Today, I am going to share one of my favorite go-to recipes; that is not only crispy and flavorful but also healthy snack and appetizer meal. Peri Bites in an Air Fryer, a best combination of spicy and cheesy appetizer that is packed with a punch of flavors. Making these Peri Bites in an air fryer gives you a satisfying crunch with the heat of Peri-Peri seasoning, also they are extremely easy to make. So, if you want to feed a crowd or if you are craving a quick spicy snack then this recipe is just for you!
By using an Air Fryer you can get that perfect golden crispiness without the excess oil and that is the best thing about these Peri Bites. You can also make these ahead of time and freeze them for later use, making them a perfect meal option for busy weeknights or even for lazy weekends. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s indulge in this deliciousness guilt-free!
For more healthy food options you can also check this Easy 5-Ingredients Air Fryer Hash Browns Recipe.
Today’s post is all about exploring how we can make these Peri Bites in an Air Fryer from scratch. We will also talk about the ingredients that we are going to use and also a few tips and techniques to help you get the perfect crisp and flavor. If you are looking for a quick and healthy snack without compromising on taste, then this recipe is ideal for you!
Table of Contents
Why everyone loves these Air Fryer Peri Bites?
The creamy cheese filling that balancing out the spicy touch from the green chilies makes these peri bites an irresistibly addictive snack and appetizer options. What makes this recipe unique is that it uses an air fryer, making the peri bites healthier than the traditional fried version while still maintaining their satisfying crunch. There are multiple reasons why everyone will love these peri bites;
- Air fryer uses significantly less oil as compared to deep-frying so these peri bites are healthier snack option than that of deep fried ones.
- You can make these without any mess, within just 30 to 40 minutes from start to end, that makes this recipe a quick and easy snack and appetizer option.
- As far as flavor and filling are concerned, they are totally customizable as you can adjust the level of heat by using different types of chilies or you can also choose the filling as per your taste preferences.
Ingredients to Make Peri Bite!
Before we dive into the detailed step by step recipe, let’s first talk about the ingredients that are used to make this recipe incredibly delicious and healthy. Each and every ingredient that we use has its own important role in making every bite perfectly delicious, from the heat of the chilies to the creamy filling and finally the crispy coating. You can find exact measurement of all the ingredients in the recipe card below;
- The star of this recipe is Green Chilies. For making peri bite you need to use large sized chilies like banana chilies or jalapeños depending on the heat level. Also chilies larger in size are perfect for enough stuffing. Make sure to use the type chilies that suit your spice tolerance.
- Boneless Chicken is used for the filling of Peri Bites that is typically cut into small pieces and cooked with garlic and Peri-peri Seasoning.
- Freshly chopped Garlic is used when cooking the chicken to enhance the flavor of filling.
- Olive Oil is used to cook the chicken and also for air frying the peri bites that basically helps the breadcrumbs crisp up perfectly and also to get golden brown color.
- We also need Water and Vinegar mixture in which we dip the chilies for few minutes in order to reduce their heat and add a mild tangy flavor.
- For balancing out the spicy flavor, Cheddar Cheese is used that also adds a cheesy kick. It adds a mild cheesy flavor that complements the overall flavor of these peri bites. It is recommended to use freshly shredded or chopped cheese rather than using frozen shredded cheese.
- Peri bites are definitely incomplete without a touch of Peri-Peri Seasoning that adds a hint of heat and zest to the filling. You can use store-bought Peri-peri seasoning that is easily available at any grocery store or you can also make your own with a mix of chili powder, paprika, garlic and herbs. I am using store-bought seasonings.
- We coat the peri bites with Breadcrumbs before air frying them to get that satisfying crunch and crisp. You should use fine crumbs instead of using coarse ones. Also use freshly opened packet of breadcrumbs to get perfect crisp.
- Before coating the chilies in egg and breadcrumbs, dipping the chilies in All-Purpose Flour allows the batter to adhere more effectively. Also flour helps develop a crunchier and crispier outer layer of peri bites when air fried.
- Beaten Egg is used to help bind the breadcrumbs to the stuffed chilies.
Step by Step Instructions to Make Peri Bites in an Air Fryer:
Let’s get into the detailed step by step instructions of making this delicious and healthy snack.
Preparing the Green Chilies:
- First of all wash the green chilies and pat dry. After they are dried well, cut the chilies by making a slit down the length of each chili. Do not cut all the way through. Remove seeds from the chilies with the help of a spoon. If you prefer more heat and spice, you can skip removing the seeds.
- To avoid the burning sensation on hands you can wear gloves while handling the chilies.
- In a large bowl add water, a table spoon of vinegar and mix. After all the chilies are cut and seeds are removed, add all the chilies in this mixture for 5 to 10 minute, meanwhile you can start making filling for the peri bites.
Making Chicken Filling:
- In a skillet add olive oil, chopped garlic and cook for a while. Once the garlic changes its color add in chopped chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the chicken changes its color to light brown. Add Peri-peri seasoning and other seasonings of your choice like black pepper or salt and cook until there is no moisture left.
- Set this aside to cool down to room temperature before using.
Stuffing the Chilies:
- Next step is to stuff all the chilies with the chicken filling and cheese. For that strain the vinegar water in which chilies were soaked and pat them dry once again. Now start stuffing carefully by adding cooked chicken inside each chili followed by cheese. Make sure not to over stuff your chilies because during air frying the filling can ooze out.
