These Easy Air Fryer Mini Pepper Nachos are a quick, low-carb snack that’s loaded with melted cheese and flavorful toppings. Perfect for game day, parties, or a simple weeknight appetizer, they’re ready in just minutes.

air fryer mini pepper nachos with melted cheese and toppings
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If you love nachos but want a lighter, low-carb twist, these Easy Air Fryer Mini Pepper Nachos are exactly what you need.

Sweet or mild mini peppers act as the perfect little boats for melted cheese and tasty toppings, creating a crunchy, cheesy snack that’s ready in minutes — ideal for game day, parties, or a quick appetizer anytime.

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.

Air fryer mini pepper nachos with melted cheese and flavorful toppings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and easy snack ready in minutes
  • Low-carb and healthier than traditional nachos
  • Sweet or mild mini peppers make perfect bite-sized vessels
  • Melty cheese and toppings satisfy every craving
  • Perfect for game day, parties, or weeknight appetizers

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Easy Air Fryer Mini Pepper Nachos on kitchen table.
  • Corn: Sweet, tender kernels adding crunch and natural flavor
  • Black Beans: Protein-packed beans for earthy taste and texture
  • Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy pieces adding brightness and subtle acidity
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances all flavors while balancing the seasoning
  • Mini Sweet Peppers: Colorful, crisp vessels perfect for filling
  • Mexican or Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey cheese that complements every bite
  • Avocado: Creamy, buttery texture for richness and freshness
  • Scallions: Mild onion flavor adding color and subtle zest

How to Make Air Fryer Mini Pepper Nachos

Mini sweet peppers filled with a mixture of corn, black beans, tomatoes, and sprinkled with cheese.

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the corn, black beans, tomatoes, and salt.

Filled peppers placed in the air fryer at 370°F, cooking until cheese melts.

Step 2: 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 4-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Air-fried mini peppers topped with diced avocado, sour cream, and green onions.

Step 3: Top with sliced avocado, sour cream, and green onions.

Plated mini pepper nachos ready to serve and enjoy.

Air Fryer Mini Pepper Nachos Recipe Tips

  • Choose the right peppers: Mini sweet peppers are ideal because they’re firm and hold the filling.
  • Don’t overfill: Keep the corn, beans, and cheese mixture light to prevent spillage while air frying.
  • Cheese matters: Shredded Mexican blend or cheddar melts best and adds gooey texture.
  • Air fryer spacing: Arrange peppers in a single layer for even cooking and melted cheese.
  • Check early: Air fryers vary, so start checking at 4 minutes to avoid over-browning.
  • Add toppings last: Avocado, sour cream, and scallions should be added after cooking to maintain freshness.
  • Custom flavors: Add a dash of lime juice, hot sauce, or chopped cilantro for extra zing.

Storing Instructions

  • Room Temperature: Serve immediately for best texture. Not ideal for storing as peppers and cheese lose crispness.
  • Refrigerator: Place leftover mini peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to restore warmth and melt the cheese.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as peppers and toppings can become mushy and lose flavor.
Air fryer mini pepper nachos filled with corn, black beans, cheese, and topped with avocado and green onions

Easy Air Fryer Mini Pepper Nachos Recipe Faqs

Why use mini peppers instead of chips? Mini sweet peppers (or bell pepper halves) serve as a fantastic, low-carb, and low-calorie base instead of traditional tortilla chips. They also provide a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.

How do I prevent the toppings from falling out during cooking? Make sure you don’t overfill the peppers. Pack the fillings down slightly, and place the pepper boats snugly in the air fryer basket or a small baking dish that fits inside, keeping the opening facing upwards.

an I use ground beef or chicken? Yes, but the meat must be fully cooked and seasoned before adding it to the mini peppers. The air fryer only melts the cheese and heats the fillings; it does not cook raw meat.

Are these good for meal prep? They are best served immediately for maximum crispness. However, you can prep the cooked meat/fillings ahead of time and assemble/air fry the peppers just before serving.

Air fryer mini pepper nachos with melted cheese, corn, black beans, avocado, and green onions

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Easy Air Fryer Mini Pepper Nachos

Easy Air Fryer Mini Pepper Nachos

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Easy Air Fryer Mini Pepper Nachos are cheesy, colorful, and ready in minutes. Perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or game day treat.

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, or green onions, diced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix the 1 cup can, 1 cup black beans, 1/4 cup tomatoes, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Then fill the 20 mini sweet peppers with the mixture. Top with a sprinkle of 1/2 cup Mexican Cheese.
  • Set them into your air fryer at air fryer temperature of 370 degrees F, air fryer setting, set cook time for 4-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
  • Move and top with the sliced 1 large avocado, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 2 tablespoons scallions.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 293kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 203mgPotassium: 243mgFiber: 4gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 306IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 1mg

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