Zesty Bell Pepper Nachos Recipe: A Fresh Twist on Game Day Fun

Crispy tortilla chips loaded with zesty bell pepper nachos promise an explosion of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Vibrant colors splash across the plate like an edible artwork.

Cheese melts into golden rivers, embracing each crisp chip with creamy goodness.

Peppers bring a fresh crunch that sparks excitement in every bite.

Jalapeños add a spicy kick for those who love a little heat.

Layered with seasoned meat and tangy salsa, these nachos become more than just a snack, they’re a celebration.

Bell Pepper Nachos With Built-In Crunch

• Speedy Meal Prep: Whip up these bell pepper nachos in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch breaks when you need a delicious meal fast.
• Healthier Nacho Alternative: Swap traditional tortilla chips for mini bell peppers, cutting down on carbs and adding extra vegetables to your diet while keeping all the flavor and excitement of classic nachos.
• Family-Friendly Customization: Create a fun, interactive meal where everyone can add their favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro, ensuring each person gets exactly what they want.
• Low-Effort Cooking Technique: Use the air fryer to effortlessly cook ground turkey and melt cheese, reducing cooking time and minimizing cleanup with a single appliance that does most of the work for you.

Colorful Combo for Bell Pepper Nachos

• Bell Peppers: Sweet mini peppers perfect for creating a low-carb nacho base. Choose firm, brightly colored peppers without soft spots.
• Onion: Adds savory depth and aromatic flavor to the filling. Fresh white or yellow onions work best.
• Jalapeño: Provides a spicy kick and pepper heat. Select firm peppers with bright green color.

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein source for the nacho filling. Choose fresh ground turkey with low fat content.
• Refried Beans: Creamy base that helps bind the filling together. Use canned or homemade for best texture.

• Salsa: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the filling. Prefer fresh or restaurant-style salsa.
• Chili Powder: Provides warm, earthy spice to the mixture. Use pure chili powder without added salt.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a classic nacho topping. Select mild cheddar or Mexican blend.

• Cooking Oil Spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve crispy texture in air fryer.

Bell Pepper Nachos Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare Bell Peppers

Remove the tops from mini bell peppers.

Slice them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds.

Arrange the pepper halves on a clean cutting board.

Step 2: Chop Aromatics

Finely dice the onion and jalapeño peppers into small, uniform pieces.

Keep them ready for the next step.

Step 3: Cook Ground Turkey

Crumble the raw ground turkey into tiny pieces.

Transfer the turkey into the air fryer basket.

• Onion
• Jalapeño

Lightly spray with cooking oil.

Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes.

Break up the turkey again after cooking.

If the meat looks undercooked, air fry for an additional minute.

Step 4: Create Flavor Mixture

• Refried beans
• Salsa
• Chili powder
• Salt

Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 5: Stuff and Top Peppers

Arrange pepper halves in the air fryer basket with cut sides facing up.

Carefully pack each pepper half with the turkey and bean mixture.

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the stuffed peppers.

Step 6: Final Cooking

Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Allow peppers to cool for a few minutes.

• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Avocado

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Nacho Stuffing Tips For Peppers

• Choose firm, brightly colored mini bell peppers without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
• Pat turkey and vegetables dry before cooking to prevent soggy nachos and ensure proper browning in the air fryer.
• Adjust jalapeño and chili powder quantities to match your preferred heat intensity, making the dish mild or fiery.
• Cook turkey mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator, then quickly assemble and air fry peppers when ready to serve for faster meal preparation.
• Swap ground turkey with ground chicken, plant-based crumbles, or black beans to accommodate different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

Bell Pepper Nachos Store Neatly and Stay Crunchy

• Store leftover Bell Pepper Nachos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and taste.
• Allow nachos to reach room temperature before sealing the container. Prevent condensation that could make peppers soggy.
• Warm in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispy texture. Alternatively, use oven at 375°F for 5-6 minutes until cheese melts and peppers are heated through.
• Microwaving can make peppers mushy and compromise their original crispness. Stick to air fryer or oven for optimal reheating results.

Fresh Bites For Bell Nachos

• Zesty Margarita Mixer: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and agave for a tangy cocktail that complements the spicy bell pepper nachos and cuts through the rich cheese.
• Crisp Mexican Lager Companion: Choose a light beer like Modelo or Corona to balance the heat and provide a refreshing contrast to the savory turkey and bean filling.
• Cool Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream Drizzle: Whip up a quick dipping sauce with sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime zest to add a creamy, bright element that enhances the nacho's flavors.
• Fresh Pico de Gallo Side: Chop tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a bright, fresh salsa that adds extra texture and lightens the overall dish's richness.

Nacho Bell Pepper Alternatives

• Vegetarian Nachos: Replace ground turkey with black beans or plant-based ground meat alternative for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use ground beef or chicken instead of turkey, and increase cheese quantity while avoiding beans to maintain low-carb profile.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Add extra jalapeños, incorporate hot sauce, or mix in diced habanero peppers for increased heat and flavor intensity.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds to accommodate lactose-intolerant or dairy-free dietary needs.

FAQs

• Are mini bell peppers easier to work with than regular bell peppers for this recipe?

Mini bell peppers are perfect because they’re bite-sized, cook faster, and create individual nacho portions that are easier to eat and serve compared to large bell peppers.

• Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?

Yes, ground chicken, ground beef, or plant-based crumbles work great as alternatives. Just ensure you adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.

• Is an air fryer necessary for this recipe?

While an air fryer provides quick and crispy results, you can also bake these nachos in a regular oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. Just watch the cheese to prevent burning.

• How spicy will these nachos be?

The spice level depends on the jalapeño and salsa you use. For milder nachos, remove jalapeño seeds or use a mild salsa. For extra heat, keep the seeds or choose a spicier salsa.

Bell Pepper Nachos Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling bell pepper nachos bring Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table, offering a low-carb twist on classic game-day fare. Crisp pepper boats loaded with melted cheese, spicy ground meat, and zesty toppings ensure you’ll savor every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 1/4 pound (113g) lean ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 9–11 mini bell peppers (8 ounces / 227g)
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113g) light Mexican shredded cheese
• 1/2 can fat-free refried beans (7 1/2 ounces / 213g)
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
• Cooking oil spray

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Chopped tomato
• Chopped avocado
• Sliced olives

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice mini bell peppers lengthwise, removing tops and seeds to create perfect nacho vessels.
2. Dice onions and jalapeños into uniform, fine pieces for balanced flavor distribution.
3. Crumble ground turkey into small, even fragments to ensure consistent cooking.
4. Combine turkey, onions, and jalapeños in air fryer basket, applying a light mist of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the turkey mixture at 375°F for 5 minutes, breaking up meat further during cooking. Add an extra minute if meat appears undercooked.
6. Create a robust filling by blending cooked turkey, sautéed vegetables, refried beans, salsa, chili powder, and salt into a cohesive mixture.
7. Arrange pepper halves in a single layer within air fryer basket, positioning cut side upward.
8. Generously pack each pepper half with the prepared turkey and bean mixture, ensuring tight, even filling.
9. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over stuffed peppers, covering completely.
10. Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
11. Allow peppers to rest briefly, then garnish with preferred nacho toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or guacamole.
12. Serve piping hot and savor immediately for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or using milder/spicier pepper varieties for different taste preferences.
• Ensure ground turkey is thoroughly cooked and crumbled into small, uniform pieces for consistent texture and even cooking.
• Prevent soggy nachos by patting bell pepper halves dry before stuffing and avoiding excess liquid ingredients.
• Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to make this recipe suitable for health-conscious or lactose-intolerant individuals.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 50mg