Are Calabrese Peppers Hot?

Yes, calabrese peppers are considered medium-hot. Their heat ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) . That’s about three to sixteen times hotter than a jalapeño but slightly milder than cayenne. The beauty is that their heat comes with a rich smoky, fruity flavor—not just fire. Tossing them into recipes like air fryer buffalo wings gives the perfect spicy punch without being overwhelming.

Are Calabrese and Calabrian Peppers the Same?

Pretty much, yes! Calabrese peppers and Calabrian peppers are often used interchangeably. Both come from the Calabria region in southern Italy. You might find slight differences depending on how they’re prepared—dried, jarred, or fresh—but in most recipes, they refer to the same pepper.

What Is a Substitute for Calabrian Peppers?

If you can’t find calabrese or Calabrian peppers, don’t worry. Great substitutes include Calabrian chili paste , red pepper flakes , Fresno peppers , and Serrano peppers . Each has a unique flavor profile, but they all bring heat and depth. For a milder experience, try air frying shishito peppers or even spicing up zucchini fries in the air fryer with some red pepper flakes.

What Are Calabrese Peppers Used For?

These peppers are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Italians love them in pasta sauces, on pizzas, mixed into stews, and folded into savory spreads. I personally love tossing them into my air fryer filet mignon or adding a spicy twist to roasted veggies. Whether you chop them fresh, use them dried, or spoon from a jar packed in oil, calabrese peppers always bring the heat and flavor.

Calabrese Peppers: 7 Delicious Ways to Add Bold Flavor

Name: Calabrese Peppers: Flavor, Heat, and How to Use Them
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Fresh calabrese peppers (as needed); Dried calabrese peppers (optional); Calabrese peppers in oil (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Description

Smoky, spicy, and versatile, calabrese peppers can be used fresh, dried, or in oil to add bold flavor to pasta, pizza, meats, and air fryer recipes.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh calabrese peppers (as needed)
Dried calabrese peppers (optional)
Calabrese peppers in oil (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

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Instructions

Slice fresh calabrese peppers into thin rings.
If using dried peppers, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté minced garlic until golden and fragrant.
Add fresh, dried, or jarred calabrese peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Use the mixture to spice up pasta, meats, air fryer veggies, or sauces.
Store any leftovers in a clean jar topped with olive oil for future use.

Notes

Adjust the number of peppers based on how spicy you like it.
This mix pairs beautifully with air fryer recipes like buffalo wings, filet mignon, or zucchini fries.
Keeps well refrigerated in olive oil for up to one week.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Method: Air Fryer, Sauté
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 25
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg