Start by washing your bell peppers or chilies under cold water. Remove the stems and seeds, then slice them into 1/2-inch strips or leave them whole if preferred.
In a large bowl, combine the pepper slices with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss them until every slice is evenly coated. If you're making whole peppers, skip the oil and seasoning step.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your peppers will cook evenly.
Place the sliced peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you're cooking them whole, arrange them in the basket without overcrowding.
Cook the peppers in the air fryer for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. If you're cooking whole peppers, they may need an additional 5-10 minutes. The goal is to achieve a tender texture with a slight char.
Once the peppers are cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs. They should be tender and beautifully caramelized.
Serve your Air Fryer Peppers warm, either as a side dish or incorporated into your favorite recipes. Their sweet and smoky flavor will complement almost any meal!