Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers with Creamy Cheese Filling

Appetizers have a special way of bringing people together. They’re the first thing your guests see on the table, and let’s be honest — they’re usually the first to disappear. These Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers with Creamy Cheese Filling are no exception. Vibrant, colorful, and perfectly bite-sized, they combine the sweet crunch of mini bell peppers with a luscious, savory cheese filling that gets irresistibly golden in the air fryer.

Unlike heavy fried starters, these peppers keep things light while still delivering big flavor. The air fryer works its magic by roasting the peppers until slightly tender and blistered, while the cheese mixture bubbles and browns just enough to make every bite irresistible. The result? A party-perfect dish that’s equally great as a casual weeknight snack.

The best part is how simple they are to make. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you’ll have an appetizer that looks fancy but is secretly effortless. Trust me, once you set a platter of these down, they’ll be gone before you know it.

🌟 Hosting game nights or parties? These are always the first thing to disappear from the snack table. To save time, I swear by this air fryer with dual baskets, so I can prep multiple batches without waiting. 👉  Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, 2 Drawers, 9.5L, 6-in-1

Here’s why these stuffed peppers deserve a spot on your appetizer menu:

• Quick and Easy: No need to preheat an oven for 20 minutes — these are ready in under 20.
• Light but Satisfying: Sweet peppers are naturally low in calories, but the creamy filling makes them indulgent.
• Perfect for Parties: Colorful, hand-held, and easy to make in big batches.
• Customizable: Add bacon, jalapeños, or herbs to make it your own.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun way to get even picky eaters to enjoy veggies.

These are the kind of appetizers that look restaurant-quality but are simple enough for a weeknight.

Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers with Creamy Cheese Filling

Recipe by AnuCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6-8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

8

minutes

Calories

120

kcal

Mini bell peppers stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture, air fried until golden and bubbly, perfect for parties, potlucks, or quick snacks.

Ingredients

• 12–15 mini bell peppers, halved and seeds removed → Naturally sweet and perfect for bite-sized appetizers

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened → Creamy base that holds everything together

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese → Adds sharp, savory flavor

• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese → Melts beautifully for a gooey texture

• 2 green onions, finely sliced → Adds a mild oniony freshness

• 1 tsp garlic powder → Enhances overall flavor with a savory kick

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika → Adds smokiness and depth

• Salt and black pepper, to taste → Balances and rounds out flavors

• Cooking spray → Prevents peppers from sticking in the air fryer

• Optional Add-Ins

• Crumbled bacon → Salty, crispy addition for extra indulgence

• Jalapeños, diced → Adds heat for spice lovers

• Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives) → Brightens flavor and presentation

Directions

• Prepare the Peppers
  Slice each mini bell pepper in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes.
• Make the Cheese Filling
  In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Stuff the Peppers
  Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into each pepper half. Don’t overfill; just enough to cover the cavity.
• Air Fry
  Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
  Arrange peppers in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
  Cook for 7–8 minutes, until the peppers are slightly tender and the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
  
• Serve and Enjoy
  Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.

Notes

• Storage
  Make Ahead: Stuff peppers up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and air fry right before serving.
  Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it makes peppers soggy.
  Serving Idea: Pair with ranch, spicy aioli, or marinara for dipping.
• Variations
  Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling.
  Protein Boost: Stir in cooked ground chicken, sausage, or turkey for a heartier version.
  Tex-Mex Twist: Mix in taco seasoning and top with salsa after air frying.
  Herb Lovers: Add fresh dill, basil, or thyme for a fresh garden-inspired flavor.
  Low-Fat Option: Use light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese.

And there you have it: a colorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks gourmet, cooks fast, and disappears even faster. These Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers hit the sweet-savory balance, reheat beautifully, and scale up effortlessly for parties or game day spreads. Next time, try a split platter—half classic cheesy, half spicy jalapeño-bacon—to keep everyone happy. Pair with a trio of dips (ranch, marinara, and chipotle aioli) and you’ve got a snack board that feels like a celebration.

🎉 Hosting Hack: Want blistered peppers and perfectly bubbly tops in minutes and the ability to run two flavors at once? Upgrade to this dual-basket, max-crisp air fryer and double your output without extra time. It’s my go-to for party appetizers. 👉 Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, 2 Drawers, 9.5L, 6-in-1