Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers (Printable)
Colorful mini peppers filled with savory cheese blend, air fried until tender and golden.
# 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
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
02 - Combine cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, chives, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl. 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 stuffed peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes until peppers are tender and tops are lightly golden.
05 - Carefully remove from 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 Advice:
01 -
- The air fryer creates this incredible roasted sweetness in the peppers while keeping that cheese filling gooey and melted
- They disappear faster than any other appetizer Ive ever made, people cant stop at just one
02 -
- I once tried rushing this by using cold cream cheese and ended up with lumpy filling that wouldnt pipe nicely
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket means they steam instead of roast, do it in batches if you have to
03 -
- A small spoon or even your fingers work better than a piping bag for filling these tight little peppers
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for zero cleanup afterwards