These Air Fryer Sugar Snap Peas are vibrant, crisp, and full of flavor with just a few pantry staples: garlic, salt, pepper, and a touch of oil. They take about 10 minutes from start to finish, making them an ideal quick side or healthy snack.
Air Fryer Sugar Snapped Peas
If you want a fast, nutritious, and crunchy side, these air fryer sugar snap peas are hard to beat. With minimal prep and simple seasonings, the air fryer concentrates their natural sweetness and delivers a satisfyingly crisp texture without frying in large amounts of oil.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Sugar Snap Peas
Here are a few reasons this recipe is a great addition to weeknight meals and healthy snack rotations:
- Customizable – Use your favorite spices or finishing ingredients for different flavor profiles.
- Quick & Easy – From bowl to plate in under 10 minutes.
- Healthy – Low in calories and carbs, with fiber and vitamin C.
- Crispy & Flavorful – The air fryer gives a light crisp while enhancing the peas’ natural sweetness.
- Low carb – About 6 g of carbs per serving, making it a good option for lower-carb meal plans.
Ingredients
Simple ingredients are all you need:
- 8 oz package of sugar snap peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or another high-heat oil)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Tips & Tricks
Small tips to get the best results:
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—spread the peas in a single layer so they crisp evenly.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote uniform browning.
- Watch the final minute closely; sugar snap peas can go from crisp to burnt quickly.
- If using frozen peas, add 2–3 minutes to the cooking time and shake more often to avoid sogginess.
How to make Air Fryer Sugar Snap Peas
Follow these straightforward steps for a quick and tasty result.
- Prepare the peas. Place the snap peas in a medium bowl. Add the minced garlic, avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until each pea is evenly coated.
- Air fry. Spread the seasoned snap peas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 9–10 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway mark to ensure even cooking.
- Finish and serve. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Flavor Variations
Try these simple variations to change the flavor profile:
- Asian-inspired: Toss with a small splash of sesame oil and soy sauce after cooking, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Garlic Butter: Melt a little butter with minced garlic and toss the peas after air frying for extra richness.
- Lemon Pepper: Add fresh lemon zest and extra cracked black pepper for brightness.
- Spicy Cajun: Mix with Cajun seasoning before air frying for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Benefits of Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas are a nutrient-dense vegetable that provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are low in calories and carbohydrates while offering vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients.
- Low in calories and carbs, suitable for many calorie-conscious plans
- Good source of fiber to support digestion
- Provides vitamin C to support the immune system
- Contains antioxidants that contribute to overall health
What to serve with Air Fryer Sugar Snap Peas
These crisp peas pair well with a wide range of mains. They complement grilled or pan-seared fish, roasted chicken, and air fryer mains like teriyaki salmon or teriyaki chicken thighs. They also make a bright, crunchy side for bowls and salads.
How to store
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or oven to restore some of the crispiness; microwaving will soften them more.
FAQs
Yes. Frozen peas work, but you may need to add 2–3 minutes to the cooking time and shake the basket more often to avoid sogginess.
Yes. Both the pod and the peas inside are edible. Many people enjoy them raw or cooked.
You can omit the oil, but the peas may not get as crispy and seasonings may not adhere as well.
Yes. Snap peas provide vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K and vitamin C and are a nutritious, low-calorie vegetable choice.
Absolutely. Sugar snap peas are commonly enjoyed raw as a crunchy, healthy snack.
About 9–10 minutes at 390°F when starting from fresh snap peas.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer sugar snap peas are an effortless, nutritious, and tasty side that fits into busy schedules and simple meal plans. With only a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time, they offer a crisp texture and bright flavor that pair well with many dishes. Experiment with seasonings to make this recipe your own.
Give this recipe a try and leave a comment to share how you seasoned your snap peas.
Air Fryer Sugar Snap Peas
Author: Lara Clevenger, Registered Dietitian
Summary: Flavorful sugar snap peas ready in about 10 minutes with garlic, salt, and pepper.
Prep Time: 1 min • Cook Time: 10 mins • Total Time: 11 mins
Servings: 3 • Calories: 76 kcal per serving
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 8 oz package sugar snap peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: sesame seeds
Instructions
- Add the peas to a medium bowl.
- Add the garlic, oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 390°F for 9–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove from the air fryer, garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 76 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Sodium: 391 mg
- Potassium: 162 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 823 IU
- Vitamin C: 46 mg
- Calcium: 37 mg
- Iron: 2 mg