Air-Fried Chili Rellenos: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat!

Chile Rellenos are a Mexican dish of peppers stuffed with cheese and deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and a creamy, mildly spicy centre. They can be made in an air fryer, and the process is much quicker and easier than the traditional method. The air fryer method involves charring the peppers, stuffing them with a filling, cooking, and drizzling with sauce. The peppers can be coated in a variety of ingredients to make them crispy, such as beaten egg, seasoned breadcrumbs, or even egg roll wrappers. The air fryer method is also versatile, as Chile Rellenos can be served as a main course or a side dish.

How to choose the right chilli for your rellenos

Chile Rellenos are traditionally made with poblano peppers, but you can use any pepper you like. Poblanos are a good option if you want a relatively mild pepper, but they can sometimes be spicy depending on their growing conditions, so be careful. If you are sensitive to heat, opt for Anaheim peppers instead, as they are very mild. Both of these peppers are large and are a good size for one person.

If you like your peppers on the spicy side, you can use jalapeño peppers and serve two to three per person. In New Mexico, they use hatch chillies, which can also be spicy, so keep that in mind if you prefer milder flavours.

When choosing your peppers, try to buy the largest ones you can find. This way, you can stuff them with lots of filling and ensure you have no leftovers.

The best fillings for your chilli rellenos

Chilli Rellenos are traditionally made with poblano peppers, but you can use any pepper you like. The pepper is filled with cheese and sometimes other ingredients, then coated in batter and fried.

• Cheese is a must-have for the perfect chilli relleno. Traditional Mexican chilli rellenos use Oaxaca cheese, but you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone. For a lighter option, combine whipped cream cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Meat can be added to make the dish more well-rounded. Try carnitas, shredded chicken, or picadillo.
• Vegetables can be added for extra texture and flavour. Try corn, green onions, or cilantro.
• Spices can be added to the filling or the coating. Cumin and cayenne are great additions to the panko breadcrumb coating.
• Beans are a classic Mexican ingredient and go well with chilli rellenos. Try refried beans or frijoles de olla (a perfect pot of beans).
• Salsa is a great way to add flavour and moisture to chilli rellenos. Try a simple red or green salsa, or a salsa ranchera (a red sauce made with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and serrano peppers).
• Avocado is always a nice addition to Mexican dishes. Serve sliced avocado on the side or make a creamy guacamole.

Experiment with different combinations of fillings to find your favourite!

How to prepare your chillies for stuffing

Preparing your chillies for stuffing is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your chillies for a delicious chilli relleno dish:

Selecting the Right Chillies

The type of chilli you choose will depend on your preference for spice and the desired authenticity of your dish. For a milder option, opt for long, mild green chillies, which can be found at most Asian grocers. If you want a more authentic Mexican flavour, poblano peppers are a great choice. Alternatively, Anaheim peppers, also known as Hatch peppers, are a good option and are easily sourced from your local farmer's market.

Roasting and Blistering

Before stuffing your chillies, it's essential to roast or blister them. This step will enhance the flavour of your chillies and make them more pliable, making it easier to remove the skin and seeds. You can roast the chillies in an oven or air fryer, or blister them over the flame of a gas stove. If you opt for blistering, place the blistered chillies in a paper bag to cool down and steam for easier skin removal.

Removing the Skin and Seeds

Once your chillies are roasted or blistered, carefully remove the skins. The skins should come off easily after roasting or blistering. Then, using a teaspoon or your fingers, gently remove the seeds and membranes. This step is crucial, as it will reduce the spiciness of your chillies and create space for the delicious filling.

Slitting and Stuffing

After your chillies are cleaned and prepared, it's time to stuff them! Use a sharp knife to carefully slit each chilli down the centre, being careful not to tear the chilli. Prepare your desired filling, such as a cheese mixture or spiced chickpea flour stuffing, and generously fill each chilli. You can secure the filling with toothpicks if needed.

Coating and Frying

If you're frying your stuffed chillies, you can coat them in a light layer of cornstarch, flour, or breadcrumbs for added crispness. Simply dip the stuffed chillies in beaten egg, then roll them in your chosen coating. Finally, fry the chillies in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious chilli rellenos with perfectly prepared chillies!

