Air Fryer Magic: Stuffed Green Peppers

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. They are a great option for a weeknight dinner as they are packed with protein and veggies and can be customised with different ingredients. The peppers are filled with a savoury mixture and cooked to tender perfection. The air fryer adds a little crunch to the peppers while keeping the inside juicy and delicious.

Choosing the right peppers

Firstly, you want to look for peppers that are roughly the same size, so they cook at the same rate. You also want to look for peppers with a flat and even bottom, so they can stand up straight in the air fryer. Wobbly peppers can be stabilised by trimming the bottom so they sit flatter, or by using small balls of foil to help them stand upright. However, it's important not to lean them against each other, as you want the air to be able to circulate around them. If you have really uneven peppers, you can cut them in half and fill them that way.

Pepper colour is largely down to personal preference, as any colour will work. Green peppers have a mildly bitter flavour that sweetens during cooking, while yellow and orange peppers are sweeter, and red peppers are the sweetest.

Finally, remember that larger peppers are easier to fill, so go for big ones if you can!

Preparing the filling

First, cook your choice of meat in a skillet with some olive oil. You can use ground beef, chicken, turkey, pork, or Italian sausage. If you're using beef, make sure to cook it until it's browned all over. If you're using another type of meat, cook it until it's cooked through.

Next, add your aromatics and spices to the skillet. This can include onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and thyme. Cook this mixture until the onions and garlic are soft and fragrant, and the spices are toasted.

Then, add your liquid and grain. Canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and rice are common choices, but you can also use coconut milk, couscous, or quinoa. If you're using rice, make sure it's cooked ahead of time. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer.

Finally, taste your filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add some shredded cheese to the mixture at this point if you like. And that's it! Your filling is now ready to be stuffed into your peppers and cooked in the air fryer.

Stuffing the peppers

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to start preparing and stuffing your peppers. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Preparing the Peppers:

• Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove any seeds and membranes from the inside. You can chop or slice off the tops, ensuring you create enough space to fill the peppers generously.
• If your peppers are wobbly and unstable, you can trim a bit of the bottom to create a flat surface. This will help them stand upright in the air fryer.
• Rinse the peppers and pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels.

Making the Filling:

• In a medium-sized saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. You can also use another cooking oil of your choice.
• Add diced onions to the pan and cook until they become almost tender or translucent. This step helps to soften the onions and enhance their sweetness.
• Add your choice of ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage) to the pan and cook until it's no longer pink. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
• At this point, you can also add diced bell peppers to the mixture if you want some extra pepper flavour.
• Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute or two to enhance the aroma.
• Mix in your cooked rice, spices, and tomatoes (diced or sauce). You can also add other ingredients like beans, zucchini, or cheese, depending on your preference.
• Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer. You can also add some water or broth if you want a slightly saucier filling.
• Once your filling is ready, it's time to stuff those peppers!
• Generously fill each pepper with the mixture, packing it in gently but ensuring it's filled to the top.
• You can use a spoon or spatula to fill the peppers, pressing the mixture down gently as you go.
• Leave some space at the top of each pepper to prevent the filling from spilling over during cooking.

Your peppers are now stuffed and ready for the air fryer! Place them carefully in the air fryer basket, ensuring they stand upright and are not overcrowded. Now, you're ready for the final step – cooking your delicious stuffed peppers!

Air-frying the peppers

Now, it's time to air-fry! Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are stable and not tipping over. Leave some space between each pepper to allow for even cooking. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to cook the peppers in batches.

For soft and juicy peppers with a slightly roasted skin, air fry for about 10 to 15 minutes at 360°F. If your peppers were pre-cooked, 5 minutes at 330°F should be enough. If you prefer your peppers with a bit more bite, air fry for a shorter duration.

Once the peppers are tender, it's time to add the cheese. Sprinkle the tops of the peppers with shredded cheese and return them to the air fryer. Air fry for an additional 2 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. The cheese should be melted and slightly golden.

And that's it! Your air-fried stuffed peppers are now ready to be served and enjoyed.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried stuffed green peppers. They can be served as a complete meal on their own or with sides such as salad, garlic bread, and cookies for dessert.

If you're looking for a more south-of-the-border-inspired flavour, you can serve them with Mexican red rice, homemade tortilla chips and guacamole, and Mexican street corn salad. You can also pair them with frozen margaritas for your adult guests.

For a simple green option, serve them with steamed or roasted vegetables.

If you're craving more stuffed pepper recipes, you can try making turkey taco stuffed peppers.

Frequently asked questions