beautifully in the air fryer and come out just as blistered and delicious.
More Easy Vegan Air fryer Recipes, You'll Love
Ingredients
- 15-16 Shishito Peppers
- ½ teaspoon Avocado Oil or Olive Oil
- Sea Salt
- Lemon Juice
- Serve with Garlic Aioli
Instructions
- Preheat the Air fryer at 400F for 3 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, Wash the shishito peppers and towel dry them. Make sure they are free of any moisture.
- Next toss the peppers in ½ a teaspoon of oil or use a cooking spray.
- Add the oil-coated shishito peppers to the air fryer basket and Air fry for 6-7 minutes. Every now and then check the air fryer and shake the basket so that Air fried peppers are roasted evenly.
- As soon as the air frying is done, transfer the shishitos to the serving bowl. Season generously with sea salt and drizzle lemon juice.
- Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Video
Notes
Sandhya's Pro Tips
- Preheat your air fryer – A hot basket helps the peppers blister quickly and evenly.
- Cook hot and fast – Use a high temperature so the peppers get that perfect char without turning soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd – Arrange the peppers in a single layer with some space in between. Overlapping = steaming, not roasting.
- Watch closely – These cook fast. Keep an eye in the last minute so they don’t burn.
- Use a touch of oil – A light drizzle of olive oil helps with blistering and adds flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Season right away – Once out of the air fryer, sprinkle sea salt and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Do it while they’re hot so everything sticks.
Notes
- Don’t be surprised by the popping sound, the peppers tend to pop a bit as they char and roast.
- The roasting of the peppers smell like roasted jalapenos.
Instantlino says
Nothing gets better than shishito peppers in an air fryer. Amazing recipe.
Lubna says
This air fryer version of peppers is quiet interesting. Looks yum and easy to make too.
Sandhya's Kitchen says
So glad you love it! Air fryer Shishito Peppers are simply straightforward and easiest way to make Shishito Peppers.
Pam says
I am loving my air fryer and have been on the lookout for different recipes to make in it. Thanks so much for sharing this one.
Sandhya's Kitchen says
I can highly recommend trying these Shishito or Padron peppers in your air fryer. They are so quick, easy and delicious. Plus if you have any leftovers - they can be used in your salsa or even salads.
Sarah Baumeister says
I am such a spice girl-- these have my name written all over them!
Pauline tolley says
Will be doing these today but with garlic mushrooms
Recently had these here in spain Absolutely delicious. Then we're having a Paella.
Petro says
These look so delicious! I'll be serving mine with a garlic sauce, yum!
Jenny says
I love Shishito Peppers, but I never thought to put them in the air fryer. This seems much easier and less messy than frying the peppers in sklilet. Can't wait to try it!
Carrie Robinson says
I just love shishito peppers! Such a genius idea to make them in the air fryer. 🙂