Shishito Peppers Recipe (How to Cook Shishito Peppers)
Shishito peppers are one of those foods that you just wish you’d known about earlier. At least I wish I’d known about them ages ago!
Do you ever wonder how certain foods pass under our radar for so long?
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I had never heard of Shishito peppers until this summer when a friend had some and gave them to me. Once I fried them up as I would with green or red bell peppers, I was hooked! (EDITED ½023: air frying these babies is now my favorite way to make them!)
NB: I received a small bag of Shishito peppers from Frieda’s Produce at no charge. No conditions were made.
So with a little extra virgin olive oil and salt, I transformed those lovely little peppers into an addictive snack. I couldn’t stop eating them!
They were so flavorful, and every now and then, one of the little peppers would have a spicy kick to it, which I loved even more! About one in 10 Shishito peppers is a little spicy.
How to Cook Shishito Peppers (Pan or Air Fryer)
inspired by Frieda’s Produce serves 4
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
- Shishito peppers
- extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt, good quality
Put the olive oil in a large sauté pan, and heat to medium high. Begin adding peppers to the pan.
If using an air fryer, toss them in a bowl with olive oil, then place into a preheated air fryer.
Stir or shake the Shishito peppers in the pan/air fryer occasionally so that they brown and blister relatively evenly. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
When ready, sprinkle generously with a high quality sea salt (I used Maldon).
That’s all there is to it! Now enjoy–just remember that there may be a spicy Shishito pepper lurking below!

Dear Shishito Peppers: Where Have you Been all my Life?
Ingredients
- 12 oz Shishito peppers (Frieda’s are great)
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ⅛ tsp sea salt (good quality like Maldon)
Instructions
- Put the olive oil in a large sauté pan, and heat to medium high. Begin adding peppers to the pan
- Stir peppers occasionally so that they brown and blister relatively evenly. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
- When ready, sprinkle generously with a high quality sea salt (I used Maldon).
Notes
- These are best served hot.
Nutrition
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These are from Japan and one of my favorite snacks from time living there.. Starting to become more common this side of Pacific. I believe as they are not native to Japan they are a variant on Spanish Padron peppers brought by early Portugese ships when they were trading with Japan.. I don’t see Shishitou peppers much here in Canada but sometimes get Padrons and they are just as good if a bit bigger.. Check it out!
Great information, Craig! The Padrons sound good, too! Thank you! CC
Christina – this is exactly how our friends David & David made them for Mark’s and my wedding reception! I love them, but sadly haven’t been able to find them in Tucson!
Hmmm…that’s strange that you can’t find them where you are. I bet if you contacted Frieda’s they might be able to get them into a local market or maybe you could order them directly from them? Let me know if you want a direct contact! :)
I’ve never tried shishito peppers before! You definitely have inspired me to go out and buy some to cook now.. curious to know what they taste like and if they are as delicious as you claim!
You’ll love them, I’m sure! Let me know, Thalia :)
i looove shishito peppers! i just discovered them last year while ordering them at a restaurant in utah. it was so amazing but i’ve never been able to replicate their recipe. i will have to try this!
I can’t tell you how much I love these! They are like the food version of Russian roulette – those hot ones….yikes!
Haha! That’s exactly what it’s like, Andi! :)
I see these all the time at the farmer’s market and never bought any! they look fabulous, and so bright green!
Buy some next time! They’re so yummy!
I am going to look for these peppers, as they look really good.
You’ll love them, I’m sure! CC
Dear Christina,
Oh, my these peppers look amazing. I love peppers especially the way you cooked them. I have never had these Shishito Peppers though. Question, are they hot and spicy? You didn’t take out the seeds so I guess it was not too hot. I bet they would be delicious with sausage and onions. I will definitely try to find these at the store or market next time I am out. Thanks for the info and for sharing. Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Dottie :)
Hi Dottie, they are mild, but there is one spicy one every so often, so it’s actually rather fun not knowing when you’ll get one! CC