Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers (Printable)

Colorful mini peppers filled with creamy cheese blend, air fried to perfection. Easy vegetarian appetizer ready in 25 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 air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, chives, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and thoroughly incorporated.
03 - Generously fill each mini pepper half with the cheese mixture, using a spoon to smooth and level the filling for even cooking.
04 - Arrange stuffed peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes until peppers are tender and filling tops are lightly golden.
05 - Carefully remove peppers from air fryer and let cool for 2-3 minutes to set the filling. Transfer to serving platter.
06 - Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The air fryer makes the peppers tender while creating this incredible golden crust on top that you just cannot achieve in a regular oven
  • They reheat beautifully and honestly I might like them even more cold, straight from the fridge during a midnight snack attack
02 -
  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket is the quickest way to end up with soggy, disappointing peppers instead of the perfectly roasted ones you're expecting
  • The filling needs to be completely smooth before you start stuffing, because any lumps of cream cheese won't melt properly and you'll end up with weird textured pockets
03 -
  • If your peppers keep rolling over in the air fryer, try placing them cut side up on a piece of parchment paper with holes punched in it for better air circulation
  • The leftover filling keeps for about a week in the refrigerator and is honestly incredible spread on bagels or crackers for breakfast

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