Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers: How Long To Cook?

Air fryer stuffed peppers are a quick and easy meal that can be made in half the time it takes to cook them in an oven. The air fryer adds a little crunch to the peppers while keeping the insides juicy and delicious. The cooking time depends on the type of air fryer and the number of peppers being cooked, but on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook the peppers at 355-380°F.

How to prepare the peppers for the air fryer

Preparing the peppers for the air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose the Right Peppers

Look for peppers that are roughly the same size and have a flat, even bottom so they can stand upright in the air fryer. Any colour of bell pepper will work—green, red, yellow, or orange. You can also use a variety of colours for a more colourful dish. Remember that larger peppers are easier to fill.

Step 2: Rinse and Cut the Peppers

Rinse the peppers and pat them dry. Then, cut off the tops of the peppers and remove any seeds and membranes from the inside. You can chop up the tops of the peppers and add them to the filling if you like. Make sure the peppers will fit upright in your air fryer, and trim the tops further if necessary.

Step 3: Prepare the Peppers for Filling

If your peppers are wobbly and cannot stand up straight, you can slice a bit off the bottom to create a flatter surface. Be careful not to puncture the pepper. You can also use small balls of foil to help the peppers stand upright in the air fryer. Leave space between each pepper to allow for proper air circulation.

Step 4: Fill the Peppers

Prepare your filling of choice (meat, rice, vegetables, etc.) and scoop it into the peppers, filling them to the top. You can find many delicious filling recipes online.

Once the peppers are filled, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer!

How to make the filling

Now that you know how long to put your stuffed peppers in the air fryer, it's time to focus on the filling. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious and hearty filling for your air fryer stuffed peppers:

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Onion (small, diced)
• Lean ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
• Can of diced tomatoes
• Can of tomato sauce (low sodium)
• Cooked rice
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Colby Jack Cheese (or cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)

Instructions:

• Sauté Onion and Beef: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, add olive oil and onion. Cook until the onion is almost tender. Then, add your ground beef and cook until it's no longer pink, crumbling it as you go.
• Add Remaining Ingredients: To the saucepan, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
• Prepare Peppers: Cut the tops off the peppers and remove any veins or seeds inside. You can also trim the bottoms slightly if your peppers need help standing upright.
• Fill and Air Fry: Stuff the peppers with the filling and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer and desired doneness.
• Add Cheese: Remove the peppers from the air fryer and sprinkle cheese on top. Return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.

Feel free to get creative with your filling! You can add different types of meat, vegetables, beans, spices, and cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your air fryer stuffed peppers!

How long to cook the peppers for

The cooking time for stuffed peppers in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the desired tenderness of the peppers. Some recipes suggest cooking the peppers for 10 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, while others recommend cooking them for 12 to 15 minutes at the same temperature. For a more tender pepper, one recipe suggests cooking at 330 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes before filling them with the meat mixture.

After filling the peppers, return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If not using cheese, cook the stuffed peppers for 8 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of temperature and cooking time, so it is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer and adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.

Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking the stuffed peppers to ensure even cooking and consistent timing.

What to serve with the peppers

Now that you know how long to put stuffed peppers in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with them. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your delicious air fryer stuffed peppers:

Salads

A simple green salad is always a great option to serve as a side dish. You can also get creative and try something like a kale and goat cheese salad, a cucumber and carrot salad, or a broccoli salad. If you want to add some sweetness to your meal, a pear, gorgonzola, and walnut salad would be a perfect choice.

Vegetables

Roasted or steamed vegetables are an excellent way to add more colour and nutrition to your plate. Try air fryer zucchini sticks, spicy roasted carrots, air fryer asparagus, or air fryer broccoli.

Starches

If you're looking for a heartier side dish, consider making mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or even homemade potato chips. Egg noodles or rice (such as cilantro-lime rice or lemon rice) would also be delicious options to soak up any extra sauce from the stuffed peppers.

Other Ideas

Some less conventional but equally delicious options include cornbread, crusty bread, or even jalapeno cilantro corn muffins. You could also serve a side of apple crisp with ice cream for a sweet ending to your meal.

Remember, the beauty of cooking is that you can get creative and adapt these suggestions to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting, and happy cooking!

How to store leftovers

Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the peppers in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, or in the oven/microwave for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you want to freeze your leftover stuffed peppers, let them cool down completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a freezer bag or container and they will keep for up to 6 months.

To reheat from frozen, you can either thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or place them straight in the air fryer and cook for a few minutes longer. You can also reheat them in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

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