Air Fryer Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe

“`html

If you love bite-sized snacks that deliver a burst of flavor and creamy goodness, you are going to adore this Air Fryer Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe. These colorful little peppers, stuffed with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, and just the right hints of garlic and sriracha, come out perfectly tender with a slightly roasted edge every time. The magic of the air fryer gives them a delightful texture that’s crisp on the outside yet soft and creamy inside, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine, but don’t worry, it’s a simple list packed with fresh, flavorful essentials. Each ingredient plays a special role, from the creamy, tangy cheese filling to the sweet crunch of the mini peppers and the subtle spice kick that makes every bite memorable.

• Mini sweet peppers (1 bag, about 14 peppers, cut lengthwise and seeded): Their vibrant colors and natural sweetness provide the perfect edible vessel for the creamy filling.
• Avocado oil (2 teaspoons): Adds a mild, buttery flavor and helps create a light crispness on the peppers’ skin during air frying.
• Cream cheese (1 8-ounce package, softened): The creamy base that brings richness and smooth texture to the filling.
• Mozzarella cheese (2/3 cup, grated; cheddar is a great substitute): Melts beautifully and adds a mild, stretchy cheesiness inside the peppers.
• Green onion (2 stalks, finely chopped): Adds a fresh, subtle bite and a dash of bright color to the filling.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Provides a hint of savory depth without overpowering the mild flavors.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness of the peppers and creaminess of the cheese.
• Sriracha (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little heat, this adds a smoky, spicy kick that lifts the whole dish.

How to Make Air Fryer Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by combining the softened cream cheese, grated mozzarella, chopped green onion, garlic powder, salt, and if you’re feeling adventurous, sriracha. Stir thoroughly until smooth and well mixed. An electric hand mixer can speed things up here, but a good old-fashioned spoon works perfectly as well. This filling is where the indulgence begins, creamy and bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Prep the Mini Peppers

Next, slice the tops off each pepper and then cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully remove any seeds to make room for that delectable cream cheese filling. The peeling process is simple, but try to keep the pepper halves intact to hold all of that cheesy goodness without spilling over.

Step 3: Coat the Peppers with Avocado Oil

Drizzle the avocado oil over your peppers and gently toss them with your hands to ensure each piece is lightly coated. This step is crucial as it helps the peppers develop a wonderful roasted finish in the air fryer, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding just enough crispiness.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Carefully fill each mini pepper half with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t be shy — generous stuffing means maximum flavor in every bite. As you stuff, arrange about 6 peppers in a single layer inside your air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Set your air fryer to the Bake function at 360°F and cook the stuffed peppers for 8 minutes. This temperature and time combo gently bake the filling while roasting the peppers just enough to soften them and give the edges a beautiful, slightly caramelized finish. Once done, carefully transfer the peppers to a plate and repeat the process with any remaining stuffed peppers.

How to Serve Air Fryer Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

To make these pepper bites even more enticing, sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of green and fresh aroma. A dash of smoked paprika or a drizzle of extra sriracha can also add an eye-catching contrast and a flavor boost.

Side Dishes

These creamy stuffed mini peppers are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw can turn them into a well-rounded appetizer. If hosting, they also work beautifully alongside grilled meats or as part of a diverse appetizer platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these peppers on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or a zesty tomato salsa. Another fun idea is to thread the stuffed peppers onto skewers for a festive, easy-to-grab party treat that guarantees smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors meld beautifully over time.

Freezing

Freezing stuffed mini peppers can be a bit tricky because of the cream cheese filling. While it’s possible, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the filling separately or enjoy fresh every time you make this Air Fryer Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the air fryer or a conventional oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to warm through without drying out the peppers or the filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that lovely roasted texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is great because it melts well, you can swap it with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a combination of cheeses to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Is it necessary to use the Bake function instead of the Air Fry function?

Yes, the Bake setting provides gentler, more even heat that cooks the filling thoroughly without drying it out or burning the peppers, which can happen on the Air Fry setting.

How spicy will this recipe be with sriracha?

The sriracha adds just a mild heat that builds flavor without overwhelming the sweetness of the peppers. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less or omit it entirely.

Can I prepare these in advance for parties?

You can prepare and stuff the peppers ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Air fry them right before serving to ensure they’re warm and perfectly crisp.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

While the air fryer gives great texture and saves time, you can bake these peppers in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes or until bubbly and slightly roasted.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re just as excited as I am to try the Air Fryer Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe. It’s one of those truly fun, flavorful dishes that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make. Perfect for quick snacks, gatherings, or even as a colorful side, these stuffed peppers will bring a smile to anyone’s face. Give this recipe a whirl — I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites in no time!

“`

Print