Air Fryer Bell Pepper Nachos: A Healthy, Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Craving the bold flavors of classic nachos but seeking a healthier, lighter alternative? Look no further than these incredible Air Fryer Bell Pepper Nachos! This innovative recipe transforms humble mini bell peppers into a vibrant, satisfying snack or light meal, packed with seasoned ground turkey, savory refried beans, and a generous layer of melty cheese. It’s a low-carb, low-calorie way to enjoy all the nacho goodness you love, without the guilt. Get ready to ditch the corn chips and discover your new favorite veggie-packed delight!

These air fryer stuffed mini peppers are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re also a smart way to boost your vegetable intake. Whether you’re trying to incorporate more veggies into your family’s diet or simply looking for a fresh, exciting snack idea, these nachos hit all the right notes. The air fryer works its magic, perfectly roasting the bell peppers to a tender crispness while achieving that irresistibly gooey, browned cheese topping. It’s truly the best way to make taco-stuffed mini peppers!

As one satisfied fan, Hasin, shared: “Summer, This is such a fabulous recipe to incorporate more veggies, and I love you have come up with trying to get nacho cravings settling more healthily.” We couldn’t agree more! It’s a game-changer for anyone wanting to enjoy a fun, Mexican-inspired dish with a nutritious upgrade.

Why Choose Bell Pepper Nachos in Your Air Fryer?

In a world where finding exciting ways to eat healthy can be a challenge, these air fryer bell pepper nachos stand out. Most of us struggle to consume enough vegetables, and this recipe makes eating them genuinely enjoyable. While these mini pepper “nachos” aren’t traditional corn chip nachos, their taco-inspired fillings and perfectly roasted texture will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings for something savory and cheesy. If you’re a purist who adores the crunch of corn chip nachos, make sure to also check out my classic air fryer nachos recipe – but don’t underestimate the delightful experience these bell pepper versions offer!

The air fryer truly elevates this dish. It provides a quick and efficient way to cook the peppers, achieving a tender interior and slightly caramelized edges, which adds depth of flavor. The circulating hot air also ensures the cheese melts evenly and develops a golden-brown, bubbly crust, mimicking that perfect oven-baked nacho finish. This method not only speeds up cooking but also delivers consistently delicious results, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

🫑 Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Bell Pepper Nachos

To create these delightful stuffed mini peppers in the air fryer, you’ll need a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust, satisfying taste profile of this dish:

• Mini Bell Peppers: Approximately 9-11 count (about 8 ounces or 227g). Choose a variety of colors for a visually appealing dish and slightly different sweetness levels. These small, sweet peppers are the perfect vessel for our nacho filling.
• Lean Ground Turkey: About ¼ lb (113g). This lean protein makes the dish hearty and healthier. You can easily substitute with ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even ground sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Small Onion: ½, finely chopped. Adds a foundational aromatic sweetness that complements the savory filling.
• Jalapeno Pepper: ½, finely chopped. Provides a subtle kick of heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference, or omit for a milder version. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Essential for browning the meat and ensuring the peppers don’t stick to the air fryer basket.
• Fat-Free Refried Beans: ½ can (7½ ounces or 213g). These add creaminess, fiber, and an authentic Mexican flavor to the filling, binding all the ingredients together.
• Salsa: ¼ cup. Use a smooth-textured salsa for easier blending into the pepper filling, though chunky salsa works perfectly fine if that’s what you have on hand. It adds moisture and a tangy, zesty flavor.
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon. This spice is key for that classic taco-seasoned taste. Taco seasoning can also be used as a convenient alternative.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Enhances the overall flavors. Taste the mixture before adding, as salsa and refried beans can already contain sodium.
• Light Mexican Shredded Cheese: 4 ounces (113g). A blend of cheeses melts beautifully and provides that signature gooey, cheesy top. Using a “light” version helps keep the dish calorie-conscious.
• Optional Nacho Toppings: The fun part! Think chopped cilantro, cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh chopped tomato, creamy chopped avocado or guacamole, tangy sliced black olives, or extra pickled jalapenos for an additional punch. These toppings allow for endless customization and add layers of texture and flavor.

Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to adjust ingredients to your liking and experiment with different spice blends or protein sources. And don’t forget, for the best cooking experience, ensure your air fryer is clean and preheated according to the recipe instructions. This recipe is adaptable to any air fryer model, though cooking times may vary slightly. If you have a smaller basket-style air fryer, you might need to cook the peppers in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.

➕ How to Craft Perfect Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers

Creating these vibrant and flavorful air fryer bell pepper nachos is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these simple steps to prepare your healthy nacho alternative:

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey and Vegetables

Crumble the raw ground turkey finely into your air fryer basket. Add the chopped onion and jalapeno directly into the basket with the turkey. Lightly spray the mixture with cooking oil spray. Air fry for 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This initial cooking step is crucial for browning the meat and softening the vegetables, developing foundational flavors for your nachos.

After the initial air frying, remove the basket and crumble the turkey again with a fork or spatula to break up any larger pieces and ensure it’s thoroughly cooked. If the meat isn’t fully cooked through or you desire more browning, add another minute of air frying time.

Step 3: Combine the Nacho Filling

Transfer the cooked turkey, onions, and jalapeno from the air fryer basket to a mixing bowl. To this, add the refried beans, salsa, chili powder, and an optional pinch of salt. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly combined into a cohesive, flavorful mixture. This ensures every bite of your stuffed mini peppers delivers a burst of authentic nacho taste.

Step 4: Arrange Peppers in the Air Fryer

Carefully lay the sliced mini sweet peppers in your air fryer basket, ensuring the cut sides are facing up. Arrange them in a single layer. It’s perfectly fine if their sides are touching; in fact, I find that packing them in slightly helps them hold their shape and allows for more nachos in one batch!

Step 5: Stuff the Peppers Generously

Now, it’s time to stuff each mini pepper half with the savory turkey and bean mixture. Don’t be shy—really pack the filling in there! I typically find that all the prepared filling perfectly fits into the bell pepper halves, creating generously loaded nachos.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Final Air Fry

Generously cover each stuffed mini pepper half with the shredded cheese. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This final air frying step is designed to perfectly brown and melt the cheese to a bubbly, golden perfection, while also tenderizing the peppers further.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Once cooked, carefully remove the bell pepper nachos from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for just a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the cheese set slightly and prevents burns. Garnish with your favorite nacho toppings—think fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a scoop of guacamole. As you lift them off the tray, admire that beautiful, satisfying cheese pull!

💡 Chef’s Tip: No Air Fryer? No Problem!

Even without an air fryer, you can still enjoy these delicious bell pepper nachos! Simply cook the ground meat and vegetables in a skillet on your stovetop until fully browned. Assemble the mini pepper nachos with the filling and cheese as directed. Then, instead of air frying, place them on a baking sheet and broil them on high in a preheated oven for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as broilers can be very powerful!

Bell Pepper Nachos (Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe)

By Summer Yule

My bell pepper nachos air fryer recipe offers a healthier, veggie-packed twist on classic nachos, delivering incredible flavor in every bite!

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 2

Calories: 450 kcal

Ingredients

• 9-11 count mini bell peppers (about 8 ounces or 227g)
• ¼ lb lean ground turkey (113g)
• ½ small onion
• ½ jalapeno pepper
• cooking oil spray
• ½ can fat-free refried beans (7½ ounces or 213g)
• ¼ cup salsa
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
• 4 ounces light Mexican shredded cheese (113g)
• nacho toppings (optional; chopped cilantro, sour cream, chopped tomato, chopped avocado, sliced olives, etc.)

