Air Fryer Queso-Stuffed Peppers
Air Fryer Queso-Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the crispy texture of air-fried peppers with a creamy, flavorful queso filling. Whether you're looking for a tasty appetizer or a fun snack, this recipe is perfect for spice lovers and cheese enthusiasts. The peppers can be customized with different fillings like ground beef, chicken, or black beans for a satisfying meal. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – 1 unit
- Knife: 1 unit
- Cutting Board: 1 unit
- Mixing Bowl (1 unit)
- Spoon or small spatula for stuffing (1 unit)
- Olive oil spray (1 unit)
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers or 8 jalapeños
- 1 cup queso cheese shredded
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
- Optional: ½ cup cooked ground beef or black beans for a heartier filling
- Garnishes: sour cream cilantro, guacamole (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If using jalapeños, slice them in half and remove the seeds.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded queso cheese with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Add any optional ingredients like ground beef or black beans to the cheese mixture.
- Stuff the peppers with the queso mixture, packing it in tightly.
- Lightly coat the stuffed peppers with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray.
- Place the peppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve with optional garnishes like sour cream, cilantro, or guacamole.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the queso mixture.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with black beans or refried beans.
- To freeze, prepare the stuffed peppers and place them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a storage bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor. Pepper jack cheese adds an extra kick, while white queso offers a creamy texture.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the stuffed peppers at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until they’re tender and golden.