Air Fryer Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are a quick and delicious appetizer that combines creamy, cheesy filling with sweet, tender peppers. Perfect for parties or a simple snack, they come together easily with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 bag mini sweet peppers (about 14 peppers), cut lengthwise and seeded
• 2 teaspoons avocado oil
• 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 stalks green onion, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, grated cheese, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and sriracha (if using). Stir well until fully mixed. An electric hand mixer or stand mixer can make this easier.
2. Step 2: Slice the tops off the mini peppers and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove all seeds from inside.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the avocado oil over the peppers and toss them gently with your hands to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Carefully stuff each pepper half with the cream cheese mixture.
5. Step 5: Place about 6 stuffed peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Use the Bake setting (not Air Fry), set the temperature to 360°F, and cook for 8 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the cooked peppers carefully and transfer to a plate. Repeat the air frying process for the remaining peppers.

Tips & Variations

• Use different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a flavor twist.
• For a spicy kick, add extra sriracha or finely chopped jalapeños to the filling.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and smoother filling.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to keep the peppers tender and the filling warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the peppers ahead and keep them refrigerated. Air fry them fresh before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have avocado oil?

Olive oil or another neutral oil works well as a substitute to coat the peppers before air frying.

Air Fryer Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe

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4.5 from 51 reviews

These Air Fryer Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are a deliciously creamy and cheesy appetizer or snack option that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Sweet mini peppers are halved and seeded, then filled with a savory cream cheese mixture blended with mozzarella, green onions, garlic powder, and a hint of sriracha for subtle heat. Cooked in the air fryer using the bake setting, these peppers come out tender with melty filling inside—a perfect bite-sized treat for parties or everyday indulgence.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes (in batches)
• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 28 stuffed pepper halves (14 peppers halved) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Peppers

• 1 bag mini sweet peppers (about 14 peppers), halved lengthwise and seeded
• 2 teaspoons avocado oil

Cream Cheese Filling

• 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese
• 2 stalks green onion, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for a slight spicy kick)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella or cheddar, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and sriracha if using. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended and creamy. An electric hand mixer or stand mixer can be used for a smoother texture.
2. Prep the peppers: Slice the tops off the mini sweet peppers, then cut each pepper in half lengthwise. Carefully remove and discard the seeds to create hollow boats for stuffing.
3. Coat the peppers: Drizzle the avocado oil over the halved peppers. Use your hands to toss and evenly coat each piece, which helps with roasting and adds flavor.
4. Stuff the peppers: Spoon the cream cheese filling generously into each pepper half, spreading to fill them completely without overflowing.
5. Air fry the peppers: Place about 6 stuffed peppers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Select the Bake setting (not Air Fry), set the temperature to 360°F (182°C), and cook for 8 minutes.
6. Serve and repeat: Carefully remove the cooked peppers from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate. Repeat the air frying process with the remaining stuffed peppers until all are cooked.

Notes

• You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or any melting cheese of your choice for different flavor profiles.
• The sriracha is optional but adds a nice subtle heat to the creamy filling.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure easy mixing and smooth filling.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook peppers in batches to ensure even cooking.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 360°F for about 10-12 minutes.
• Adjust the cook time slightly if your peppers are larger or smaller than average.

Keywords: Air Fryer, Mini Peppers, Stuffed Peppers, Cream Cheese, Easy Appetizer, Snack, Vegetarian