One of my favorite Super Bowl snacks to make every year are these amazing air fryer stuffed mini peppers. I used to bake them, until I realized how much faster I get to eat them with the air fryer! Theyโre filled with creamy cheese and sausage for the perfect low carb two-bite app!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Cute mini peppers are stuffed with a mixture of sausage, cheese, and seasonings for a perfect creamy, savory bite (or two). Theyโre an awesome option for your game day table, but they make a good snack or appetizer any time of year honestly.
Like most dishes, there are a variety of different fillings you can use, so Iโll make sure to give you some alternatives so you can adjust to taste. Sausage and cheese is always a classic, though, so itโs a great starting point!
Thanks to the air fryer, youโll get browned, hot filling and just slightly softened peppers, which make for the ultimate snacking vessel. Theyโre easy to set out and even easier to eat!
Plus, you can do the prep work ahead of time and just cook them when youโre ready, so you can get back to the game or your party that much quicker.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb mini peppers
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ยฝ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ยผ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 6 ounces garlic and herb soft cheese (such as Boursin or Alouette)
- 6 ounces pork sausage, cooked and crumbled (such as Bob Evans)
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- ยฝ tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp parmesan cheese
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You could also use jalapeno peppers in place of mini bell peppers for a spicier option (like a jalapeno popper)!
- Instead of garlic and herb soft cheese, you can use a different flavor, or sub goat cheese or cream cheese instead
- For sausage substitutions, try cooked crumbled bacon (another of my favorites), ground beef, chorizo, chopped pepperoni, prosciutto, or plant based sausages for a vegetarian option
- Feel free to add other herbs and seasonings as desired! Great choices include chives, parsley, onion powder, everything bagel seasoning, or red pepper flakes
Step By Step Instructions
- Wash and dry your peppers. Cut off the stems, then slice them lengthwise down the middle, removing any seeds and membranes
- Toss the pepper halves in a mixing bowl or ziploc bag with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. Set aside
- In a bowl, combine the soft cheese, cooked sausage, minced jalapeno, garlic, and parmesan cheese, and stir until well mixed
- Using a spoon or spatula, stuff each one of the pepper halves with the cheese mixture. You do not need to mound it. Note that you may end up with some extra peppers left over, depending on their sizes
- Place the filled peppers into your air fryerโs basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375ยฐF-380ยฐF (depending on your air fryerโs available settings) for 8-10 minutes, until the top is browned and bubbly
- Cool slightly (the filling will be hot) and enjoy!
What to Serve With Stuffed Mini Peppers
- Green salad
- Garlic knots
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Potato skins
- Smashed Brussels sprouts
- Green bean fries
- Cauliflower wings
- Spinach balls
- Fried broccoli
- Zucchini fries
- Chips and salsa
- Guacamole
- Soups
There are a variety of things to serve with stuffed mini peppers! Theyโre great with other finger foods and appetizers to complete your party snack spread, but you can make a meal out of them with some heartier accompaniments.
Try air fryer sausage and cheese stuffed peppers with my Air Fryer Smashed Brussel Sprouts, Potato Skins in the Air Fryer, Crispy Green Beans in the Air Fryer, Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower Wings, Air Fryer Frozen Garlic Knots or some Air Fryer Spinach Balls.
Recipe FAQs
What Ingredients Are Required for Making Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers?
Air fryer stuffed mini peppers require mini bell peppers and whatever stuffing youโd like to add to them.
Common options include soft cheeses, meats like sausage or bacon, and herbs or spices, like garlic, chives, or parsley.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Stuffed Mini Peppers in the Air Fryer?
Typically, it takes around 8-12 minutes at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for the peppers to become tender and the filling to brown.
Cooking times may vary depending on the filling used and the size of the mini peppers, as well as your specific air fryer.
Can I Use Different Fillings or Customize the Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various fillings like different cheeses, meats, grains, or even vegetarian options.
The recipe is highly customizable to suit personal tastes.
What Are Some Suggested Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers?
Air fryer stuffed mini peppers make great appetizers, snacks, or even a side dish.
