These air fryer stuffed mini peppers are filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture of pasta sauce, cream cheese, and melty mozzarella. Just slice, fill, and air fry! It reminds me of my naan bread pizza and air fryer bread pizza—only easier, quicker and healthier.
This air fryer mini peppers is one of my favourite go-to appetisers. It’s quick, fun, and packed with flavour—just like little pizza bites wrapped in colourful peppers!
If you love easy cheesy snacks, this cream cheese stuffed peppers is the one for you. They’re ready in under 15 minutes and disappear even faster—especially when kids are around!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Just 8 minutes of prep and 5-7 minutes in the air fryer.
- Perfect finger food: These stuffed mini peppers are great for parties, BBQs, or lunchbox snacks.
- Customisable: Try different sauces like pesto, sundried tomatoes sauce or cheeses depending on what’s in your fridge.
- Dietary needs : This recipe is Vegetarian and Gluten Free.
Ingredients
(Detailed measurements and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below)
- Mini peppers – I find these mini sweet peppers are the best presentation and bite-size fun.
- Cream cheese – I used Philadelphia, but any supermarket brand works.
- Mozzarella cheese – Or try a mix with cheddar cheese or red Leicester.
- Pasta sauce – Use your favourite kind: tomato & basil, arrabbiata, basil pesto or even coriander pesto.
- Olive oil – Brushed on the edges for a crisp finish.
- Fresh herbs – Basil, chives or green onion to garnish.
- Seasoning - Italian Seasoning, Salt & pepper
Sandhya's Top Tips
- Don’t overfill the peppers—they cook better when the filling isn’t spilling over.
- If your peppers are extra small, cut back slightly on the filling.
- Like spice? Add a pinch of chilli flakes (red pepper flakes) or swap the pasta sauce for a spicy arrabbiata.
How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers
Step 1 - Fill the sliced mini peppers with pasta sauce, cream cheese and mozzarella. Lightly brush the edges with olive oil.
Step 2 - Preheat the air fryer to 180C (360F). Air fry the peppers at 5-7 minutes until golden and bubbly. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer mini bell peppers are delicious on their own, but I also love serving them with:
- fresh tomato salsa, for a healthier twist
- Sour cream and chives dip for something creamy
- Alongside a watermelon feta salad, creamy pesto gnocchi, or Instant Pot Mexican quinoa as a light meal
They’re perfect for parties, game nights, game day snacks or festive spreads—think Christmas, New Year’s, or summer BBQs!
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers air fryer mini peppers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer until hot.
Note: The texture may be slightly softer after reheating.
Recipe FAQ's
Absolutely! Simply prep the mini peppers by filling them with the cheesy mixture, then cover and refrigerate until you're ready to cook. When it's time to serve, just pop them in the air fryer until hot and bubbly. It’s a brilliant make-ahead option for parties, game days, or anytime you want stress-free, cheesy snacks ready to go.
Stuffed mini bell peppers take about 5 to 7 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 180°C (360°F). Cook them until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
In the air fryer: Set it to 180°C (360°F) for quick and even cooking.
In the oven: Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the peppers are soft but still holding their shape.
More Easy Vegetarian Appetisers
Ingredients
- 14 mini peppers
- 14 teaspoon pasta sauce
- 180 g cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 100 g mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- basil leaves
Instructions
- First slice the peppers in half and remove the seeds using a knife.
- Then, stuff each pepper with a mixture of pasta sauce, softened cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Brush with olive oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360F (180C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Next, place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket and air fry the peppers for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly and a bit crispy.
- Transfer them to a serving dish and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with some fresh basil leaves for fresh flavours.
Notes
- Don’t overfill the peppers—they cook better when the filling isn’t spilling over.
- If your peppers are extra small, cut back slightly on the filling.
- Like it spicy? Add a pinch of chilli flakes (red pepper flakes) or swap the pasta sauce for a spicy arrabbiata.
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