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Air fryer bell peppers and onions with tender roasted red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, sweet caramelized onions, and fresh parsley, served as a quick and flavorful vegetable side dish.
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Air Fryer Bell Peppers And Onions - Quick, Flavorful, and Versatile

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 bell peppers (any colors you like), seeded and sliced into 1/2-inch strips
  • 1 large yellow or red onion, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
  • 1–1.5 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (start with less if using fine salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but great for depth)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
  • Fresh lemon or lime for a finishing squeeze (optional)
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 380°F (193°C). Preheating helps the veggies brown better.
  • Prep the veggies: Slice peppers and onions into even strips, about 1/2-inch thick. Uniform pieces cook evenly.
  • Season: In a large bowl, toss peppers and onions with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
  • Load the basket: Spread the veggies in a loose, even layer. A bit of overlap is fine, but avoid packing too tightly. Work in batches if needed.
  • Air fry: Cook for 10–13 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Check at the 8-minute mark if your air fryer runs hot.
  • Finish: When peppers are tender with light char on the edges, remove and hit them with a squeeze of lemon or lime. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’d like.
  • Taste and adjust: Add a pinch more salt or a crack of pepper to finish.