How to Cook Bell Peppers to Perfection

Whether you grow your own or pick them up at the farmers market, knowing how to cook bell peppers in a variety of ways will add both color and flavor to your meals. Raw bell peppers are a perfect side snack and bring a satisfying crunch to fresh salads. When cooked, bell peppers are delicious in nearly any form.

Give your peppers a good wash, then try one of these easy ways to cook bell peppers at home — from stovetop sautéing to grilling and more.

How to Cook Bell Peppers on the Stovetop

There are two main ways to cook bell peppers on the stove — boiling or sautéing. First, wash the peppers and remove the stems, seeds, and membranes. Slice them into rings or strips, then choose one of the following methods:

• To boil bell peppers: Place the peppers in a small amount of boiling salted water. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes until tender-crisp.

• To sauté bell peppers: Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the bell peppers and sauté, stirring often, until just softened — about 10 minutes.

How to Grill Bell Peppers

Grilled bell peppers make a healthy, flavorful side dish at any outdoor cookout. You can grill them whole or chop them and cook in a grill basket. Here’s our test kitchen’s method for grilling whole bell peppers, perfect for eating on their own or adding to your favorite recipes:

• Brush and dry whole peppers with olive oil.

• For charcoal grills, place the peppers directly over medium coals. For gas grills, preheat the grill and set it to medium heat. Add the peppers to the grate.

• Grill (uncovered on a charcoal grill, or covered on a gas grill) for 25 to 30 minutes, turning frequently, until the skin is charred and the peppers are soft.

• Remove the peppers from the grill and wrap them in foil.

• Let sit for about 15 minutes, or until cool enough to handle. Prepare as directed in your recipe.

How to Air-Fry Bell Peppers

The air fryer is one of the easiest ways to cook bell peppers — no need to heat up your kitchen with a stove or oven. Simply slice the peppers into rings or strips, toss with a few teaspoons of oil and your favorite seasonings, and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Try our simple air fryer roasted veggie recipe for inspiration.

How to Microwave Bell Peppers

Slice the peppers into rings or strips and place them in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on high (100% power) for 2 minutes per cup of peppers, or until tender-crisp, stirring once during cooking.

How to Steam Bell Peppers

Wash the peppers and remove the stems, seeds, and membranes. Cut into rings or strips. Place the peppers in a steamer basket and steam for 12 to 15 minutes, or until tender-crisp.