Looking for a delicious and easy appetizer that’s sure to impress? Try these Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers!
These bite-sized delights are packed with a flavorful filling and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, making them a quick and healthy option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun snack, or wanting a simple yet tasty side dish, these stuffed mini peppers are a perfect choice.
Add some gooey melty cheese before serving for an overload of flavor in every bite that will have even your pickiest eater asking for seconds (not that we would mind at all).
With these easy instructions on making them either in either the oven or in the air fryer!
Either way will be delicious!
If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes, some of my favorite recipes are AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY GOAT CHEESE EMPANADAS, CRISPY AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS, and AIR FRYER TURKEY CROQUETTES.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Mini Peppers Air Fryer
- Easy recipe
- Basic ingredients
- Healthy and nutritious
- Loaded with veggies and protein
- Quick to make in the air fryer
- Cheesy, spicy, and delicious!
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers
Here are the simple ingredients needed for making air fryer mini peppers with cheese.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Mini Sweet Peppers: These colorful peppers are the perfect size for bite-sized appetizers, offering a sweet and mild flavor that pairs well with various fillings.
- Black Beans: These add a hearty texture and a boost of protein, making the filling more satisfying and nutritious.
- Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and a slight crunch, enhancing the overall texture and flavor profile of the stuffed peppers.
- Scallions: Provide a mild onion flavor and a bit of freshness, complementing the richness of the cheese filling.
- Shredded Cheese: Adds a gooey, melty texture and extra flavor. Cheddar or mozzarella are great options, but you can use your favorite cheese.
- Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy and rich base for the filling, helping to hold the other ingredients together.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the filling, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Avocado: Offers a creamy, buttery texture and healthy fats, adding a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
How to Make Stuffed Mini Peppers Air Fryer
Here are the step-by-step directions to make cream cheese stuffed mini peppers.
Step 1: Mix the ingredients
In a small bowl, mix the corn, black beans, tomatoes, and salt.
Step 2: Fill the peppers
Fill the peppers with the mixture. Top with a sprinkle of cheese. Place peppers into your air fryer basket in a single layer at 370 degrees F, air fryer setting, and set cook time for 4 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Step 3: Top and serve
Top with sliced avocado, sour cream, and green onions.
Recipe Variations
- Air Fryer Mini Peppers Stuffed With Cheese and Sausage: These mini peppers are filled with a savory mixture of cooked sausage and cheese, offering a delicious, protein-packed appetizer with a satisfying balance of flavors.
- Air Fryer Mini Peppers: Simply air fry mini peppers until they are tender and slightly charred, bringing out their natural sweetness and making a perfect side dish or snack.
- Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Cold: Fill mini peppers with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and herbs, then chill before serving for a refreshing and easy no-cook appetizer.
- Air Fryer Mini Peppers With Laughing Cow Cheese: Stuff mini peppers with Laughing Cow cheese wedges for a quick and creamy filling that melts perfectly in the air fryer, resulting in a delightful, gooey treat.
- Stuffed Mini Peppers With Cream Cheese and Bacon: Combine the richness of cream cheese with the smoky flavor of crispy bacon to create an irresistible stuffed mini pepper that’s perfect for any gathering.
- Air Fryer Mexican Stuffed Peppers: Fill mini peppers with a mixture of black beans, corn, cheese, and spices to create a flavorful Mexican-inspired appetizer that’s both delicious and nutritious.
- Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Peppers: These mini peppers are stuffed with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and taco spices, offering a fun and tasty twist on traditional tacos that’s perfect for parties or weeknight dinners.
Air Fryer Mini Stuffed Peppers Pro Tips
- Choose Fresh Peppers: Use fresh, firm mini peppers for the best texture and flavor. Avoid using peppers that are soft or have blemishes.
- Uniform Size: Select peppers of similar size to ensure even cooking. This helps all the peppers to cook at the same rate and prevents some from becoming overcooked while others are undercooked.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the peppers to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking. Fill them just to the top for the best results.
- Layering Cheese: If using cheese, consider layering it within the filling instead of just on top. This ensures the cheese melts evenly and integrates well with other ingredients.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to catch any drips and make cleanup easier. Be sure to cut the parchment to fit and avoid blocking the airflow.
- Cook in Batches: If making a large batch, cook the peppers in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Check Halfway: Check the peppers halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are cooking evenly. You can rotate the basket or flip the peppers if necessary.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the filling before stuffing the peppers to adjust the seasoning. Adding salt, pepper, and herbs to your taste can enhance the flavor significantly.
- Garnish After Cooking: Add fresh garnishes like chopped herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of additional cheese after the peppers are cooked to enhance presentation and flavor.
- Experiment with Fillings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings. Mix in ingredients like quinoa, cooked sausage, various cheeses, or even leftover meats for different flavor profiles.
Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers Faqs
What type of peppers should I use for stuffed mini peppers? Use mini sweet peppers for this recipe. They are small, colorful, and have a sweet flavor that pairs well with various fillings.
Can I make stuffed mini peppers ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the peppers and the filling ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and stuff the peppers just before air frying to ensure they stay fresh.
How long do I cook stuffed mini peppers in the air fryer? Cook the stuffed mini peppers in a preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
Can I use different types of cheese for the filling? Absolutely! You can use a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese. Mix and match according to your preference for different flavors and textures.
How do I prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking? Avoid overstuffing the peppers. Fill them just to the top, and use a spoon to press the filling gently into the pepper cavities. This helps keep the filling intact during cooking.
What other ingredients can I add to the filling? You can add a variety of ingredients such as cooked sausage, bacon bits, black beans, corn, scallions, or herbs to the cream cheese mixture to enhance the flavor and texture of the filling.
How do I keep the peppers from sticking to the air fryer basket? Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I make a vegan version of stuffed mini peppers? Yes, you can make a vegan version by using dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese shreds. Add your favorite vegan fillings such as black beans, corn, and chopped vegetables.
How do I store and reheat leftover stuffed mini peppers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
Are stuffed mini peppers gluten-free? The basic recipe for stuffed mini peppers with cheese and cream cheese is gluten-free. Ensure that any additional ingredients you add, such as sausage or bacon, are also gluten-free.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY GOAT CHEESE EMPANADAS
- AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY COOKIES
- EASY AIR FRYER SAUSAGE, PEPPERS, AND ONIONS
- AIR FRYER BAGEL BITES
- AIR FRYER RIB EYE WITH GARLIC & BASIL BUTTER
- EASY AIR FRYER TURKEY CROQUETTES
- AIR FRYER HOMEMADE KOURABIEDES (GREEK SUGAR COOKIES)
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup can, drained or frozen thawed
- 1 cup black beans, canned, and drained
- 1/4 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 20 mini sweet peppers, assorted colors, and cut in half and seeded
- 1/2 cup Mexican Cheese, Shredded or Cheddar Cheese
- 1 large avocado, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons scallions, diced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the corn, black beans, tomatoes, and salt. Then fill the peppers with the mixture. Top with a sprinkle of cheese.
- Set them into your air fryer at 370 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 4 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Move and top with the sliced avocado, sour cream, and green onions.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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