Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers are baby bell peppers stuffed with a spicy cream cheese mixture. Only 5 ingredients, vegetarian appetizer.

About Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers

This recipe is based on the original recipe for mini stuffed peppers with cream cheese but instead of baking them, you cook them in the air fryer.

It takes half the time and is just as easy.

Devour hot or cold, they are an excellent appetizer to serve at parties because they are vegetarian and gluten-free.

Plus, you can make them ahead of time, and it's always nice to get extra veggies at parties where vegetables are usually lacking.

The sweetness from the mini bell peppers and the richness of the cream cheese balance the spicy jalapeño cheese mixture.

You get a little crunch from the walnuts for an interesting variety of textures.

Sweet and spicy, crunchy and smooth, rich and light — this appetizer has multiple contrasting qualities.

Plus, you get extra nutrients thanks to the veggies, often uncommon for appetizers.

Ingredients

Bell peppers: Mini bell peppers are the best option because you only need to slice them in half and fill them.

However, if you cannot find baby bell peppers or do not want to use them, simply slice regular-sized bell peppers into thick slices that will hold the cheese mixture when baked. I recommend using multiple colors so your appetizer is visually pleasing as well.

Cream cheese: Block cream cheese is what I use because it's more budget-friendly, but the cream cheese in the tub will also work. That being said, the air fryer stuffed mini peppers recipe has been tested using both reduced-fat cream cheese and regular full-fat. There is no noticeable difference between the two.

Cheese: Many types of cheese will work in this recipe. I prefer sharp cheddar for a little extra flavor, but any type of cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or parmesan cheese tastes great in these air fryer stuffed peppers with cream cheese.

Jalapeño: Before adding the jalapeño, I like to do a little taste to see how spicy it is since the spiciness of jalapeños varies by pepper. If the jalapeño isn't very spicy, you can add more. Add less if it's very spicy.

Walnuts: Use raw walnuts in this recipe since they are baked in mini bell peppers. Store-bought roasted walnuts might end up being overcooked and have a burned flavor if used in this recipe.

Seasoned walnuts will change the flavor of these stuffed bell peppers, so I don't recommend using them.

Recipe Cost

• 16 ounces baby bell peppers: $3.24
• 8 ounces Cream cheese: $1.54
• 2 ounces Cheddar cheese: $0.50
• 1 Jalapeño: $0.20
• 1-ounce Walnuts: $0.44

TOTAL COST: $5.92 or $0.74/serving (Based on San Diego grocery stores 2023)

Note that this is not the recipe; it's simply to show the cost breakdown of ingredients. Scroll down to the full recipe to see the specific ingredients and directions.

How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers

Recipe Tips

*Taste the mixture before filling the mini pepper halves. You want it a little spicier because the sweet peppers will balance out the spiciness.

Add more jalapenos or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor. Add more shredded cheese or cream cheese to tone down the heat.

*The longer you cook these cream cheese stuffed peppers in the air fryer, the softer the peppers will be. If you want a firmer, crunchier pepper, bake for about 7 minutes. For a softer pepper, bake for about 15 minutes.

Variations

Ingredient Options

Baby bell peppers: If you cannot find baby bell peppers or do not want to use them, simply slice some regular-sized bell peppers into thick slices that will hold the cheese mixture when baked.

Jalapeños: The minced jalapeno can be substituted with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a pinch. Taste the mixture and add more if desired.

You can also leave out the jalapeños.

Walnuts: Almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds are all great alternatives; or skip them altogether.

Flavor Substitutions

Herbs: Chopped fresh herbs can be added to the cheese mixture for extra flavor. Parsley, basil, cilantro, or thyme would work well here.

Additionally, ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano or salt-free Italian seasoning can be added to the cream cheese mixture.

Alternative Prep & Cooking

Want to make them in the oven instead? Try the original recipe for cream cheese stuffed peppers.

How to Make Allergy-Friendly

Air fryer stuffed mini peppers are naturally gluten-free, egg-free, and soy-free.

To make a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds; or skip the nuts altogether.

Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar cheese to make them dairy-free if needed.

How to Fix a Mistake

To prevent a problem, I recommend tasting the cheese mixture before stuffing the peppers to make sure you like the way it tastes.

Too spicy: Add extra cream cheese or cheddar cheese.

Lacks flavor: Add extra jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. Be sure to add small amounts at a time so it doesn't get too spicy. If you don't want it to be spicier, you could try adding fresh chopped herbs.

Make-Ahead Ideas

To make these air fryer mini peppers ahead of time, you have a few options.

The first option is the slice the peppers, remove the seeds and ribs, and combine the cheese mixture. Assemble and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

You can also prepare and bake these ahead of time, but they don't hold up as well and the peppers get even more softened.

That's why I prefer to wait to bake right before enjoying them.

Storage Suggestions

Store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Try to keep them in one layer or add a piece of foil, wax paper, or parchment between the layers. You can also wrap the extras in the foil or parchment you used to bake the stuffed peppers.

Serve cold, at room temperature, or warm.

To reheat:

• From the fridge: Place in an air fryer at 350F for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
• From the freezer: Place in an air fryer at 350F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition Benefits

These cream cheese stuffed bell peppers offer more vitamins, fiber, and protein than your average party appetizer or snack. 

Bell peppers are such a versatile veggie that can be enjoyed year-round. The colorful baby peppers are high in Vitamin C, A, B6, and Folate and are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

Jalapeños have capsaicin which has been shown to have cancer-fighting and antibiotic properties as well as lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Cheese adds, protein, calcium, flavor, and fat to the cream cheese stuffed peppers in the air fryer which helps you absorb the nutrients from the bell peppers and jalapeño.

Plus, the fat makes these more satisfying.

Walnuts also have fat to help absorb vitamins from the peppers, and some of that fat is omega-3 fatty acids which help promote brain, heart, and skin health. 

What to Serve with Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers

Since this is an appetizer, serve them with other appetizers like Mango Black Bean Salsa or Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Dip for more produce.

Or pair them with tasty cocktails like Grapefruit Margaritas.

Air fryer stuffed mini peppers are also great as a veggie-filled snack with some protein.

Final thoughts:

There are many reasons these cream cheese stuffed peppers in the air fryer make the ideal appetizer or snack.

First of all, they are incredibly tasty. Plus, they're easy to prepare and only need five ingredients.

On top of being a crowd-pleasing appetizer, you can enjoy these for snacks.

Everyone will love these served fresh from the oven, at room temperature, or cold.

P.S. If you love the idea of more stuffed baby peppers, I highly recommend trying these hummus stuffed peppers.

MORE APPETIZER BITE RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE:

• Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Bites
• Chicken Salad Cucumber Bites
• Pimento Cheese Stuffed Celery
• Crawfish Pies
• Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Meme

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Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers Nutrition Facts