Print

Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Banana Peppers with Italian Sausage

crispy air fryer stuffed banana peppers - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy recipe featuring banana peppers stuffed with a savory Italian sausage and cheese filling, cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium fresh banana peppers
  • 12 oz Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casing removed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 50 g)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 25 g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup finely diced onion
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or fennel seed

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the banana peppers. Slice them lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  4. Transfer the sausage mixture to a bowl. Stir in softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or fennel seed. Mix until creamy and combined.
  5. Fill each banana pepper half generously with the sausage mixture using a spoon or small scoop, avoiding overstuffing.
  6. Lightly brush the outside of each stuffed pepper with olive oil.
  7. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed peppers in a single layer in the basket without touching.
  8. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the pepper edges are browned and crisp.
  9. Let the peppers rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat banana peppers dry before stuffing to ensure crispiness. Avoid overfilling to prevent filling spillage. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Rotate or shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning. Use mid-fat Italian sausage and drain excess fat to avoid greasiness. Optional fennel seed adds a subtle anise flavor. If no air fryer is available, bake at 400°F (205°C) on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, stuffed banana peppers, Italian sausage, crispy, quick recipe, easy dinner, appetizer

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/crispy-air-fryer-stuffed-banana-peppers-with-italian-sausage-easy-recipe/