Instructions

1. Finely chop the onion and jalapeno. Cut the tops off of the sweet mini peppers, slice them in half lengthwise, and remove all of their seeds.
2. Crumble the raw ground turkey finely. Add the turkey, onion, and jalapeno to the air fryer basket. Spray with cooking oil spray. Air fry for 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to cook the meat and vegetables. Crumble the turkey again after air frying. Add another minute of air frying time if needed.
3. Put the cooked turkey, onions, and jalapeno in a bowl. Stir in the refried beans, salsa, chili powder, and salt. Make sure the various ingredients are evenly combined throughout the mixture.
4. Lay the sliced mini sweet peppers in your air fryer basket with the cut sides facing up. Put the peppers in a single layer. It’s fine if their sides are touching—I like to really pack them in there!
5. Stuff the mini pepper halves with the turkey and bean mixture. Really pack the filling in there—I was able to use it all.
6. Next, cover the stuffed mini pepper halves with the shredded cheese. Air fry for 6-8 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to brown and melt the cheese.
7. After letting the peppers cool for a few minutes, garnish them with your favorite nacho toppings and serve.

Notes

💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule

This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Packed with protein and fiber, these healthy mini pepper nachos are a lower-calorie, low-carb alternative to traditional nachos, with only 24.2 grams of net carbs per generous serving. Plus, skipping the fried chips makes them a more filling and nutritious choice!

Why make this air fryer mini peppers recipe? Here’s why:

• Rich in Antioxidants: These peppers are loaded with vitamin C and vitamin A, making them a great option for boosting your vitamin intake.
• Essential Minerals: With almost 500 mg of potassium per serving, plus iron (enhanced by vitamin C) and calcium (thanks to that cheesy topping), this dish is a nutrient powerhouse.
• High in Fiber: Each serving provides over 6 grams of fiber to help meet your daily needs, contributing to digestive health and satiety.
• Protein-Packed: With turkey, beans, and cheese, you’ll get 30 grams of protein per serving to keep you satisfied and support muscle health.

Best of all, these air fryer stuffed mini peppers are absolutely delicious—my family looks forward to them every time!

Make mini pepper nachos keto: For a ketogenic version, substitute the refried beans with a cream cheese base. You can mix softened cream cheese with a little salsa and chili powder for a similar texture and flavor.

Make mini pepper nachos vegan: To make this recipe plant-based, swap the ground turkey for black beans (or a plant-based ground meat substitute) and use a high-quality vegan cheese substitute in place of the dairy cheese. Ensure your refried beans are vegan-friendly (some contain lard).

Nutrition information is for one serving of the recipe without the toppings. Toppings can add significant calories and macronutrients, so factor those in if tracking detailed nutrition.

Nutrition Info Disclaimer

All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.

The nutrition information is an an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.

“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 30.8g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 22.2g | Saturated Fat: 10.3g | Sodium: 1091.3mg | Potassium: 498.8mg | Fiber: 6.6g | Vitamin A: 54% DV | Vitamin C: 147.7% DV | Calcium: 45.6% DV | Iron: 20.1% DV

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Keywords

air fryer stuffed mini peppers, bell pepper nachos air fryer

👨‍🍳 Explore More Mexican-Inspired Recipes

If these delicious air fryer mini sweet peppers have sparked your love for Mexican flavors, you’re in for a treat! Here are more Mexican-inspired recipes to keep your culinary adventures exciting:

• Pulled Pork Salad: A lighter take on classic carnitas, perfect for a fresh meal.
• Fresh, Homemade Mexican Chorizo Sausage: Experience the authentic, rich flavors of homemade chorizo.
• Vegan Mexican Tofu Bowl: A plant-based powerhouse packed with zest and texture.
• Huevos Rancheros Vegetable Oats: A savory and unexpected twist on breakfast, combining hearty oats with Mexican staples.
• Air Fryer Taco Meat: Perfect for quick tacos, burritos, or an easy taco salad.

👩‍🍳 Other Healthy Air Fryer Snacks You’ll Love

The air fryer is a fantastic tool for creating healthy and quick snacks. If you’re looking for more innovative ways to use your air fryer beyond these bell pepper nachos, explore these other wholesome and delicious treats:

• Air Fryer Potato Skins: A healthier version of a crowd-pleasing appetizer, crispy and full of flavor.
• Air Fryer Plantains: Sweet and caramelized maduros, a delightful side dish or snack.
• Oyster Mushroom Jerky Recipe: A surprisingly savory and chewy plant-based jerky.
• Air Fryer Popcorn: A simple, mess-free way to make a classic snack.

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