Air Fryer Magic: Perfect Stuffed Peppers In Minutes

Air fryer stuffed peppers are a quick and easy meal to make. They take about half the time to cook compared to traditional stuffed peppers in the oven. The peppers are filled with a mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, rice, and cheese. The peppers are then cooked in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. This method of cooking keeps the peppers from getting soggy and adds a little crunch while keeping the inside juicy.

How to prepare the peppers for stuffing

Preparing peppers for stuffing is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare peppers for stuffing:

Selecting the Peppers: Choose peppers that are bright, shiny, and firm. Avoid peppers with wrinkled skin, soft spots, or mouldy stems. Red, orange, or yellow peppers are ideal as they have a sweeter taste, but green peppers can also be used.

Cutting and Cleaning: Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the cores and seeds. You can use a small paring knife to carefully carve a circle around the stem. Turn the peppers upside down over the sink and tap them to remove excess seeds. Rinsing the peppers can also help ensure they are clean and seed-free.

Pre-Cooking (Optional): Some recipes suggest pre-cooking the peppers before stuffing to reduce the overall cooking time. This can be done by blanching or boiling. Blanching involves placing the peppers in boiling water for a short time and then transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Pre-cooking, on the other hand, involves boiling the peppers for a few minutes until tender.

Stuffing the Peppers: Once the peppers are cleaned and prepared, they are ready to be stuffed. You can fill them with a variety of fillings, such as ground beef, rice, vegetables, cheese, or your choice of ingredients. Make sure the filling is cooked before stuffing the peppers.

Air-Frying: If using an air fryer, place the stuffed peppers in the basket, ensuring they have a flat bottom and can stand upright. Brush the peppers with olive oil before air frying for a crispier texture. Cook at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until tender.

Oven-Baking: If baking in an oven, place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with oil. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to ensure the cheese is bubbly and the peppers are tender.

Remember, the key to preparing peppers for stuffing is to ensure they are clean, dry, and ready to be filled. The cooking method you choose will depend on your preference and equipment. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious stuffed peppers!

How to make the filling

The filling for air fryer stuffed peppers is a savoury, meaty mixture. It is important to note that the filling should be cooked before being stuffed into the peppers.

Ingredients

You will need:

• Ground beef or ground chicken/turkey/pork
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Rice (any variety)
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, colby jack, or any melty cheese)

Optional Ingredients

You can also add:

• Black or kidney beans
• Vegetables (zucchini, celery, mushrooms, sweet potatoes)
• Spices (taco seasoning, onion soup mix, ranch dressing mix, fajita seasoning)

Method

• In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, add olive oil and onion. Cook until the onion is almost tender.
• Add in the ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink, crumbling it as you go.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
• Stir everything together and cook until the mixture is heated through.

How long to cook the peppers in the air fryer

The cooking time for stuffed peppers in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe used and the type of air fryer. On average, the cooking time is around 10-15 minutes at a temperature of 350-400°F. However, some recipes suggest a longer cooking time of up to 25 minutes or a shorter time of around 5 minutes.

It is important to note that different air fryers may have varying temperatures and cooking times, so it is recommended to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer and adjust accordingly.

Step 1:

After preparing the peppers by slicing the tops off, removing seeds and veins, and creating the filling, place the empty peppers in the air fryer. Brush or coat them with olive oil if desired.

Step 2:

Cook the peppers for around 5-10 minutes. This initial cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your peppers, as well as the specific air fryer model. The goal is to have them slightly softened but not fully cooked.

Step 3:

Once the peppers are slightly tender, remove them from the air fryer and fill them with your desired filling. Make sure the filling is pre-cooked before stuffing the peppers.

Step 4:

Return the stuffed peppers to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes at 350-400°F. This timing will vary based on your preferred level of doneness for the peppers.

Step 5:

If desired, sprinkle cheese on top of the peppers and return them to the air fryer for an additional 1-3 minutes to melt the cheese.

Tips:

• Ensure that your peppers are all roughly the same size so that they cook at the same rate.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between each pepper to allow for proper air circulation.
• If your peppers have an uneven shape and struggle to stand upright, you can use the pepper tops, small balls of foil, or trim the bottoms to help them stay upright.
• Preheat your air fryer, just like you would an oven, for even cooking.
• Know your air fryer and refer to the specific instructions for your model, as cooking times and temperatures may vary.

By following these steps and adjusting the timing based on your specific air fryer and desired level of doneness, you should be able to cook delicious stuffed peppers that are tender and flavorful.

What to serve with stuffed peppers

While stuffed peppers can be a complete meal in themselves, you can also serve them with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your air-fried stuffed peppers:

Salads

Salads are a great way to add a pop of colour and some extra nutrients to your plate. Some options include:

• A simple garden salad with mixed greens and veggies
• Arugula Quinoa Salad with Lemon Caesar Vinaigrette
• Santa Fe Salad with crisp veggies and a creamy dressing
• Thai Chopped Salad with a tangy sesame ginger lime dressing
• Crunchy Dill Pickle Salad
• Spaghetti Squash Salad
• Chopped Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
• Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
• Pear, Gorgonzola, and Walnut Salad
• Apple-Cranberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese
• Basic Green Salad with Vinaigrette

Starches

If you want to add some more bulk to your meal, consider a starch side dish. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic bread
• Mashed potatoes
• Egg noodles
• Baked potatoes with sour cream and chives
• Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
• Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Curried Couscous Vegan Salad
• Copycat Costco Quinoa Salad

Vegetables

If you're looking for a vegetable side dish, try one of these options:

• Roasted vegetables, such as spicy hot honey carrots or lemon Parmesan zucchini
• Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
• Air Fryer Carrot Fries
• Spiced Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower
• Spicy Parmesan Air Fryer Asparagus
• Lemon Parmesan Smashed Broccoli
• Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
• Cheesy Garlic Frozen Roasted Green Beans
• Moroccan Carrots
• Asian Ramen Coleslaw

How to store and reheat leftover stuffed peppers

To store leftover stuffed peppers, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. You can also cover the dish with plastic wrap and then put on the lid.

To reheat leftover stuffed peppers in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 360°F or 180°C for five minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with oil, then lay the stuffed peppers in a single layer, ensuring there is enough space between them for even reheating. Air fry for about eight to ten minutes, or until the filling feels hot. If you are reheating frozen peppers, you will need to add about five minutes to the air frying time.

You can also reheat leftover stuffed peppers in the oven. Place the peppers on a baking tray or in an oven-proof dish, ensuring they are facing upright and have a little space between them. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another five minutes to ensure any cheese on top is melted and browned.

Another option is to reheat the stuffed peppers on the stovetop, using a Dutch oven. Coat the bottom of the pot with a tablespoon of olive oil and place on medium heat. Add a little water or tomato/marinara sauce to prevent the peppers from burning. Once the pot is hot, place the peppers inside, keeping them upright. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the middle of the peppers is heated through.

Finally, you can reheat stuffed peppers in the microwave. Place the peppers upright on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a paper towel or plastic wrap (not aluminium foil). Microwave on full power for two minutes, then add 30-second increments until the peppers are steaming hot.

Frequently asked questions