Air Fryer Peppers and Mushrooms

Hereโs a full recipe for Air Fryer Peppers and Mushrooms, including helpful Q&A to guide you through customizing, storing, and getting the best results. This makes a great side dish, taco filler, or meal prep item.
๐๐ถ๏ธ Air Fryer Peppers and Mushrooms
๐ Ingredients:
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2 cups bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
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2 cups mushrooms (white, cremini, or baby bella), halved or thickly sliced
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1ยฝ tbsp olive oil
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ยฝ tsp garlic powder
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ยฝ tsp onion powder
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ยฝ tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or soy sauce for flavor boost
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Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, thyme, or basil)
๐ฝ๏ธ Instructions:
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Prep the Veggies:
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Wash and dry the mushrooms and peppers thoroughly. Slice mushrooms in halves or thick slices; slice peppers into strips.
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Season:
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In a large bowl, toss peppers and mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add balsamic vinegar or soy sauce if using.
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Air Fry:
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Preheat air fryer to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
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Place veggies in the air fryer basket in a relatively even layer.
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Air fry for 12โ15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Cook until mushrooms are browned and peppers are slightly charred on the edges.
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Serve:
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Serve immediately or let cool for meal prep. Garnish with herbs if desired.
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โ Q&A: Air Fryer Peppers & Mushrooms
Q: Can I use different types of mushrooms?
A: Yes! Baby bella, cremini, white button, or shiitake work well. Just avoid super watery varieties like portobellos unless you remove the gills.
Q: Do I need to marinate them first?
A: Not necessary, but you can! A quick 15-minute marinade in olive oil, balsamic, and herbs adds depth.
Q: My mushrooms released a lot of water. What can I do?
A: Thatโs normal. To reduce moisture:
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Donโt overcrowd the basket.
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Use higher heat (375โ400ยฐF).
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Pat mushrooms dry before seasoning.
Q: Can I make these oil-free?
A: Yes! Toss with a splash of balsamic or lemon juice and your seasonings. Texture will be slightly drier but still flavorful.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A:
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On toast with goat cheese or hummus
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As a side to chicken, tofu, or steak
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In tacos or burrito bowls
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Mixed into pasta or grain bowls
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With eggs for a savory breakfast
Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3โ4 minutes to bring back texture.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Technically yes, but mushrooms and peppers get soft and watery when thawed. Better to store in the fridge and use within a few days.
Q: Can I add onions or zucchini?
A: Absolutely. Onions roast beautifully. Zucchini is great too but may cook faster, so cut thicker or add halfway through.