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Whenever I whip up these air fryer mini peppers stuffed with cream cheese they vanish fast at any get together If you're after a simple finger food for your crew or want a tasty low-carb snack these cheesy bites totally hit the spot and everyone digs in with a grin
The first time I made these was for a board game party and within minutes the whole tray was gone Now I always keep some sweet peppers and cream cheese around for a quick treat or when buddies drop by
Tasty Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Soft and silky inside Let it sit out to get super easy to stir
- Mini sweet peppers: Sweet tiny peppers with loads of color Pick firm shiny ones and skip any with mushy spots
- Avocado oil: Helps the peppers get tender while adding good fats Fresh oil tastes the best
- Mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese: You get melty cheesy goodness Cheese you shred yourself melts smoother
- Green onion: Brightens things up with color and crispness Fresh green tips and snappy stalks are winners
- Sriracha: An optional pop of heat Splash on your fave hot sauce or leave it out for milder bites
- Salt: Makes every flavor stand out Fine sea salt blends in the easiest
- Garlic powder: Packs in punch without raw garlic burn Newer bottles will smell extra strong
Awesome Step-By-Step Guide
- Bundle Up the Peppers:
- Lay the pepper halves out and drizzle with avocado oil Give them a good toss by hand till every piece shines This little oil helps them turn out super tender after air frying
- Mix Up the Filling:
- In a big bowl blend together the soft cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onion bits, garlic powder, salt, and sriracha Use a tough spoon or a mixer so the mix gets light and fluffy
- Chop and Prep Peppers:
- Cut the tops off, split lengthwise, take out the seeds This makes each pepper ready to fill and keeps the spice nice and gentle
- Fill 'Em Up:
- Grab a little spoon and stuff plenty of filling into each pepper half Smooth over the top but don't pile it on crazy thick so they're easy to handle
- Batch Air Fry Magic:
- Put six loaded peppers in your air fryer basket single layer Set it to Bake, keep the temp at 360, and run it for 8 minutes Watch for melty cheese and softened peppers
- Repeat & Plate:
- When one batch is done, scoop them to a plate and start the next Let them cool for a sec so the filling holds together before serving
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The pops of green onion in the warmed cheese filling always remind me of my aunt’s backyard summer feasts when we’d snag onions fresh from her garden for everything Now these stuffed peppers are a go-to treat for our family holiday snacks
Keeping Leftovers
Toss any extras in an airtight box and stick them in the fridge They'll be good for three days Need a snack Grab some cold right from the fridge Reheat in the air fryer at 350 for about three minutes if you want them warm again
Swaps & Variations
Goat cheese gives a tangy kick or swap in pepper jack for spicier bites Fresh chopped parsley or basil on top is awesome If you’re out of avocado oil, olive oil works great too
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Serving Ideas
Pile these stuffed peppers high on a big plate with toothpicks on the side Crunchy celery sticks or a bowl of ranch dip go perfectly with them For something heartier, serve along grilled chicken or toss with a big green salad
Tasty Backstory
All kinds of cultures stuff peppers from the Mediterranean and beyond Kitchens around the world tuck fillings into sweet peppers The air fryer just gives you a no-fuss, modern spin on the classic comfort bite
Common Recipe Questions
- → Could I try other cheeses inside?
Definitely! Cheddar or mozzarella are both awesome, but go for pepper jack or even Monterey Jack if you want a fun twist.
- → Is preheating the air fryer really needed?
It helps everything cook nice and even, but you don't have to. Just let them go a bit longer if you don't preheat first.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yep! Stuff the peppers, chill them in the fridge, and then air fry fresh right before you eat for the best crunch.
- → Is sriracha a must-have?
Nope, only toss some in if you want a little kick. You can skip it or swap in a hot sauce you like.
- → What’s the best way to keep leftovers?
Pop the extras in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the crunchiest reheat, just use the air fryer again.
- → Can I swap in regular bell peppers?
Sure thing! Slice up small regular bell peppers if that's what you've got. Just keep an eye on them-they might need a little more or less time depending on size.