One of the most popular Spanish tapas ought to be Padron Peppers! I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone who doesn’t enjoy them. Padron peppers are a staple in Spanish tapas culture and are such a delightful finger munch. The famous tapas dish can be easily recreated at home. In fact, padron peppers are one of the easiest tapas dishes to make, and we are making it even easier using an air fryer. With less oil and minimal effort, I promise that once you’ve discovered this Air Fryer Padron Peppers recipe, you’ll never go back to traditional pan-frying. They’re the perfect quick appetiser, snack, or side dish for a tapas spread. It’s seriously the most effortless recipe you can make with an air fryer and guarantees to be an enjoyable munch.
What are Padron Peppers
Padrón peppers are small green peppers originating from Galicia in northwestern Spain. They are synonymous with Spanish tapas, and are traditionally blistered in olive oil before being sprinkled generously with sea salt. Most Padrón peppers are mild and sweet, but occasionally you may come across an odd spicy one. Their slightly smoky flavour and tender texture make them one of Spain’s most popular tapas dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Padron Peppers Recipe
This padron peppers recipe requires only three ingredients, and can be done in just 10 minutes. To prepare them with an air fryer, all you need is to set and preheat the air fryer at a high temperature, brush the Padron peppers with olive oil and cook them until blistered. The high temperature will give the peppers a nice charred surface, and the cooking time should take no more than 5-7 minutes. Before serving, simply add a sprinkle of sea salt, and you’re ready to go. If you like, whip up a little lemon aioli or sauce of your choice to serve! It’s delicious, it’s quick, it’s easy, and it transports you to sunny Spain in no time.
How to make Padron Peppers in an Air Fryer
Ingredients
- Padron Peppers
- Olive Oil
- Sea Salt – preferably coarse sea salt / Maldon sea salt flakes for extra crunch
Recipe Notes
- In the UK, you can find Padron Peppers sold at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Marks & Spencer’s.
- The quality of olive oil makes a difference in flavours too. Try to find good-quality olive oil, which adds flavour depth to your dish.
- Dry your padron peppers thoroughly before cooking them. Any excess moisture can prevent the peppers from blistering properly.
- As per usual with any air fryer recipes, do not overcrowd the basket when air frying the Padron peppers. This is to ensure that all the peppers get cooked evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
- Looking for extra flavours? Perk it up with garlic salt and/or add a pinch of paprika/smoky seasoning.
- Padrón peppers are best enjoyed straight from the air fryer while still hot and slightly crisp.
Recipe FAQs
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Air Fryer Padron Peppers
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 130 g Padron Peppers
- Olive Oil
- Coarse Sea Salt / Sea Salt Flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
- Wash the Padron peppers and pat dry with a kitchen towel.130 g Padron Peppers
- Place the Padron peppers into the air fryer basket and brush with olive oil. Do not overcrowd the basket and cook in batches if needed.Olive Oil
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the peppers are charred and blistered.
- Transfer the Padron peppers to a serving plate and sprinkle with sea salt all over.Coarse Sea Salt / Sea Salt Flakes
Notes
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