Air Fryer Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers (Printable)
Crispy air-fried mini peppers filled with a creamy three-cheese blend and herbs. Perfect party appetizer ready in under 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 16 mini sweet peppers (about 1 lb), halved and seeded
→ Cheese Filling
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Optional Garnish
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 - Pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, chives, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
03 - Fill each mini pepper half generously with the cream cheese mixture, smoothing the tops with a spoon.
04 - Arrange the stuffed peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the tops are lightly golden.
05 - Carefully remove from the air fryer. Let cool for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a serving platter.
06 - Garnish with fresh parsley and a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The filling comes together in literally five minutes with ingredients you probably already have
- They're the kind of appetizer that disappears first, with people inevitably asking for the recipe
02 -
- Overstuffing the peppers seems like a great idea until cheese starts melting onto your air fryer basket and smoking up the whole kitchen
- If your peppers vary wildly in size, put the smaller ones in first and add the larger ones halfway through so everything finishes at the same time
03 -
- Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket, even if it means cooking in two batches, because air circulation is what makes those cheese tops golden instead of pale
- Line your basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup, just make sure to cut holes in it so air can still circulate properly