Description
Mexican-inspired air fryer stuffed peppers deliver a spicy celebration of zesty flavors and wholesome ingredients. Quick preparation methods ensure delicious results that will satisfy hearty appetites.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- 4 medium bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup (240 ml) diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup (240 ml) cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pepper Preparation: Decapitate bell peppers, eliminating seeds and membranes. Trim bottoms for stable positioning, creating edible vessels for the upcoming culinary adventure.
- Meat Foundation: Sear ground meat in a skillet until deeply bronzed. Incorporate onions and garlic, allowing their aromatic essences to intertwine and intensify the flavor profile.
- Filling Creation: Blend cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a symphony of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until ingredients harmonize into a unified, flavorful mixture.
- Stuffing Technique: Densely pack each pepper with the seasoned filling, ensuring a robust yet balanced distribution that promises a delectable bite.
- Air Frying Process: Preheat air fryer to 360°F. Nestle peppers upright in the basket, cooking for 12-15 minutes to develop a tender texture and concentrate flavors.
- Cheese Finale: Crown peppers with a lavish layer of shredded cheese, returning to the air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, offering a vibrant touch. Serve with extra tomato sauce for those craving an additional flavor dimension.
Notes
- Prep Peppers Carefully: Choose peppers with flat bottoms for stable cooking, trimming bases gently to ensure they stand upright in the air fryer without toppling.
- Control Meat Moisture: Brown ground meat thoroughly and drain excess fat to prevent soggy filling and maintain a perfectly textured stuffed pepper.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese during the final 3-5 minutes of cooking to achieve a golden, bubbly top without overcooking or burning the delicate surface.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or quinoa for vegetarian options, or use lean turkey for a lower-fat protein source.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg