Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers (Air Fryer Recipe)
Introduction:
Bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table with these Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers, made effortlessly in your air fryer. Sweet bell peppers are filled with a luscious seafood mixture made from juicy shrimp, tender crab meat, herbs, cream cheese, and spices, then topped with melted cheese for a bubbly, golden finish.
They’re elegant enough for a dinner party, yet easy enough for a weeknight indulgence. Light, low-carb, and loaded with protein—this is seafood comfort food done right.
Ingredients:
Serves 3–4 (makes 4 stuffed pepper halves)
For the Peppers:
2 large bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed (red, yellow, or orange work best)
For the Filling:
4 oz lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)
4 oz shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
2 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup shredded mozzarella
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon green onion or chives, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Topping:
Extra shredded mozzarella or cheddar
Extra Parmesan
Optional: crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs for a crispy top
Instructions:
Prep the Peppers:
Halve and core your bell peppers.
Optional: Pre-air fry empty halves at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly.
Make the Filling:
In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayo, Dijon, garlic, green onion, and seasonings until smooth.
Stir in chopped shrimp and crab meat.
Fold in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
Stuff the Peppers:
Spoon the seafood mixture into each pepper half, pressing slightly to pack.
Top each stuffed pepper with more cheese and optional crumbs.
Air Fry:
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place stuffed peppers in the basket (use parchment if desired for easy cleanup).
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until tops are golden and filling is heated through.
Serve:
Let rest for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with more parsley and a wedge of lemon.
Tips & Variations:
Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the filling.
Lighter version: Use Greek yogurt in place of some mayo or cream cheese.
No cream cheese? Sub with ricotta or a thick béchamel.
Add crunch: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or seasoned panko on top before air frying.