Description
Mexican-inspired Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers deliver a zesty flavor explosion packed with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Crispy pepper shells cradle savory filling, creating a quick and delicious meal that satisfies dinner cravings in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef, turkey, or chicken
Vegetables and Base:
- 4 medium bell peppers (any color)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) tomato sauce (plus extra for serving)
Seasonings and Topping:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Transform vibrant bell peppers by slicing off their crowns and meticulously removing inner seeds and membranes. Delicately trim bottoms to ensure stable positioning during cooking.
- In a sizzling skillet, brown ground meat thoroughly, creating a rich foundation. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence.
- Integrate cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Allow ingredients to meld and warm through, creating a cohesive filling.
- Generously fill each prepared pepper with the savory mixture, ensuring a compact but not overly dense stuffing.
- Warm the air fryer to 360°F, positioning peppers upright within the basket. Initiate cooking for 10 minutes to develop initial flavor and texture.
- Sprinkle a luxurious layer of shredded cheese atop each pepper, returning to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crown.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh, vibrant parsley or fragrant basil. Accompany with a side of extra tomato sauce for those desiring an additional flavor boost.
Notes
- Select bell peppers with flat bottoms to ensure stable standing during air frying, preventing tipping and uneven cooking.
- Choose lean ground meat like turkey or chicken for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content without compromising flavor.
- Prevent stuffed peppers from drying out by adding a splash of water or broth to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking, creating steam and maintaining moisture.
- Enhance nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower rice into the filling for extra nutrients and fiber.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg