Elevate your culinary experience with this gourmet air-fried creation—Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers that seamlessly blend health and indulgence. Bursting with vibrant colors and robust flavors, this appetizer redefines sophistication in simplicity.
Ingredients and Preparations: Begin by selecting one pound of fresh mini sweet peppers, ensuring a medley of colors for visual appeal. To craft the luscious stuffing, amalgamate a cup of velvety cream cheese, harmonizing with the sharpness of half a cup of shredded cheddar. Add the freshness of a quarter cup each of finely chopped green onions and diced tomatoes, infusing a burst of garden-fresh flavors. Optionally, introduce a savory dimension with a quarter cup of crispy, crumbled bacon. Season the filling with a teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of onion powder, and a judicious amount of salt and pepper, creating a symphony of tastes.
Air Fryer Perfection: Preheat the air fryer to an optimal 375°F (190°C), establishing the ideal environment for a delectable result. Halve the mini peppers lengthwise, meticulously removing seeds and membranes to make room for the sumptuous stuffing. The stuffing, a velvety blend of textures and tastes, takes center stage, enhancing the inherent sweetness of the peppers.
Presentation and Customization: Meticulously stuff each pepper half, ensuring a generous and artful display of the exquisite filling. The air fryer, a culinary magician in its own right, transforms this assembly into perfection, with a golden-brown exterior and tender pepper embrace. Serve these delightful morsels on a stylish platter, their vibrant hues and inviting aroma promising a culinary journey.
Conclusion: These Air-Fried Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers redefine the concept of elevated snacking, offering a tantalizing blend of health-conscious choices and gourmet indulgence. Perfect for upscale gatherings or intimate soirées, this culinary masterpiece guarantees to leave an enduring impression, a testament to the synergy of simplicity, flavor, and the artistry of air-frying technology. Elevate your palate with every bite, savoring the balance of textures and tastes in this symphony of culinary excellence.
Air-Fried Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers
Ingredients:
- 1 pound mini sweet peppers
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Peppers: Wash the mini sweet peppers and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes to create a hollow space for the stuffing.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, cooked and crumbled bacon (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Stuff the Peppers: Using a spoon, stuff each pepper half with the cream cheese mixture. Make sure to press the filling in to ensure the peppers are well-stuffed.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the stuffed peppers in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Air Fry: Cook the stuffed peppers in the preheated air fryer for about 8-10 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is golden brown.
- Serve: Once done, remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm as a delightful appetizer or snack.