Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Spoon or small scoop
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 large Bell Peppers
- 1 pound Ground Beef or Turkey
- 1 cup Cooked Rice or Quinoa
- 1 small Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese
- 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper
Notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
- Wash the bell peppers thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Slice off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Keep the tops to use as a lid if desired.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice or quinoa, diced onions, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
- Spoon the filling mixture into the hollowed-out bell peppers, packing it tightly but leaving a small space at the top.
- If using the tops of the peppers, place them back on as a lid.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Stuffed Peppers
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the basket. Ensure they’re not overcrowded.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Open the air fryer, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top of each pepper, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
- Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.
Tips for Success
- Choose Uniform Peppers: Select peppers that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- Pre-Cook the Filling (Optional): For an even faster cook time, pre-cook the ground meat and mix it with the other filling ingredients.
- Use Lean Meat: Lean meat reduces excess grease, keeping the peppers from becoming soggy.
- Test for Doneness: Ensure the peppers are tender by piercing them with a fork before serving.
Side Dish and Beverage Pairings
- Side Suggestions: Pair with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
- Beverage Pairings: Serve with iced tea, a light white wine, or sparkling water with lemon.
Variations
- Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Substitute the ground meat with black beans, chickpeas, or lentils for a meatless option.
- Mexican-Inspired Peppers: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn to the filling, and top with salsa and sour cream.
- Breakfast Stuffed Peppers: Use scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and shredded cheese for a breakfast twist.
