Air Fryer Recipe: Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
Embrace a new kind of snack or appetiser with this imaginative air fryer recipe. The Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are a playful creation that merges the classic flavours of a beloved breakfast food with the crisp, sweet crunch of roasted bell peppers. The air fryer works its magic, turning the peppers tender while creating a bubbly, slightly browned top on the creamy, savoury filling. Each bite is a delightful contrast: the subtle sweetness of the pepper, the cool and tangy cream cheese, and the irresistible crunch and flavour of the everything bagel seasoning. It's a dish that's both comforting and exciting, proving that the best flavour combinations are often the most unexpected.
Ingredients
- 12 mini bell peppers, mixed colours preferred
- 8 oz block of cream cheese, softened to room temperature1
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, plus more for garnish2
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Wash the mini bell peppers thoroughly. Using a small paring knife, carefully slice each pepper in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds and any membranes. Arrange the pepper halves, cut side up, on a clean cutting board.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Stir vigorously with a spoon or a spatula until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.
- Stuff the Peppers: Using a small spoon or a piping bag, generously fill each pepper half with the cream cheese mixture. Make sure the filling is packed well.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Carefully place the stuffed mini peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp and the cream cheese is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer. Sprinkle a little extra everything bagel seasoning over the top for a final flourish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips
- Soften the Cream Cheese: This is a crucial step! If your cream cheese isn't soft, it will be lumpy and difficult to mix with the seasoning and to stuff the peppers.
- Don't Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, cook in a single layer to allow the hot air to circulate properly. This ensures the peppers cook evenly and the filling gets that perfect, crispy top.
- Spice It Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to your cream cheese mixture.
- Add a Protein: To make it a more substantial snack, you can mix finely chopped smoked salmon or crumbled bacon into the cream cheese filling.
- Storage: These are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.3 Reheat them briefly in the air fryer to crisp them up again.