Air Fried Romano Chilli Poppers

Looking for a quick and delicious appetizer or snack? These Air-Fried Romano Chilli Poppers are stuffed with a flavorful blend of paneer, mozzarella, and spices, then air-fried to perfection. They’re cheesy, low-calorie, and bursting with flavour—perfect for parties or light snacks.

Romano Peppers

Romano peppers are also known as Italian sweet peppers. They are the cool cousins of bell peppers. These peppers bring both flavor and flair to your dishes. They’re long, slender, and slightly wrinkled, often with a vibrant red hue that’s hard to miss. These peppers are sweeter and more flavorful than standard bell peppers. They have a mild, earthy taste. This taste adds depth to any dish. Think of them as the suave, debonair peppers that waltz into your recipes and make everything better.

Romano peppers aren’t just a vegetable; they’re an experience. With their sweet, rich flavor, low-calorie profile, and versatility, they elevate every dish they touch. You can stuff them or grill them. You can pop them in your mouth as chilli poppers. These peppers bring sophistication with a touch of sass.

Why You Should Love Romano Peppers

1. Flavorsome Yet Mild: They won’t burn your taste buds off but bring a delightful sweetness to your dishes.

2. Versatile AF: Roast them, stuff them, grill them, or blend them into a soup—Romano peppers are up for anything!

3. Healthy Sidekick: Packed with nutrients and low on calories, they’re basically the health-conscious foodie’s dream.

4. Easy to Handle: Unlike spicier peppers, you can deseed and prep Romano peppers without feeling like you’ve handled dynamite.

5. Lookers of the Pepper World: Their glossy skin and vibrant colors catch your eye. They add a pop of visual appeal to your meals.

Romano peppers vs bell peppers

Bell peppers are the jocks of the pepper world. They are bulky and versatile. Romano peppers are more like the artist. They are slender, flavourful, and always bring a touch of class. Romano peppers also cook faster. They caramelize beautifully and are less watery. This quality makes them the go-to for recipes that need a sweeter punch.

Ingredients for chilli poppers

Red Romano Peppers/Chillies

The hero of this recipe, red Romano peppers, are mild, sweet, and perfect for stuffing. Unlike regular bell peppers, their elongated shape cooks faster. Their thinner skin offers a smoky-sweet flavor when roasted or air-fried. They’re also rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and natural sweetness, making them a healthier and tastier choice.

Why Use Them?

• They hold the stuffing beautifully without turning mushy.
• Add natural sweetness that complements the savoury filling.
• Their vibrant red color makes the dish look visually stunning—an Instagram-worthy snack!

 Paneer (Cottage Cheese)

Paneer brings creamy texture and subtle flavor to the stuffing. It’s high in protein, making this snack not only delicious but also filling. As a blank canvas, paneer absorbs the spices and herbs, making every bite flavorful.

Why Use Paneer?

• Adds a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the filling.
• High in protein, calcium, and low in carbs—ideal for healthy snacking.
• Its neutral taste allows spices and cheese to shine.

Mozzarella Cheese (Grated)

Mozzarella is the gooey, melty magic that elevates these chili poppers. When air-fried, it creates a luscious, stretchy layer that takes this snack to the next level. Its mild flavor blends perfectly with the paneer and Romano peppers.

Why Use Mozzarella?

• Adds that signature cheesy pull everyone loves.
• Melts evenly, giving the poppers a creamy yet stringy texture.
• Balances the spice and herbs in the stuffing.

Oregano

This herb brings a touch of earthy, aromatic goodness to the recipe. Oregano is often used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. It adds depth to the flavor profile. It also enhances the overall taste of the stuffing.

Why Use Oregano?

• Its aromatic notes pair perfectly with Romano peppers and cheese.
• Brings subtle herbaceous flavor to balance the richness of the filling.

Salt

A tiny teaspoon of salt is all it takes to bring all the ingredients together. It enhances the sweetness of the Romano peppers, highlights the cheese’s flavor, and ties in the spices.

Why Use Salt?

• Enhances the natural flavors of the stuffing and peppers.
• Brings out the subtle sweetness of the Romano peppers.

Black Pepper Powder

Black pepper adds a gentle heat that complements the sweetness of Romano peppers. It’s the “kick” in the stuffing that keeps your taste buds engaged.

Why Use Black Pepper?

• Adds mild spiciness without overpowering the flavors.
• Balances the creaminess of paneer and mozzarella.

Fresh Coriander Leaves (Chopped)

Coriander leaves are the zesty, aromatic touch that brightens the dish. They add freshness and a pop of color to the stuffing, making the overall dish more vibrant and flavorful.

Why Use Coriander Leaves?

• Adds a fresh, herbaceous twist to the cheesy filling.
• Enhances visual appeal with its bright green color.
• Complements the earthy and cheesy notes perfectly.

Step by step recipe for making chilli poppers

1. Prepare the Peppers:

Deseed, wash, and pat dry the Romano peppers. Set them aside.

2. Make the Stuffing:

In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled paneer, grated mozzarella, oregano, black pepper powder, salt, and chopped coriander leaves. Mix until well combined.

3. Stuff the Peppers:

Using a small spoon, gently stuff each Romano pepper with the prepared mixture. Be careful not to overfill.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Heat your air fryer at 180°C for 2-3 minutes.

5. Air Fry the Stuffed Peppers:

Arrange the stuffed peppers in the air fryer tray in a single layer. Air fry them for 10 minutes at 180°C. Continue until the peppers are slightly charred and the cheese is melted and golden.

6. Serve Hot:

Remove from the air fryer and serve the chili poppers hot with your favourite dip or chutney.

Serving suggestions

• Add them to a grazing board alongside other air-fried snacks for variety.
• Serve these chili poppers hot as a party snack, appetizer, or evening tea-time treat.
• Pair them with dips like garlic mayonnaise, tangy tomato salsa, or a refreshing mint yogurt chutney.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the stuffed peppers in an oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake them for 12-15 minutes until the peppers are soft. Ensure the cheese is melted.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can replace mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy jalapeño cheese blend for a kick.

3. Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can stuff the peppers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Air fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

4. What can I use instead of Romano peppers?

You can substitute Romano peppers with large jalapeños or banana peppers, depending on your heat preference.

5. Are these chili poppers spicy?

Romano peppers are mild. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of chili flakes to the stuffing. Alternatively, use spicier peppers like jalapeños.

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