Cheesy Air Fryer Mini Bell Pepper Nachos – Low-Carb, High-Protein & Totally Addictive

Crispy, melty, and bursting with taco flavor, these air-fried mini bell pepper rings are the ultimate guilt-free snack.

Introduction: Nachos Reimagined—Lighter, Crunchier, and Bariatric-Friendly

If you’ve ever craved the cheesy, spicy satisfaction of nachos but wanted something lighter, crunchier, and more nutrient-dense—this recipe is your new best friend. These Cheesy Air Fryer Mini Bell Pepper Nachos are everything you love about nachos, minus the chips and carbs. Instead, we’re using sweet mini bell pepper rings as the base, tossing them with olive oil, taco seasoning, and shredded cheddar, then air frying them to golden, melty perfection.

They’re quick, customizable, and bariatric-friendly—perfect for anyone looking to enjoy bold flavors without the heaviness. Whether you’re prepping a snack, a party platter, or a low-carb side dish, these bites are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crave-worthy snack:

Mini bell peppers (about 6–8)
Sliced into rings—these are your “chips.”
Olive oil (1–2 tsp)
Helps the seasoning stick and promotes crisping.
Taco seasoning (1–2 tsp)
Adds bold, smoky flavor. Use store-bought or homemade.
Shredded cheddar cheese (½–¾ cup)
Melts beautifully and adds that classic nacho vibe.
Salt (a pinch)
Enhances all the flavors.

Optional Add-Ins: Crumbled cooked ground turkey, black beans, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese.

Equipment Needed

Zip-top bag or mixing bowl
Air fryer
Knife and cutting board
Tongs or spatula
Serving plate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Peppers

Wash and dry mini bell peppers.

Slice into ½-inch rings, removing seeds and membranes.

Place rings in a zip-top bag or mixing bowl.

Step 2: Season

Add:

1–2 tsp olive oil
1–2 tsp taco seasoning
A pinch of salt

Seal the bag and shake well to coat evenly.

Tip: Let them sit for 5 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Step 3: Add Cheese

Add ½–¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese to the bag.

Shake again to distribute cheese throughout the pepper rings.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra umami.

Step 4: Air Fry

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Spread the pepper rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until:

Cheese is melted and bubbly
Peppers are slightly crisped

Tip: Watch closely in the last 2 minutes to avoid burning.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer to a plate and serve immediately.

Yields:

2–3 servings

Presentation Tip: Garnish with chopped cilantro, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for:

Low-carb snacks
Game day appetizers
Bariatric-friendly meals
Quick lunchbox additions

Pair with:

Guacamole or avocado mash
Salsa or pico de gallo
Greek yogurt ranch dip
Lime wedges

Variations to Try

Want to make it your own? Try these delicious twists:

Bacon & Ranch

Add crumbled bacon and ranch seasoning.

Spicy Kick

Use pepper jack cheese and sliced jalapeños.

Garlic Parmesan

Swap taco seasoning for garlic powder and shredded parmesan.

Vegetarian Protein

Add black beans or tofu crumbles.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Best Fresh: These are crispiest right out of the air fryer.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp.

Tip: Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crunch.

Nutrition Notes (Per Serving, ~1 of 3)

Calories: ~120
Protein: ~7g
Carbohydrates: ~6g
Fat: ~9g
Sugar: ~3g
Fiber: ~2g
Net Carbs: ~4g

These bites are:

Low-carb and keto-friendly
High in protein
Naturally gluten-free
Packed with flavor

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Air Fryer Mini Bell Pepper Nachos are more than just a snack—they’re a smart, satisfying way to enjoy bold flavors without the guilt. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, recovering from bariatric surgery, or just looking for a fun new way to eat your veggies, this recipe is a total win.