Name: Bell Pepper Chips
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 2 red or yellow bell peppers; 1 tbsp olive oil; Pinch of salt; Pinch of sugar (optional)

These bell pepper chips were a total surprise hit in my kitchen. I was experimenting with snack ideas one afternoon and popped some leftover red and yellow peppers into the air fryer. What came out? Sweet, caramelized little chips that vanished faster than I could make a second batch.

They’ve got that naturally sweet crunch with just a kiss of salt—and they’re perfect for dipping in hummus, ranch, or whatever you’ve got in the fridge. You can even toss them on top of salads or grain bowls for a little crispy magic.

Thanks to the air fryer, there’s no need to fuss with deep frying or long oven times. Just a few simple steps and you’re good to go.

Let’s turn those ordinary peppers into a snack that’ll make you say, “Wait… why didn’t I do this sooner?”

🥕 Ingredients Overview

Red and yellow bell peppers: These are naturally sweeter and caramelize better than green peppers. Look for firm, glossy ones with no soft spots.
Olive oil: Just a little helps them crisp up and encourages browning.
Salt: A light sprinkle is all you need.
Sugar (optional): A tiny pinch enhances the natural sweetness and helps with caramelization.

Pro Tip: Avoid green bell peppers for this one—they’re less sweet and don’t crisp up the same way.

This snack is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie—a triple win for healthy munching.

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the peppers: Wash and dry your peppers. Cut them into 1-inch wide pieces, removing all seeds and white membranes.

2. Toss with seasoning: In a bowl, combine the pepper pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of sugar (optional). Toss to coat evenly.

3. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 380°F (193°C).

4. Air fry – phase 1: Place peppers in a single layer in the basket. Cook at 380°F for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

5. Air fry – phase 2: Drop the temperature to 300°F (149°C) and cook for another 5 minutes. This helps dry them out and make them crisper.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Work in batches if needed.

6. Cool and serve: Let the chips sit for a couple minutes before serving. They crisp up more as they cool.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using green peppers (they don’t caramelize well)
Skipping the sugar if your peppers aren’t very sweet
Overcrowding the basket
Not drying the peppers well after washing
Skipping the second lower-temp cook step

🎨 Variations & Add-Ons

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the mix.
Zesty boost: Toss in some lemon zest before air frying.
Cheesy vibes: Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor.
Ranchy snack: Season with a little ranch powder before cooking.
Balsamic drizzle: Add a light balsamic glaze just before serving.

These are super adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

📦 Make Ahead & Storage

Bell pepper chips are best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If they soften a bit, re-crisp them in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes.

Avoid the fridge—they’ll lose their texture.

To prep ahead, you can cut and season the peppers a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to air fry.

🦪 Optional: Nutrition Highlights

Naturally sweet and low calorie
Vegan + gluten-free
Great source of vitamin C