If you’re in need of an easy and healthy snack or side dish, I’ve got the recipe for you. These Air Fryer Snap Peas have just 3 ingredients, 100 calories per batch, and cooks up in 12 minutes. Plus, you get to choose any teriyaki sauce of your choice!

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This post was first published on February 19, 2021. It was updated on October 24, 2024 to include new photos and helpful tips.

Why you’ll love it

I don’t know about you, but I could snack on snap peas all day. For this recipe, adding the addition of teriyaki sauce for flavor and air frying for crispiness takes it to the next level. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Minimal prep: Just toss the peas with teriyaki sauce and let the air fryer do the work.

• Healthy and light: Snap peas are low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins.

• Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings or add toppings like sesame seeds to make it your own.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes! Snap peas are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, supporting immune function, bone health, and digestion​. Plus, air frying uses minimal oil, reducing fat content by up to 75% compared to traditional frying methods​, and using a low-sugar teriyaki sauce keeps the recipe low in added sugars.

How do you enjoy sugar snap peas?

Sugar snap peas are a beloved crunchy veg. There are a number of ways to enjoy sugar snap peas. You can enjoy them both raw and cooked. Here are some ideas of ways to eat them:

• Enjoy raw snap peas dipped in homemade hummus
• Steam them, sprinkle over some spices, and have as a bright side dish 
• Saute them in a seasonal stir fry
• Roast them in the oven alongside other vegetables and protein for an easy sheet pan dinner
• Air fry sugar snap peas (in this recipe!) and enjoy as a healthy snack

How do you make snap peas in the air fryer?

Snap peas can be roasted in the air fryer in just a few minutes. These teriyaki air fried snap peas have become my new healthy snack to have on repeat. 

• First, mix together just 2 ingredients. Toss your sugar snap peas with teriyaki sauce until fully coated. If you can’t find sugar snap peas, you can also use snow peas.
• Then, cook the snap peas. You’ll cook them in the airfryer for 12 minutes at 400ºF, shaking halfway through at the 6 minute mark. 
• Finally, top with sesame seeds. This is optional but I think it adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

It’s really that simple! Here are some extra tips for recipe success though. I like to line my air fryer basket with a small piece of foil before using cooking spray and adding the snap peas. I find that this makes for easier clean up. Check on snap peas after cooking–you’ll know that your snap peas are done when they are fragrant and have some nice caramelized bits.

What is the best store bought teriyaki sauce to use?

You can definitely make your own homemade teriyaki sauce but I find it easier to grab a store bought one. There are some good healthy options out there too. Here’s what to look out for when glances over the nutrition label. (These would be guidelines per 1 tablespoon serving.)

• Less than 5 grams of added sugar
• Less than 250 milligrams (mg) of sodium
• Ingredients you can pronounce with as little additives as possible

I love to use Target’s Sesame Teriyaki Sauce. There are great gluten-free options too such as Primal Kitchen’s No Soy Teriyaki Sauce or G Hughes Sugar Free Teriyaki Marinade. You can really customize with what you like best here.

Recipe tips and tricks

Here are some helpful tips to make this recipe a success every time:

• Serving Suggestions: These air fryer snap peas are great as a snack on their own, but they also work wonderfully as a side dish. Try pairing them with grilled chicken or tofu, or serve them alongside a bowl of rice for a quick and balanced meal.
• Troubleshooting: If your snap peas are too soft or soggy, it could be because the air fryer is too crowded. Make sure to cook them in a single layer so they crisp up properly. Also, avoid using too much teriyaki sauce, as excess liquid can prevent them from getting crispy.
• Scaling: Need to make a larger batch? You can easily double or triple the recipe, but be sure to cook the snap peas in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen so that they can enjoy nourishing foods they love and stress less about mealtime. Click here to learn more about this virtual program led by a dietitian.

Check out these other healthy air fryer snacks:

• Air Fried Chickpeas
• Air Fryer Avocado Fries
• Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
• Air Fryer Green Beans

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