Air Fryer Chile Relleno — If you’re a fan of chile Relleno, you’ll love this air fryer recipe. It’s easy to make, and the results are delicious. Best of all, there’s hardly any cleanup involved. So fire up your air fryer and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Air Fryer Chile Relleno

Air Fryer Chile Relleno — We all know that moms are busy, and there is never enough time in the day to get everything done. It’s always a struggle to find ways to make cooking healthy meals for your family as quick and easy as possible. That’s why I’m so excited about my latest kitchen gadget, the air fryer!

Air fryers use hot air instead of oil or butter, which means you can cook healthier foods with less fuss. My favorite thing right now is Air Fryer Chile Rellenos, but they’re traditionally fried, which makes them not exactly “healthy.” But today, I made a vast and healthy batch right in my Air Fryer.

Do you love to cook but hate the mess and time it takes? Air frying is a quick, easy way to make your favorite dishes without all of the hassles. Chile Rellenos are traditionally fried in oil, making them very unhealthy for you. You can still get that same delicious flavor without all the greases with an air fryer!

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.

What Are Chile Relleno?

If you’re looking for a fun and easy dinner idea, look no further than Chile Rellenos. This dish is traditionally made with poblano peppers that are stuffed with cheese and battered before being deep-fried.

The filling can be anything from beef to chicken or even vegetarian! It’s the perfect way to enjoy Mexican cuisine without needing an elaborate recipe.

There are so many variations that you can make with this recipe, I used a traditional filling, but you can also use pecans, crab, and other ingredients to stuff the pepper with.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chile Relleno

You can make this delicious appetizer or side dish with a few simple ingredients, perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chile Relleno

Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

  • 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 Chile Relleno Air Fryer

Roasted Chile Peppers

Step One: Roast The Poblano Peppers

Start by charring the peppers. Place them into the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting for 8 to 10 minutes—flip halfway through the cooking cycle. Let them cool slightly.

Air Fryer Chile Relleno

Step Two: Prepare The Filling For the Air-Fried Chile Relleno

Then in a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix the corn kernels, scallion, cilantro, parsley, salt, black pepper, sour cream, and cheese.

Step Three: Chili Rellenos 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 temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 8 to 10 minutes.

Serve with additional cheese, sour cream, and red chile sauce.

Air Fryer Chile Relleno

Pro Tips

  • For best results, try to purchase the same size poblano peppers so they all cook up at about the same time.
  • When purchasing poblano peppers for this recipe, purchase large ones, which are easier to stuff than smaller ones.
  • This recipe will work in any Air Fryer Model, either basket or oven. This recipe also will work in the Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Vortex, Instant Crisp Lid, and Mealthy Lid. The recipe will work the same; the timing may vary.
  • Leave room around the peppers so they cook up perfectly! The hot air will perfectly cook up the peppers.

Variations:

There are so many ways to make this your recipe, and you can play around with the fillings; some of my favorites things to change:

Cheese: While I used a traditional Mexican Cheese Blend, you can use any of your favorites; some of my favorites are mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Oaxaca. I have even made it with Cotija Cheese.

Meat: Add some cooked meat. My favorites are cooked ground beef, chorizo sausage, and ground-cooked turkey.

Some Great Toppings:

Like a traditional Mexican meal, you can top these off with anything. Some of my favorites are:

  • Sour Cream
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Sliced Jalapenos
  • Cilantro
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Sliced Avocados
  • Any of your favorite toppings!
Air Fryer Chile Relleno

How To Store Air Fryer Chile Relleno

Ahead of Time: If you want to make these ahead of time, you can assemble them and cook them right before dinner. You can make them and reheat them in the air fryer.

Storage: To store them, let them cool to room temperature, place them into an airtight container, and put them into the refrigerator. They will last for about 3 to 4 days.

Reheating: Add some fresh cheese to them, then melt it in the air fryer for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Air Fryer Chile Relleno

What type of peppers should I use for Chile Relleno?

The traditional and classic pepper used for Chile Relleno is the poblano pepper. However, you can also use other large, mild peppers like Anaheim or Hatch chilies. You want them large enough to add your filling to the pepper.

Can I roast the peppers using a different method than the air fryer?

Of course, you can roast the peppers using different methods, such as broiling them in the oven or charring them directly over a gas stove flame. The air fryer method provides a convenient and even roasting, but other methods work too. They also cook in a fraction of the time as the oven.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese based on your preference or availability. Common choices include Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, Mexican Blend, or cheddar cheese.

Can I make Chile Relleno ahead of time?

Yes, while Chile Relleno is best served fresh, you can prepare the peppers and fill them ahead of time. Assemble and cook them when you’re ready to serve for optimal taste and texture.

What should I serve with Chile Relleno?

Served as an appetizer or side dish, you can also make it as part of a complete meal when served with Mexican rice, refried beans, and a side of tortillas. It can also be accompanied by a fresh salad or a dollop of sour cream.

Can I make a vegetarian or vegan version of Chile Relleno?

You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using additional vegetables, black beans, or cooked tofu for the filling. For a vegan version, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Chile Relleno can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers before freezing. Thaw and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

More Air Fryer Mexican Recipes:

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Air Fryer Chile Relleno
Air Fryer Chile Relleno

Air Fryer Chile Relleno

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
2 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Chile Relleno — We all know that moms are busy, and there is never enough time in the day to get everything done. It's always a struggle to find ways to make cooking healthy meals for your family as quick and easy as possible. That's why I'm so excited about my latest kitchen gadget, the air fryer!

Ingredients 

  • 3 large poblano peppers
  • 1 cup corn, canned (drained) or frozen (thawed and drained)
  • 1 stalk green onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheese, cheddar, or Mexican
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream

Optional Garnishes: Sour Cream, Salsa, Red Chile Sauce, Guacamole, Tomatoes, etc.

    Instructions

    • Start by charring the peppers. Place them into the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting for 8 to 10 minutes—flip hallway during the cooking cycle. Let them cool slightly.
    • Then in a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix the corn kernels, scallion, cilantro, parsley, salt, black pepper, sour cream, and cheese.
    • Using a sharp knife, cut the roasted poblano pepper down the middle. Remove the poblano seeds if desired. Add the filling into the poblano pepper. Place the stuffed peppers into the Air Fryer Basket, and set the temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 8 to 10 minutes.
    • Serve with additional cheese, sour cream, and red chile sauce, and additional garnishes.
    • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Cooking Spray
    • Parchment Paper

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 106kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 316mgPotassium: 229mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 603IUVitamin C: 69mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1mg

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