<p>The widespread use of pesticide mixtures in agriculture may result in multiple residues in food commodities, raising concerns regarding consumer exposure and regulatory compliance. Acetamiprid and pyridaben, commonly applied insecticides, have limited data on their combined residue behavior in peppers. This study investigated the residue dissipation behavior, calculated pre-harvest interval estimates, processing factors, and dietary risk of acetamiprid and pyridaben when applied individually or in combination (mixture application) to pepper (<i>Capsicum annuum</i> L.) in open-field conditions at 2 locations. Field experiments were conducted under single and mixture application scenarios at recommended and double doses. Residue analysis was performed using a validated QuEChERS extraction method followed by LC–MS/MS determination in accordance with SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines. The dissipation of both insecticides followed single first-order kinetics. Half-lives ranged from 4.13 to 6.36 days for acetamiprid and 2.72–8.87 days for pyridaben. Mixture applications resulted in longer persistence and higher calculated pre-harvest interval estimates compared with single applications. Sun-drying led to residue concentration, with processing factors of 1.47 for acetamiprid and 3.72 for pyridaben. Based on dietary risk assessment results, the evaluated residue levels did not pose an unacceptable risk to consumers. Overall, these results provide a comprehensive understanding of how single and combined applications of acetamiprid and pyridaben influence residue behavior in pepper, indicating that, under the tested agricultural conditions, dietary exposure is unlikely to exceed established safety thresholds.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>