Airfryer Stuffed Mini Peppers
Airfryer Stuffed Mini Peppers is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Skyler Paladino on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 25 min
Cost: $7.93 total, $1.98 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 Bell Peppers (red, yellow or green; cut lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (or shredded cheddar, loosely packed)
- 1 tablespoon Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (store‑bought blend, can adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil (optional, for light drizzle)
Instructions
Prepare the peppers
Slice each bell pepper in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and white membranes with a spoon or your fingers.
Time: PT5M
Add cheese and seasoning
Place the pepper halves in a bowl, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly into each cavity, drizzle with olive oil if using, and top with Everything But The Bagel seasoning.
Time: PT3M
Preheat the air fryer
Set the air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 350°F
Air fry the stuffed peppers
Arrange the pepper halves in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook for 8‑10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden.
Time: PT9M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and serve
Remove the peppers carefully, let them rest for 2 minutes, then serve warm.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 8 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (if seasoning is certified gluten‑free)
Allergens: Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bell Peppers: Poblano peppers, Mini sweet peppers
- Instead of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby cheese
- Instead of Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: Everything bagel seasoning, Italian seasoning
- Instead of Olive Oil: Avocado oil, Vegetable oil
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spoon
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cut peppers and remove seeds and membranes
- Fill peppers with cheese and Everything But The Bagel seasoning
- Air fry at 350°F for 8‑10 minutes without overcrowding
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a blend of mozzarella and a sharper cheese like cheddar for extra flavor.
- For a crispier top, sprinkle a tiny pinch of grated Parmesan during the last minute of cooking.
Troubleshooting
Cheese does not melt fully.
Increase cooking time by 1‑2 minutes or raise temperature to 375°F for the final minute.
Peppers become soggy.
Pat the pepper halves dry after scooping out seeds and avoid adding excess oil.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended; cheese texture may become grainy.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare and fill the pepper halves up to step 2, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying.
- Pre‑shred the cheese and store in a sealed bag to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in American cuisine?
Stuffed peppers have been a staple of American home cooking since the early 20th century, originally popularized as a budget‑friendly way to use fresh produce and leftover fillings. The air‑fryer version is a modern twist that keeps the dish quick, low‑fat, and retains the comforting cheese‑filled goodness.
What are the traditional regional variations of stuffed peppers in the United States?
In the Midwest, stuffed peppers often contain ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce. In the Southwest, they may feature corn, black beans, and spicy chiles. The Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers recipe from Skyler Paladino offers a vegetarian, cheese‑focused variation that reflects contemporary health‑conscious trends.
How are Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers traditionally served in American households?
They are typically served as a main‑course side or a hearty appetizer, often accompanied by a simple green salad or crusty bread. The peppers are enjoyed hot, with the melted cheese providing a rich, comforting bite.
On what occasions or celebrations are stuffed peppers traditionally associated in American culture?
Stuffed peppers are popular for family weeknight dinners, pot‑lucks, and holiday gatherings because they can be made ahead and are easy to serve individually. They also appear on summer BBQ menus when fresh peppers are in season.
How does Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
The dish embodies classic American comfort food traits—simple ingredients, cheesy richness, and a warm, home‑cooked feel—while the air‑fryer method reduces oil and cooking time, aligning with today’s healthier, convenience‑driven cooking style.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for stuffed peppers versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional stuffed peppers often include ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and cheese. In Skyler Paladino’s vegetarian version, cheese and Everything But The Bagel seasoning replace meat, and you can substitute other shredded cheeses or use poblano peppers instead of bell peppers.
What other American dishes pair well with Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers?
They pair nicely with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic‑buttered corn on the cob, or a side of roasted potatoes. For a lighter meal, serve them alongside quinoa or a grain‑free cauliflower rice pilaf.
What makes Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers special or unique in American cuisine?
The use of an air fryer creates a crisp exterior without deep‑frying, preserving the pepper’s natural sweetness while delivering perfectly melted cheese in minutes—a fast, low‑fat update to a classic comfort dish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers?
Common errors include overfilling the peppers, which causes cheese to spill, and overcrowding the air‑fryer basket, which leads to uneven cooking. Also, skipping the preheat can result in a soggy pepper rather than a crisp skin.
How do I know when Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are done cooking?
The peppers are done when the cheese is fully melted, lightly golden, and the pepper skin is tender but still holds its shape. A quick visual check at 8 minutes will tell you if an extra minute is needed.
What does the YouTube channel Skyler Paladino specialize in?
The YouTube channel Skyler Paladino focuses on quick, approachable home cooking videos that highlight modern kitchen gadgets, especially air fryers, and provide easy‑to‑follow recipes for busy lifestyles.
How does the YouTube channel Skyler Paladino's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Skyler Paladino emphasizes minimal prep, health‑conscious tweaks, and the use of air‑fryer technology to recreate classic comfort dishes with less oil and faster cooking times, setting the channel apart from traditional stovetop‑only tutorials.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