They can be served with dipping sauces, atop salads, or as part of a larger spread at gatherings.
Can I Store Leftover Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You can reheat them in the air fryer or microwave before serving.
Recipe Pro Tips
- You can cook your sausage on the stove, or in the air fryer at 400ยฐF for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Drain well to remove excess grease
- I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe. However, if you do (since itโs easy to while stuffing the peppers), reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes
- It is normal for some of the filling to leak out during cooking. If you want to use some parchment or foil underneath to make cleanup easier, feel free
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover stuffed mini peppers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months
- To reheat, air fry at 350ยฐF for 3-5 minutes, until the peppers are warm and the cheese is re-melted (add 1-2 minutes if reheating from frozen)
More Air Fryer Recipes For Peppers
- Air Fryer Roasted Red Peppers
- Air Fryer Stuffed Banana Peppers
- Chile Rellenos With Egg Roll Wrappers
- Air Fryer Stuffed Poblano Peppers
- Taco Stuffed Peppers in the Air Fryer
Final Thoughts
These air fryer stuffed mini peppers are a perfect appetizer or snack! Filled with creamy cheese, savory sausage, plus garlic and herbs, theyโre a naturally low carb flavor bomb in a bite sized offering. I love to serve them up for the Super Bowl, but theyโre perfect for entertaining any time!
Feel free to change up the meats and cheeses you use to customize them just the way you like it! There are a ton of great combinations to suit all different tastes.
Stuff the peppers up ahead of time and leave them in the refrigerator, and then brown them in your air fryer when youโre ready to enjoy! At just 10 minutes of cooking time, theyโre quick and easy, but delicious as well.
Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers (With Cheese and Sausage)
Equipment
- Spatula (or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 Pound mini bell peppers
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ยฝ Tsp salt (or to taste)
- ยผ Tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 6 Ounces garlic and herb soft cheese (such as Boursin or Alouette)
- 6 Ounces pork sausage, cooked and crumbled (such as Bob Evans)
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- ยฝ Tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Wash and dry your peppers. Cut off the stems, then slice them lengthwise down the middle, removing any seeds and membranes1 Pound mini bell peppers
- Toss the pepper halves in a mixing bowl or ziploc bag with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. Set aside1 Tbsp olive oil, ยฝ Tsp salt, ยผ Tsp black pepper
- In a bowl, combine the soft cheese, cooked sausage, minced jalapeno, garlic, and parmesan cheese, and stir until well mixed6 Ounces garlic and herb soft cheese, 6 Ounces pork sausage, cooked and crumbled, 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced, ยฝ Tsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp parmesan cheese
- Using a spoon or spatula, stuff each one of the pepper halves with the cheese mixture. You do not need to mound it. Note that you may end up with some extra peppers left over, depending on their sizes
- Place the filled peppers into your air fryerโs basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375ยฐF-380ยฐF (depending on your air fryerโs available settings) for 8-10 minutes, until the top is browned and bubbly
- Cool slightly (the filling will be hot) and enjoy!
Notes
- You could also use jalapeno peppers in place of mini bell peppers for a spicier option (akin to a jalapeno popper)!
- Instead of garlic and herb soft cheese, you can use a different flavor, or sub goat cheese or cream cheese instead
- For sausage substitutions, try cooked crumbled bacon, ground beef, chorizo, chopped pepperoni, prosciutto, or plant based sausages for a vegetarian option
- Feel free to add other herbs and seasonings as desired! Great choices include chives, parsley, onion powder, everything bagel seasoning, or red pepper flakes
- You can cook your sausage on the stove, or in the air fryer at 400ยฐF for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Drain well to remove excess grease
- I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe. However, if you do (since itโs easy to while stuffing the peppers), reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes
- It is normal for some of the filling to leak out during cooking (so feel free to use some parchment or foil underneath to make cleanup easier)
- Store leftover stuffed mini peppers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months
- To reheat, air fry at 350ยฐF for 3-5 minutes, until the peppers are warm and the cheese is re-melted (add 1-2 minutes if reheating from frozen)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, size of individual peppers, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
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