Zesty Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers (Keto, Creamy & Quick!)
Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Zesty Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers! Tender bell pepper halves are filled with a surprisingly delicious, creamy blend of softened cream cheese, tangy dill pickles, and savory pepperoni, then air-fried to tender-crisp perfection. Finished with a zesty Tajín seasoning, they’re a quick, low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free snack or appetizer that’s bursting with unique taste!
Yields: 2-4 servings (depending on bell pepper size) Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2-3 medium bell peppers (any color: red, yellow, orange, or green), sliced in half lengthwise and seeds/membranes removed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature (full-fat recommended)
- 2-3 small dill pickles, finely diced (about ¼ – ½ cup; choose sugar-free dill pickles)
- ½ cup pepperoni, finely diced or mini pepperoni (check for no added sugar)
- Tajín Clásico Seasoning, to taste (for topping)
- Cooking spray (avocado oil or olive oil)
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions:
- Prep Bell Peppers: Wash and dry the bell peppers. Slice each bell pepper in half lengthwise and carefully remove all seeds and white membranes.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese.
- Add the finely diced dill pickles and finely diced pepperoni.
- Mix well with a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is cohesive.
- Stuff Peppers: Evenly fill each bell pepper half with the cream cheese mixture, mounding it slightly if needed.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the outside and inside of the stuffed bell peppers with cooking spray.
- Place the stuffed bell peppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender-crisp and the filling is heated through and lightly golden on top. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and bell pepper thickness.
- Serve: Carefully remove the stuffed bell peppers from the air fryer.
- Generously sprinkle Tajín Clásico Seasoning over the top of each bell pepper half before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Tips for Success:
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Dice Finely: Finely dicing the pickles and pepperoni ensures a smoother, more evenly distributed filling.
- Don’t Overfill: Fill the peppers generously but leave a little room for the cheese to bubble.
- Single Layer in Air Fryer: For even cooking and crispness, arrange the bell peppers in a single layer without overlapping in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Tajín: This seasoning adds a fantastic zesty, slightly spicy, and salty kick. Add it after air frying for best flavor and vibrant color.
- Keto Pickle/Pepperoni Check: Most dill pickles are low-carb, but always check for hidden sugars. Similarly, most pepperoni is keto-friendly, but confirm no added fillers or sugars.
Storage: These are best enjoyed fresh due to the texture of the air-fried pepper. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer to re-crisp.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, from the pepperoni and cream cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the following crucial ingredient checks are made:
- Dill Pickles: Confirm they are sugar-free dill pickles (most are, but some brands can contain added sugar).
- Pepperoni: Verify no added sugars or fillers.
- Tajín: Generally very low-carb/keto-friendly, but good to give it a quick check.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Enjoy!
Read on how to prepare Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops!
