This Air Fryer Snap Peas recipe is a quick, easy side dish seasoned simply with salt, pepper and garlic powder. They cook like oven-roasted snap peas—tender with a bit of crunch—but take just about 7 minutes in the air fryer.
These snap peas are a versatile side for busy weeknights. They pair well with salmon, pork, chicken or seafood and are nice alongside rice or quinoa.
Quick Look: Air Fryer Snap Peas
- ⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 👩🏻🍳 Air Frying Time: 7 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 17 minutes
- 🍽 Servings: 4
- ⚡ Calories: 52 per serving
- 🔥 Flavor/texture: savory with a hint of sweetness; tender yet crisp
- 👌 Difficulty: Super easy — only 5 ingredients and minimal prep
- ❤️ Why you’ll love it: A flexible side for weeknights that complements chicken, pork, beef or seafood
Why are snap peas perfect for the air fryer?
Sugar snap peas are edible pods best enjoyed raw or lightly cooked, which makes them ideal for the air fryer. The circulating hot air quickly tenderizes the pods while preserving a pleasant crunch, so you get bright, crisp results without long cook times.
Ingredient notes
Only five ingredients are needed:
- Snap peas: 12 ounces of raw sugar snap peas, ends and strings removed.
- Oil: ½ tablespoon (I use extra virgin olive oil; any neutral oil will work).
- Seasonings: ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder and ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper. Swap or add dried herbs or a pinch of onion powder if you like.
- Optional garnish: Sesame seeds and a light drizzle of sesame oil or soy sauce for an Asian-inspired finish.
How to cook snap peas in the air fryer
Step 1: In a large bowl, toss the snap peas with the oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
Step 2: Place the seasoned snap peas in the air fryer basket. Avoid heavy overcrowding so air can circulate.
Step 3: Air fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes. Shake the basket at the 4-minute mark for even cooking. At 7 minutes they’ll be slightly firm; add 1–2 minutes for more tender peas.
Step 4: Serve immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and a light drizzle of sesame oil or a splash of soy sauce if desired.
Key recipe tips
- Wash and dry well. Make sure the peas are dry before seasoning; surface water will cause steaming instead of crisping.
- Avoid overcrowding. Leave room for air to circulate so the peas crisp evenly.
- Watch the cook time. They cook quickly—check at 7 minutes to preserve a crisp texture.
Air fryer snap peas FAQs
Air fry for 7–9 minutes at 400°F. Seven minutes yields a slightly firm texture; add 1–2 minutes if you prefer them softer. Avoid overcooking to keep some crispness.
Removing the string improves texture, though some varieties are sold stringless. If present, snap the end and pull the string off before cooking.
They’re best eaten immediately. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer for best texture; the microwave will make them softer.
More air fryer vegetable recipes
-
Air Fryer Beets (Easy Roasted Beets)
-
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
-
Air Fryer Carrots (Garlic Herb)
-
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes (Just 4 Ingredients!)
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Snap Peas
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces sugar snap peas, washed with ends and strings removed
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Sesame seeds and sesame oil (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Add the snap peas to a large bowl and toss with the oil and seasonings.
- Place the peas in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes. Shake the basket after 4 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Serve immediately with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil or a splash of soy sauce, if desired.
Notes
- Wash and dry well. Drying the peas prevents steaming so they crisp properly.
- Avoid overcrowding. Leave space for air circulation for even browning.
- Be careful not to overcook. Check at 7 minutes to keep a pleasant snap.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary with substitutions and brands used.
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