The best coatings for chilli rellenos

Chile Rellenos are a traditional Mexican dish of roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and other fillings, dipped in a fluffy egg batter and fried until golden brown. The best coatings for Chile Rellenos are those that complement the flavours of the peppers and cheese, while also creating a crispy texture. Here are some of the best coatings to use:

Egg Batter

A classic coating for Chile Rellenos is a fluffy egg batter. To make this batter, separate the egg whites and yolks, beating the whites until stiff peaks form. Then, slowly add in the yolks, one at a time, along with a pinch of salt, until fully incorporated. This batter should be light, fluffy, and smooth. The peppers are then dipped into the batter, ensuring they are coated on all sides, before being gently placed in hot frying oil.

Flour

Before dipping the peppers into the egg batter, it is common to coat them with flour. This helps the egg batter adhere better to the peppers and creates a crispier texture. All-purpose flour is typically used, and the peppers are rolled in it to ensure an even coating. Any excess flour is then tapped off.

Panko Breadcrumbs

For an extra crispy texture, some recipes suggest coating the peppers with seasoned panko breadcrumbs after dipping them in the egg batter. This adds a crunchy element to the dish. Spices such as cumin and cayenne can be added to the panko for an extra kick of flavour.

Cornstarch

Sprinkling cornstarch on the peppers before dipping them in the egg batter is another trick to enhance the crispiness of the coating. This simple step can help create an even crispier exterior on the peppers.

How to cook chilli rellenos in an air fryer

How to Cook Chili Rellenos in an Air Fryer

Chili rellenos are a delicious Mexican dish of peppers filled with cheese and fried until crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle. You can make this tasty treat in an air fryer, skipping the messy process of coating the stuffed peppers in batter. Here is a step-by-step guide to making chili rellenos in your air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Peppers (poblano, Anaheim/Hatch, or canned whole green chilies)
• Cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, Oaxaca, or pepper jack)
• Egg roll wrappers (optional)
• Corn (optional)
• Scallions (optional)
• Cilantro or parsley (optional)
• Spices (salt, black pepper, cumin, cayenne, oregano)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Egg (optional)
• Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
• Flour (optional)

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Start by roasting or charring your peppers. You can roast them in the air fryer, in the oven, or directly over a gas flame. If using poblano or Anaheim peppers, you will need to remove the skins after roasting. Make a slit down the center of each pepper, remove the seeds, and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling

For the filling, you can simply use a combination of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack and cheddar, or cream cheese and cheddar, or cream cheese and Oaxaca cheese. You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as corn, scallions, and cilantro, and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Carefully stuff each pepper with the cheese mixture, adding any other desired fillings. If using egg roll wrappers, lay a wrapper on a flat surface, place the open pepper in the center, and add the cheese filling. Then, fold the wrapper around the pepper, sealing the edges with a dab of water.

Step 4: Coat the Peppers (Optional)

If you want a crispy exterior, you can coat the peppers in a light layer of cornstarch, or dip them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Beat an egg in one bowl and place the breadcrumbs with added spices in another bowl, dipping each pepper in the egg and then coating with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 5: Air Fry the Peppers

Lightly spray the outside of each pepper with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the peppers in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Set the air fryer to 350-400°F and cook for 6-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the exterior is crispy. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Chili rellenos can be served as a main course or side dish. Pair them with refried beans, Spanish rice, avocado, or a tomato-based sauce for a delicious and unforgettable meal.

Tips:

• You can prepare the peppers ahead of time by roasting or grilling them and freezing them.
• If using egg roll wrappers, you can assemble the chili rellenos and freeze them individually. Then, pop them directly into the air fryer from the freezer, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
• To reheat leftover chili rellenos, place them in a heatproof pan and into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F for about 4 minutes, checking to ensure they are thoroughly heated.

Now you're ready to make delicious chili rellenos in your air fryer! Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness without the mess of traditional frying.

Frequently asked questions