Air Fryer Chile Relleno Recipe

Air Fryer Chile Relleno Recipe is a lighter, easier take on the classic Mexican dish, featuring roasted poblano peppers stuffed with melty cheese and air fried to crispy perfection. It’s packed with bold flavor and made without deep frying, making it a quick, satisfying meal or meatless main. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup!

Air Fryer Chile Relleno is a lighter, easier take on the beloved Mexican classic—no deep frying required! Roasted poblano peppers are stuffed with melty cheese, coated in a simple batter or breadcrumb crust, and air fried until golden and crispy.

It’s a deliciously satisfying dish with bold flavor, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of heat—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful meatless meal.

If you are looking for even more Easy Air Fryer Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER FROZEN MOZZARELLA CHEESE STICKS, AIR FRYER APPLE PLUM TARTS, AIR FRYER CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA, and AIR FRYER CRAB CAKE SANDWICHES.

✅ Why You Will Love This Recipe!

🧊 Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and reheat for a quick meal!

🌶️ Bold, authentic flavor – Classic chile relleno taste without deep frying.

🌪️ Air fryer friendly – Crispy results with less oil and mess.

🧀 Melty cheese center – Gooey and satisfying in every bite.

🕒 Weeknight-friendly – Ready in less time with minimal prep.

Ingredients Needed

• Poblano Peppers: You can use other varieties, but they are classically made with poblano peppers.
• Corn Kernels: Fresh, canned, or frozen that has been thawed.
• Scallions: Sliced
• Mexican Cheese: Use Cotija cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour Cream: Use low-fat, regular, or Greek yogurt
• Red Chile Sauce: Homemade or store-bought
• Seasonings and Spices: Cilantro, Parsley, Kosher Salt, and Black Pepper

How To Make Air Fryer Chile Relleno

Step One: Start by charring the peppers. Place them into the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 400 degrees F, set the cook time for 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway through the cooking process. Let them cool slightly.

Step Two: Prepare The Filling For the Air-Fried Chile Relleno Mix the corn kernels, scallion, cilantro, parsley, salt, black pepper, sour cream, and cheese in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Step Three: Chile Rellenos In Air Fryer Using a sharp knife, cut the roasted poblano pepper down the middle. Remove the poblano seeds if desired. Add the filling to the poblano pepper. Place the stuffed peppers into the Air Fryer Basket and set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, set cooking time for 8-10 minutes. Serve with additional cheese, sour cream, and red chile sauce.

🌶️ Air Fryer Chile Relleno Recipe Tips

🔥 Char the peppers well – Blistered skin peels easier and adds smoky flavor.
🧀 Use a melty cheese – Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack work best.
🌿 Pat peppers dry before stuffing – This helps the coating stick better.
🌪️ Preheat the air fryer – Ensures even cooking and a crispy finish.
🧂 Don’t overfill the peppers – Too much filling can cause them to burst during coo

Storing

🧊 Storing: Store leftover chile rellenos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 🌶️ Let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.

❄️ Freezing: Freeze cooled chile rellenos individually wrapped in foil or plastic, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. 🧀 For best results, freeze before air frying for make-ahead convenience.

🔥 Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until hot and crispy. 🌪️ Avoid the microwave to keep the coating from turning soft or soggy.

What To Serve With Air Fried Chile Relleno

Air Fried Chile Rellenos pair perfectly with a variety of sides to round out your meal. Try serving them with classic Mexican rice, refried or black beans, or a fresh avocado and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.

They also go great with warm tortillas, salsa verde, or a dollop of sour cream on top. For a heartier spread, add a side of elote (Mexican street corn) or a light soup like tortilla or pozole.

❓ Air Fryer Chile Relleno Recipe FAQs

🌶️ What kind of peppers should I use? Poblano peppers are traditional and perfect for stuffing—mild, flavorful, and just the right size.

🧀 What’s the best cheese for stuffing? Use melty cheeses like Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a mix for gooey results.

🌪️ Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Prep and stuff the peppers, then refrigerate or freeze them before air frying.

🧊 Do I need to peel the pepper skin? It’s optional but recommended—peeling the charred skin improves texture and flavor.

🔥 How long do I cook them in the air fryer? Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the exterior is slightly crispy.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER MEXICAN STREET CORN ON THE COB
• AIR FRYER QUESO (MEXICAN CHEESE DIP)
• TACO BELL MEXICAN PIZZA RECIPE IN THE AIR FRYER
• AIR FRYER MEXICAN WEDDING COOKIES
• AIR FRYER, MEXICAN CHICKEN FOIL PACKET

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