Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a deliciously simple way to enjoy a flavorful, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Plus, the combination of juicy bell peppers, savory beef (or turkey), and melty cheese satisfies my comfort food cravings while still feeling wholesome and nutritious!

Creating wholesome recipes is a passion of mine, and Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a delightfully nutritious dish. Vibrant bell peppers are filled with savory ground beef or turkey, aromatic garlic, and onions.

When combined with hearty cooked rice, juicy diced tomatoes, and melted cheese, they make an incredibly satisfying meal. These ‘peppers with stuffing’ contain enough protein and fiber to fill you up.

Ingredients

Bell Peppers:
Abundant in vitamins A and C, brings a sugary taste.

Ground Beef or Turkey:
Main origin of proteins, confers richness.

Rice:
Supplies starch, imparts essential consistency and mouthfeel, and drinks in the flavor.

Diced Tomatoes:
Imparts moisture and a sweet, tangy flavor.

Cheese:
Provides calcium, boosts creamy flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Set up your air fryer to run at a temperature of 360°F (182°C).

2. The bell peppers should be prepared by cutting off the tops and taking out the seeds and membranes. Set them aside.

3. In a skillet set to medium heat, warm the olive oil. Then, mix in the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes clear, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

4. Add the ground beef or turkey to the frying pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook it until it is brown and quite fully cooked through, then drain off any excess fat.

5. Blend in the prepared rice, the undrained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the elements into one cohesive mixture.

6. Stuff each prepared bell pepper fully with the meat and rice mixture. Push the mixture in as you go so that it fills the pepper completely.

7. Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

8. Cook the peppers in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes until they are tender and fully cooked.

9. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese. Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Take out the peppers from the air fryer and add fresh parsley as a garnish if you want. Serve the peppers when they are warm; you can enjoy the taste of air fryer stuffed peppers!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Skillet
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Spoon
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Spatula or wooden spoon

FAQ

• What type of meat can I use for this recipe?You can use either ground beef or ground turkey, depending on what you prefer.
• Can I use a different type of cheese?Of course, you can switch out the cheese for your preferred variety, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
• How do I prepare the peppers before stuffing?Rinse the peppers, trim the tops, and take out the seeds and guts.
• Is it necessary to precook the rice?The rice must be completely cooked prior to mixing it with the filling components.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?You can certainly substitute the cooked lentils or beans for the meat to make this a vegetarian option.
• How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too soft?Cooking them quickly in the air fryer keeps them crispy yet guarantees that they’re done all the way through.
• What is the best way to reheat leftovers?They can be reheated in the air fryer at a low temperature or in the microwave until warm throughout.

Substitutions and Variations

When it comes to using bell peppers, you might also try poblano peppers or zucchinis if you want a different taste or appearance. Instead of skinning the peppers, try roasting them whole. After they’re blistered and cooled, peel them and use them as you would the skinless versions.
To use in place of ground beef or turkey: Swap in ground chicken, pork, or a plant-based meat alternative.
For prepared rice: Quinoa or cauliflower rice can serve as a low-carbohydrate, gluten-free alternative.
For tomatoes that are diced: A different kind of flavor profile can be achieved by using fresh tomatoes that have been chopped, or tomatoes that have been diced and fire-roasted.
For cheese that has been shredded: If you like, you can use feta, Monterey Jack, or a cheese alternative that is free from dairy.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-Cook the Peppers For extra tender peppers, consider pre-cooking the hollowed-out bell peppers for a few minutes before stuffing them. Briefly blanch them in boiling water or microwave them for about 2-3 minutes. This can help ensure they are soft enough after air frying.

2. Cheese Variations Don’t hesitate to mix different cheeses for a unique flavor profile. A combination of cheddar and mozzarella can offer both creaminess and a hint of sharpness.

3. Add Some Heat If you enjoy a bit of spice, add some finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

4. Use Fresh Herbs Incorporating fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the meat mixture can add a bright, fresh flavor that elevates the dish.

5. Even Cooking To ensure even cooking, try to select bell peppers of similar size. This allows them to cook uniformly in the air fryer.