Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food, and preparing them in an air fryer makes the process quicker and easier while delivering perfectly cooked peppers with a tender yet slightly crisp texture. This recipe combines flavorful fillings with the convenience of modern kitchen technology for a dish that’s both satisfying and efficient.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with veggies and protein, this dish fits into a balanced diet.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the fillings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect Texture: The air fryer ensures the peppers are tender with a slight crunch, while the filling cooks to perfection.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Ground beef or turkey
- Cooked rice
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil spray
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds and membranes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Mix the cooked meat with rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pepper with the filling mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Lightly spray the peppers with olive oil and arrange them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the peppers and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground meat with a mix of black beans and corn for a plant-based filling.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder to the filling for extra heat.
- Different Proteins: Try ground chicken, sausage, or even a mix of quinoa and lentils.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or pepper jack for unique flavors.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use raw meat in stuffed peppers for the air fryer?
Yes, but precooking the meat ensures it’s fully cooked and reduces the risk of uneven cooking.
2. Do I need to pre-cook the peppers before stuffing them?
No, the air fryer cooks the peppers thoroughly, so pre-cooking isn’t necessary.
3. Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, freeze them after cooking and cooling. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. What other vegetables can I add to the filling?
You can add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
5. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Absolutely! Quinoa is a great substitute and adds a nutty flavor.
6. What type of bell peppers work best?
Any color works, but red, yellow, and orange are sweeter than green peppers.
7. Can I make these in advance?
Yes, prepare the peppers and filling, then refrigerate them. Cook just before serving.
8. How can I avoid soggy peppers?
Ensure you don’t overfill them and use the air fryer to maintain their crispness.
9. Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, marinara, enchilada sauce, or even a creamy alfredo can work well.
10. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
Don’t overstuff the peppers and press the filling in gently to keep it intact.
Conclusion
Air fryer stuffed peppers are a game-changer for quick and delicious meals. They combine the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers with the efficiency of air frying, making them an excellent choice for any occasion. With endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a perfectly balanced dish that’s both healthy and flavorful!
Print
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a quick and delicious meal, featuring tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers:
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Lightly brush the peppers with olive oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Place the peppers in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes to soften them slightly.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Fill each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Cook in Air Fryer:
- Place the stuffed peppers back into the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 10 minutes.
- Open the air fryer and sprinkle the tops of the peppers with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For a different flavor, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as diced zucchini or mushrooms.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes or using pepper jack cheese.
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