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Air Fryer Shishito Peppers: A Delightful Snack from Food Banjo

If you’re on the lookout for a quick and tasty snack that’s both healthy and full of flavour, look no further than air fryer shishito peppers. These vibrant green gems have captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere, and thanks to the magic of the air fryer, they can be prepared in a fraction of the time it would normally take. At Food Banjo, we believe in bringing simplicity and deliciousness to your kitchen, and this recipe does just that.

What are Shishito Peppers?

Shishito peppers are a variety of hand-sized, mild green peppers originating from Japan. With a fruity flavour and a slightly smoky undertone, these little peppers are perfect for roasting, grilling, or frying. While they’re typically mild, there’s a fun twist – about one in every ten shishito peppers can pack a surprisingly spicy kick. This unpredictability adds a level of excitement to every bite!

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook by allowing us to achieve a crispy texture with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. This makes them an ideal appliance for preparing shishito peppers, as you can achieve that perfectly blistered exterior without the need for excessive oil. Plus, the air fryer cooks food quickly and evenly, making it a go-to tool for busy cooks.

Ingredients

To get started with air fryer shishito peppers, you’ll need:

• 250g shishito peppers (roughly one small bag)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste
• Optional: lemon wedges, soy sauce, or dipping sauce of your choice for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Begin by rinsing the shishito peppers under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. There’s no need to remove the stems, as they’re edible and add to the overall presentation.

Step 2: Season

In a large bowl, toss the shishito peppers with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of sea salt. Ensure that each pepper is evenly coated; this will enhance their flavour during cooking.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the peppers cook evenly and achieve a delightful char.

Step 4: Air Fry

Once preheated, place the seasoned shishito peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. If necessary, cook in batches.

Air fry the peppers for about 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want them to be blistered and tender, with some lovely charred spots adding to the overall appeal.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, transfer the shishito peppers to a serving plate. For an extra layer of flavour, drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with additional sea salt. Serve alongside lemon wedges for a zesty kick or with your favourite dipping sauce.

Enjoying Your Creation

These air fryer shishito peppers make an excellent appetiser or a light snack that pairs beautifully with a glass of sake or your favourite beverage. Their unique flavour and fun element of surprise with the occasional spicy pepper make them a hit at any gathering.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a quiet night in, or simply snacking between meals, you’ll find that air fryer shishito peppers are an irresistible choice.

Conclusion

At Food Banjo, we hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen and a touch of excitement to your palate. With minimal ingredients and effort, air fryer shishito peppers are a delightful snack that showcases the wonderful combination of simplicity and flavour. Give them a try, and you might just find that these peppers become your new go-to appetiser! Enjoy!