Coating the Chilies:
- First get the breading station reading with a bowl of all-purpose flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs. Add Peri-peri seasoning or any other seasonings of your choice in all of them and mix well.
- Start by dipping each chili in flour, then dip into the beaten egg. Repeat this once again by dipping in flour followed by beaten egg and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs until the chili is completely coated.
I have double coated the chilies to give an extra layer of crunch and crisp.
Air Frying the Peri Bites:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Place butter paper inside air fryer to avoid mess. Now place the stuffed and coated peri bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Brush or spray olive oil on the peri bites and air fry for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to flip halfway through and air fry until the bites are golden brown and crispy.
- Air fry in batches and do not over crowd the air fryer with peri bites and make sure to space them out for hot air to circulate evenly through them. By doing this you will get extra crispier and crunchier peri bites.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Peri Bites:
Here are some important tips that can help you ensure that your peri bites comes out perfectly every time you make them.
- For an extra crunch and crisp you can double-coat the peri bites by dipping them in flour and eggs twice.
- Spice level can easily be adjusted as per your personal preferences. If you prefer mild flavor, you can choose remove seeds and if you like spice and heat then leave the seeds inside
- Use larger chilies because they are easier to stuff and also they can hold the filling well.
- For even cooking make sure to flip the peri bites during air frying by either shaking the air fryer basket or by flipping them with the help of a tong.
- This recipe is one of the best make ahead and freeze recipes. You can prepare by stuffing and coating the peri bites in advance and freeze them for about 2 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
When making peri bites in an air fryer make sure to look out for these common mistakes so that you end up getting the perfectly crispy peri bites.
- Overcrowding and placing too many peri bites in an air fryer basket will restrict the hot air to be able to circulate properly that may result in soggy peri bites. So always ensure that there is enough space between the peri bites for even cooking.
- Another common mistake people make is that they don’t flip the bites during air frying. It is very important to flip them half way through so that the peri bites are equally crispy and golden brown from all the sides.
- Also stuffing the chilies with too much filling can make a mess in the air fryer because filling can ooze out during air frying. So try to use moderate amount of filling.
Can I make Air Fryer Peri Bites Vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and substitute it by using vegetables of your choice for the stuffing to create a vegetarian version.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Peri Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them before air frying. Just make sure they are spread apart on a tray while freezing to prevent sticking.
How long does it take to cook Peri Peri Bites in an air fryer?
Cooking peri peri bites in an air fryer typically takes between 15 to 20 minutes at 200°C (400°F). It’s essential to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Are air fryer peri bites healthy?
Air fryer peri bites are generally considered healthier than traditional fried snacks since they require less oil. This cooking method not only reduces the calorie content but also preserves more nutrients in the food. For a healthier version, you can opt for leaner meats or more vegetables.
Conclusion:
These Air Fryer Peri Bites are a must-try, no doubt! Why? Because they are cheesy, crispy, spicy, easy to make and most importantly a Healthy Snack! Also making them in an air fryer gives you a crispy and crunchy peri bites to enjoy without the guilt of consuming excessive amount of oil as used in deep-frying.
So what else could anyone ask for? Whatever the occasion is, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So give it a try and you will be amazed to see the results. Also share your experience with us in the comment section down below!
Air Fryer Peri Bites
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 15 Large Green Chilies (Banana chilies or Jalapeños)
- ½ KG Boneless Chicken (Cut into small cubes)
- 1 Tbsp. Garlic (Chopped)
- 4 Tbsp. Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
- 2 Cup Water (To dip deseeded chilies)
- 1 Tbsp. Vinegar (To dip deseeded chilies)
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese
- 2 Tbsp. Peri Peri Seasoning
- 1 Cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 or 2 Eggs (Beaten)
Instructions
Preparing the Green Chilies
- Wash the green chilies and pat dry.
- After they are dried well, cut the chilies by making a slit down the length of each chili.
- Remove seeds from the chilies with the help of a spoon. If you prefer more heat and spice, you can skip removing the seeds.
- In a large bowl add water, a table spoon of vinegar and mix.
- Add all the chilies in this mixture for 5 to 10 minute.
Making Chicken Filling
- In a skillet add olive oil, chopped garlic and cook for a while.
- Add in chopped chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the chicken changes its color to light brown.
- Add Peri-peri seasoning and other seasonings of your choice like black pepper or salt and cook until there is no moisture left.
- Set this aside to cool down to room temperature beforeusing.
Stuffing the Chilies
- Strain the vinegar water in which chilies were soaked and pat them dry once again.
- Stuff all the chilies with the chicken filling and cheese carefully by adding cooked chicken inside each chili followed by cheese.
- Make sure not to overstuff your chilies because during air frying the filling can ooze out.
Coating the Chilies
- Get the breading station reading with a bowl of all-purpose flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs.
- Add Peri-peri seasoning or anyother seasonings of your choice in all of them and mix well.
- Start by dipping each chili in flour, then dip into the beaten egg. Repeat this once again by dipping in flour followed by beaten egg and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs until the chili is completely coated.
Air Frying the Peri Bites
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
- Placebutter paper inside air fryer to avoid mess.
- Place the stuffed and coated peri bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Brush or spray olive oil on the peri bites and air fry for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Make sure to flip halfway through and air fry until the bites are golden brown and crispy.
- Air fry in batches and do not over crowd the air fryer with peri bites and make sure to space them out for hot air to circulate evenly through them.
- Serve hot with any sauce of your choice.
