Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers offer a delightful twist on the classic dish, combining tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, rice, and flavorful seasonings. This convenient and delicious recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal. With the help of the air fryer, these stuffed peppers come out perfectly cooked and filled with mouthwatering flavors.

Why Make Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s packed with flavor. Using the air fryer allows for efficient cooking, resulting in tender peppers with a slightly charred exterior and a perfectly cooked filling. This recipe is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak extra vegetables into your meal in a delicious and satisfying way.

How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

1. Prepare the Peppers: Rinse the bell peppers and pat them dry. Remove the tops and seeds, ensuring the peppers can stand upright in the air fryer basket. Optionally, dice the pepper tops to add to the filling.
2. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and diced pepper tops (if using) until the meat is cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix well to combine.
4. Fill the Peppers: Arrange the prepared peppers in the air fryer basket, using small balls of foil if needed to help them stand upright. Spoon the filling mixture into each pepper, ensuring they are evenly filled.
5. Air Fry: Air fry the stuffed peppers at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes or until the peppers reach your desired level of tenderness. The air fryer will cook the peppers to perfection, creating a deliciously charred exterior and tender interior.
6. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of the peppers and return them to the air fryer for 1 minute to melt the cheese.
7. Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and enjoy your flavorful and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers can be served as a complete meal on their own, accompanied by a side salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness and nutrition. You can also pair them with crusty bread or garlic bread for a hearty and comforting dinner option. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Storage Information

Any leftover Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed to your liking.

Some Techniques or Tips

• To ensure even cooking, choose bell peppers that are similar in size and shape. This will help them cook at the same rate in the air fryer.
• Feel free to customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional vegetables, such as diced mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, for extra flavor and nutrition.
• If you prefer a spicier filling, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the mixture.
• For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and Italian sausage and replace them with cooked lentils or quinoa for added protein.

FAQs about Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling? Yes, you can customize the filling by using ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives instead of ground beef and Italian sausage. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to complement the chosen protein.
2. Can I freeze stuffed peppers before cooking them? Yes, you can assemble the stuffed peppers and freeze them before cooking for later use. Simply prepare the peppers and filling as directed, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the stuffed peppers to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw the stuffed peppers in the refrigerator overnight and then air fry as directed.
3. Can I make this recipe without rice? Yes, if you prefer to omit the rice, you can replace it with cooked quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Alternatively, you can increase the amount of meat and vegetables in the filling to compensate for the absence of rice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the peppers are cooked through.

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