Introduction
If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine and love the smoky and spicy flavors of chiles rellenos, you’ll be delighted to know that you can easily make them in an air fryer. This modern kitchen appliance allows you to enjoy the crispy and golden exterior of chiles rellenos without the need for deep frying. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making delicious chiles rellenos in an air fryer.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:
– 4 large poblano peppers
– 1 cup of shredded cheese (such as Oaxaca or Monterey Jack)
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 4 large eggs, separated
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs
– Cooking spray
Preparation
Step 1: Roasting the Peppers
Start by roasting the poblano peppers. You can do this by placing them directly on the rack of your air fryer and setting the temperature to 400°F. Let the peppers roast for about 15 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the skin is blistered and charred. Remove the peppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Removing the Skin and Seeds
Once the peppers have cooled down, carefully peel off the skin. It should come off easily due to the roasting process. Make a small slit on one side of each pepper and gently remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse the peppers under cold water to remove any remaining seeds.
Step 3: Stuffing the Peppers
Take a handful of shredded cheese and stuff it into each pepper. Be generous with the filling, but make sure you can still close the pepper without it bursting open. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed.
Step 4: Breading the Peppers
In a shallow dish, mix the flour and salt. In another dish, whisk the egg whites until frothy. In a third dish, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each stuffed pepper into the flour mixture, then into the egg whites, and finally into the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 5: Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded peppers in the basket, leaving enough space between them for the air to circulate. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the peppers are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
Once the chiles rellenos are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them as a main dish accompanied by rice, beans, and a fresh salsa. You can also serve them as an appetizer or snack with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make chiles rellenos in an air fryer, you can enjoy this delicious Mexican dish without the guilt of deep frying. The air fryer provides a healthier alternative while still achieving the crispy and flavorful results you crave. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade chiles rellenos!