Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Air fryer stuffed peppers are a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with a savory filling of rice, protein, and vegetables, these peppers cook beautifully in the air fryer, resulting in tender shells and a perfectly cooked filling. This dish is as nutritious as it is delicious, and it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Cooks in less time than oven-baked stuffed peppers.
• Healthy and wholesome: Packed with protein, veggies, and whole grains.
• Customizable: Adapt the filling to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Minimal cleanup: The air fryer makes this recipe easy and mess-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bell peppers (any color, tops removed, and seeds scooped out)
• Ground beef, turkey, or plant-based protein
• Cooked rice or quinoa
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Diced tomatoes (canned, drained)
• Tomato sauce
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• Black beans
• Corn
• Spinach or kale, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (for heat)

Directions

this recipe

Prepare the Filling:

1. Cook the protein:
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Add the ground protein and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Mix the filling:
   • Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and half of the tomato sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat.

Stuff the Peppers:

3. Prep the peppers:
   • Brush the outside of the bell peppers with olive oil.
4. Fill the peppers:
   • Spoon the prepared filling into each pepper, packing it gently but not overfilling.
5. Top with cheese:
   • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.

Cook in the Air Fryer:

6. Preheat the air fryer:
   • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
7. Cook the peppers:
   • Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve:
   • Remove carefully from the air fryer and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or additional cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 stuffed peppers
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 12 minutes
• Total time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Use black beans, quinoa, and chopped veggies for the filling instead of meat.
• Spicy peppers: Use poblano or Anaheim peppers and add jalapeños to the filling.
• Low-carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
• Cheesy twist: Mix shredded cheese into the filling for extra gooeyness.
• Mediterranean style: Add feta, olives, and oregano to the filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before air frying.

FAQs

1. Can I use raw meat for the filling?

Yes, but ensure the meat is fully cooked during the air frying process. Increase the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I use mini bell peppers?

Absolutely! Mini bell peppers make a great appetizer or snack. Adjust the cooking time to about 6–8 minutes.

3. What’s the best way to keep the peppers from falling over?

Cut a small slice off the bottom of each pepper to create a flat base.

4. Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese topping entirely.

5. Do I need to precook the peppers?

No, the air fryer cooks the peppers to tender perfection without precooking.

6. What grains work best in the filling?

Rice, quinoa, couscous, or even barley work wonderfully.

7. Can I bake these in the oven instead?

Yes, bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

8. Can I use a different type of protein?

Yes, ground chicken, sausage, or even lentils make great substitutions.

9. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Add the cheese in the last 5 minutes of cooking if you’re worried about it browning too much.

10. Can I make these spicy?

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.

Conclusion

Air fryer stuffed peppers are a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic dish with less hassle. The combination of tender peppers, savory filling, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Customize your filling and enjoy this versatile, flavorful recipe!

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