Pimento Cheese Cracker Bites with Air-Fried Sweet Peppers
A creative and quick appetizer that pairs the creamy texture of pimento cheese with the natural sweetness of air-fried bell peppers and a satisfying pistachio crunch, all served on savory crackers. This recipe offers a unique flavor combination in a Mediterranean-inspired mezze style, highlighting the versatility of the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium pepper red bell pepper strip
Substitute: If only orange bell pepper strips are available, use 1 full orange bell pepper.
- 1/4 cup (2 oz) pimento cheese spread
Substitute: No direct substitution for the pimento cheese spread provided.
- 12 crackers round savory cracker
Substitute: Any similar savory cracker can be used if you have a different type on hand.
- 1/2 medium pepper orange bell pepper strip
Substitute: If only red bell pepper strips are available, use 1 full red bell pepper.
- 1/4 cup unshelled pistachio
Substitute: No direct substitution for the pistachios provided.
Equipment Needed
- • Cutting board
- • Chef's knife
- • Air fryer
- • Small bowl
- • Serving plate
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
500
Protein
16g
Carbs
32g
Fat
33g
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Bell Peppers (Prep): On a cutting board, carefully slice 1/2 of the red bell pepper and 1/2 of the orange bell pepper into 1/2-inch wide strips (slightly thicker pieces for better topping). (3 minutes)
⏱️ 3 minutes
Technique: slicing
- 2
Preheat Air Fryer (Preheat): If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. (3-5 minutes)
⏱️ 3-5 minutes
Technique: preheating
- 3
Air Fry Bell Peppers (Air Frying/Roasting): Place the bell pepper strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer (avoid overcrowding, you may need to cook in two batches). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through. The peppers should be tender (softened) with slightly charred (lightly browned and caramelized) edges. (7-9 minutes)
⏱️ 7-9 minutes
Technique: air frying
- 4
Prepare Pistachios (Prep): While the bell peppers are cooking, shell the 1/4 cup of unshelled pistachios. Roughly chop the shelled pistachios into small pieces. (3 minutes)
⏱️ 3 minutes
Technique: shelling and chopping
- 5
Assemble Cracker Bites (Assembly): Once the bell peppers are cooked, let them cool slightly. Spread a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of the 1/4 cup pimento cheese spread onto each of the 12 round savory crackers. Top each pimento cheese cracker with 1-2 pieces of the air-fried bell pepper strips. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the top of each cracker bite. Arrange on a serving plate and serve immediately. (3 minutes)
⏱️ 3 minutes
Technique: assembly
💡 Chef's Tips
The natural sweetness of the air-fried peppers beautifully complements the savory pimento cheese. For an even crispier cracker base, you could briefly air fry the crackers for 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C) before assembling, but watch them closely as they can burn quickly.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Overcooking the bell peppers, which can make them too soft or completely burnt.
- • Overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents proper roasting and charring of the peppers.
- • Not shelling pistachios carefully, potentially leaving shell fragments in the finished dish.
Why Easy?
✓ What makes it easier:
- • Involves simple slicing of bell peppers.
- • Basic and forgiving air fryer operation for vegetables.
- • Straightforward assembly steps with no intricate plating required.
- • The combination of ingredients is creative but doesn't require complex culinary skills.
