Air-Fried Rainbow Carrots & Bell Pepper Hummus Scoops
A vibrant and wholesome appetizer featuring air-fried sweet bell peppers and colorful carrots, served with creamy hummus and crunchy pistachio garnish. Savory crackers provide an extra scoop option. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness and textures of the provided ingredients, perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium pepper red bell pepper strip
Substitute: If only orange bell pepper strips are available, use 1 full orange bell pepper.
- 1/4 cup purple carrot stick
Substitute: Can substitute with orange or yellow/white carrot sticks if you have more of those from the provided amount.
- 1/2 cup (4 oz) hummus dip
Substitute: No direct substitution for the hummus dip provided.
- 12 crackers round savory cracker
Substitute: Any similar savory cracker can be used if you have a different type on hand.
- 1/2 medium pepper orange bell pepper strip
Substitute: If only red bell pepper strips are available, use 1 full red bell pepper.
- 1/2 cup orange carrot stick
Substitute: Can substitute with yellow/white or purple carrot sticks if you have more of those from the provided amount.
- 1/2 cup yellowwhite carrot stick
Substitute: Can substitute with orange or purple carrot sticks if you have more of those from the provided amount.
- 1/4 cup unshelled pistachio
Substitute: No direct substitution for the pistachios provided.
Equipment Needed
- • Cutting board
- • Chef's knife
- • Small mixing bowl
- • Air fryer
- • Serving platter or bowls
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
425
Protein
11g
Carbs
48g
Fat
22g
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Vegetables (Prep): On a cutting board, carefully slice 1/2 of the red bell pepper and 1/2 of the orange bell pepper into thin 1/4-inch strips (long, narrow pieces). Ensure all carrot sticks (orange, yellow/white, purple) are roughly the same size for even cooking. (5 minutes)
⏱️ 5 minutes
Technique: slicing
- 2
Preheat Air Fryer (Preheat): If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. (3-5 minutes)
⏱️ 3-5 minutes
Technique: preheating
- 3
Air Fry Vegetables (Air Frying/Roasting): Place the bell pepper strips and carrot sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd (leave space for air to circulate). You may need to cook in two batches if your air fryer basket is small. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through cooking (tossing the ingredients to ensure even cooking). The vegetables should be tender-crisp (cooked through but still slightly firm) and slightly caramelized (browned and sweetened). (10-12 minutes)
⏱️ 10-12 minutes
Technique: air frying
- 4
Prepare Pistachios (Prep): While the vegetables are cooking, take the unshelled pistachios and carefully crack open the shells. Discard the shells and roughly chop the shelled pistachios into smaller pieces for garnish. (3 minutes)
⏱️ 3 minutes
Technique: shelling and chopping
- 5
Assemble and Serve (Assembly): Once the vegetables are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter or two individual bowls. Place the 1/2 cup of hummus dip alongside the vegetables. Arrange the 12 round savory crackers on the platter. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the hummus and roasted vegetables for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately as a healthy and colorful dip platter. (2 minutes)
⏱️ 2 minutes
Technique: assembly
💡 Chef's Tips
This recipe strictly adheres to the provided ingredients. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for best results, as this ensures the vegetables roast rather than steam. If you had additional seasonings, a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil would enhance the roasted vegetables' flavor.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Overcrowding the air fryer basket, which leads to steamed rather than properly roasted vegetables.
- • Not shaking the basket halfway through, resulting in unevenly cooked vegetables.
- • Cooking the vegetables for too long, making them mushy instead of tender-crisp.
Why Easy?
✓ What makes it easier:
- • Requires simple chopping of vegetables.
- • Straightforward operation of an air fryer.
- • Basic assembly steps.
- • No complex cooking techniques or precise timing beyond checking vegetable doneness.
