Discover the perfect snack or appetizer with our Air-Fried Shishito Peppers paired with a zesty garlic-lemon dipping sauce. These peppers are a smoky, flavorful treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering or as a delightful afternoon snack. Dive into this simple yet exquisite dish and enjoy a burst of fresh flavors in every bite.
Why you will love this recipe?
You’re going to fall in love with this Air-Fried Shishito Peppers recipe! It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with smoky flavor, and perfectly complemented by a tangy garlic-lemon dipping sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty snack, these peppers are a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re a healthier alternative to fried snacks without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Give it a try, and watch these quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Sour Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty kick that balances the creaminess.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a delightful pungency to the sauce.
- Green Onion: Finely chopped green onions add a fresh, mild bite to the mix.
For the Peppers:
- Shishito Peppers: These mild, slightly sweet peppers are the show’s star.
- Vegetable Oil: A light coat of vegetable oil helps the peppers crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil adds a lovely, nutty aroma and flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Just the right amount of salt enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes provide a nice kick for those who love a bit of extra spice.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and a touch of elegance to the dish.
Storing Instructions:
Shishito Peppers:
- Place the peppers in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp.
Garlic-Lemon Dipping Sauce:
- Store the sauce in a separate airtight container.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Give it a quick stir before serving again to ensure it’s well-mixed and flavorful.
Tips for Making the Best Air-Fried Shishito Peppers with Garlic-Lemon Dipping Sauce
With these tips, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of perfectly air-fried shishito peppers that are sure to impress! Enjoy this simple yet sophisticated dish at your next gathering or as a special treat just for yourself.
Chef’s Notes:
- Air Frying for Perfection: Air frying shishito peppers brings out a delightful smokiness while keeping them crisp-tender, making them an irresistible treat. Be sure to toss the peppers in just a bit of vegetable and sesame oil for that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Balancing Act: The creamy dipping sauce balances the slight heat of the peppers with its cool, tangy undertones. Fresh lemon juice and minced garlic are key to achieving that bright, refreshing flavor.
- Optimal Freshness: This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, right out of the air fryer, but can be prepared a few hours in advance for convenience. If making ahead, store the peppers and sauce separately and re-crisp the peppers in the air fryer before serving.
Preparation Tips:
- Even Coating: Ensure the shishito peppers are evenly coated in the oil mixture. This helps them cook uniformly and enhances their flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When placing the peppers in the air fryer, make sure they are in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy peppers.
- Watch Closely: Shishito peppers cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. They should blister and char slightly but still retain their bright green color.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to tweak the garlic-lemon dipping sauce to your taste. Add a little extra garlic for more punch or more lemon juice for extra zest.
Variations for Air-Fried Shishito Peppers with Garlic-Lemon Dipping Sauce
These variations will keep your taste buds excited and let you customize this versatile recipe to suit your preferences or impress your guests with new flavors. Enjoy experimenting!
Spice it Up
- Spicy Garlic: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the oil mixture for a spicier kick.
- Smoky Paprika: Mix in smoked paprika for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Flavor Boosters
- Citrusy Twist: Add orange zest to the dipping sauce for a sweeter note.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley over the peppers after air frying for a fresh touch.
Crunchy Add-Ons
- Panko Crust: Toss peppers in panko breadcrumbs before air frying for extra crunch.
- Nuts and Seeds: Add toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
Saucy Twists
- Avocado Dip: Use mashed avocado instead of sour cream for a creamy, rich dip.
- Yogurt Base: Substitute Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dipping sauce.
International Flavors
- Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce and a few drops of sesame oil to the dipping sauce for an umami-rich variation.
- Mediterranean Flair: Mix tahini into the sauce and sprinkle peppers with feta and lemon juice for a Mediterranean twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While shishito peppers are perfect for this recipe due to their mild flavor and tendency to blister nicely, you can experiment with other small, mild peppers like padron peppers. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.
The garlic-lemon dipping sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients, store it in an airtight container, and keep it in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
No problem! You can achieve similar results by roasting the peppers in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through. They won’t have quite the same crispness as air-fried, but they will still be delicious and nicely blistered.
Air-Fried Shishito Peppers with Garlic-Lemon Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
For the Garlic-Lemon Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1 Green Onion both white and green parts finely chopped
For the Shishito Peppers:
- 8 ounces Shishito Peppers
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- Kosher Salt to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds toasted
Instructions
Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- o In a small mixing bowl, combine sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, and green onion.
- o Stir until well mixed.
- o Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cook the Peppers:
- In a medium bowl, toss the Shishito peppers with vegetable oil to coat evenly.
- Place the peppers in the basket of the air fryer.
- Set the air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC) and cook for 6 minutes, or until the peppers are lightly charred and blistered, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Finish and Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the peppers to a serving bowl.
- Drizzle with sesame oil, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add red pepper flakes and toasted sesame seeds, and toss everything together to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Serve the warm peppers immediately alongside the chilled garlic-lemon dipping sauce.
Notes
- Air frying Shishito peppers brings out a delightful smokiness while keeping them crisp-tender, making them an irresistible treat.
- The creamy dipping sauce balances the slight heat of the peppers with its cool, tangy undertones.
- This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared a few hours in advance for convenience.
