Air-Fryer Stuffed Peppers: A Healthy, Quick Treat?

Yes, you can put stuffed peppers in an air fryer. In fact, cooking stuffed peppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy, delicious, and comforting meal.

Air fryer stuffed peppers are typically filled with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and vegetables, seasoned with herbs and spices, and topped with melted cheese. The peppers themselves can be any colour, but the most common varieties used are red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers. The filling is cooked separately and then stuffed into the peppers, which are then placed in the air fryer and cooked for around 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender.

Some recipes suggest pre-cooking the peppers in the air fryer for a few minutes before filling them, to ensure they are fully cooked and tender. This is especially useful if you are short on time. However, it is not necessary to pre-cook the peppers, as the moisture from the filling and the heat of the air fryer will cook them through.

How to prepare the peppers for stuffing

Preparing the peppers for stuffing is a simple process. First, rinse the peppers and pat them dry. Then, cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from the insides. You can choose to dice the tops and add them to your filling mixture if you like. It is important to ensure that the peppers can stand upright in your air fryer. If they are wobbly, you can trim the bottoms slightly so that they sit flatter. If you are still having trouble getting them to stand, you can use small balls of foil to help them stand upright.

How to make the filling

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need bell peppers (any colour), olive oil, onion, garlic, ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add cheese to the filling, such as Colby Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella.

Step 2: Cook the filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until it is almost tender. Then, add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, crumbling it as it cooks. You can also add garlic at this stage for extra flavour.

Next, add the rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer. You can also add other spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, thyme, or parsley, to suit your taste.

Step 3: Prepare the peppers

While the filling is cooking, prepare the peppers. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove any seeds and veins from the inside. You can also slice a thin layer off the bottom of the peppers to create a flat surface so they stand up straight.

Step 4: Stuff the peppers

Once the filling is ready, stuff each pepper with the mixture. Fill them to the top, but leave some space at the top of each pepper for the cheese.

Step 5: Add cheese

Sprinkle the tops of the peppers with shredded cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as Colby Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.

Step 6: Air fry

Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer and cook at 360-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

And that's it! You now have delicious air-fried stuffed peppers with a tasty, flavourful filling. Enjoy!

How long to cook the peppers for

The cooking time for stuffed peppers in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the type of air fryer being used. Most recipes recommend cooking the peppers for around 10-15 minutes at a temperature of 355-380°F. However, some recipes suggest cooking the peppers for longer, up to 20 minutes, or at a higher temperature of 400°F. It's important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of temperature and cooking time, so it may take some experimentation to find the perfect settings for your particular air fryer.

Some recipes suggest pre-cooking the peppers before stuffing them, while others recommend cooking the peppers from start to finish in the air fryer. Pre-cooking the peppers can help to soften them and reduce the overall cooking time. However, it's not necessary, as the peppers can be cooked thoroughly in the air fryer.

To ensure the peppers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, it's recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the peppers. The peppers are considered done when they reach an internal temperature of 155-165°F.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers is easy.

Refrigerating

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four or five days. Ensure they are sealed tightly or kept in an airtight container.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your stuffed peppers, you should first let them cool completely. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating

You can reheat your stuffed peppers in the air fryer, which is the best method to use, or in the microwave. To reheat in the air fryer, cook for 2-3 minutes, or 3-5 minutes if reheating from frozen. In the microwave, use 30-second bursts until heated through.

How to prevent the peppers from becoming soggy

Yes, you can cook stuffed peppers in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent the peppers from becoming soggy:

Precook the filling

Cooking the filling before you stuff the peppers can help reduce excess moisture and prevent sogginess. This is especially important if your filling includes raw meat, as cooking it beforehand ensures it is safe to eat.

Drain excess grease

If your filling includes meat, be sure to drain off any excess grease after cooking it. This will help to prevent the peppers from becoming soggy.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

When arranging the peppers in the air fryer, make sure to leave some space between them. This allows for good air circulation, which will help to prevent sogginess.

Monitor cooking time

Keep an eye on the peppers as they cook, and adjust the cooking time as needed. If you prefer your peppers to have a firmer texture, reduce the cooking time. For a softer, more tender pepper, you may need to cook them a little longer.

Pre-blanch the peppers

If you prefer a softer texture to your peppers, you can blanch them before stuffing. Simply place the whole, washed peppers in boiling water for about 2-5 minutes, then immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. This can help enhance their flavour and make them softer, but is not necessary.

Choose the right size of pepper

Try to choose peppers that are roughly the same size and have a good, even base so they will stand up straight in the air fryer. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.

Use foil to stabilise the peppers

If your peppers are wobbly and not standing up straight, you can use small balls of foil to help them stand upright in the air fryer. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.

Frequently asked questions