Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Lightly brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil. This helps the skins soften and brown slightly during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ground meat (beef or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced zucchini, canned or fresh tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
- Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, pressing down lightly to pack it in.
- Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese for an extra gooey layer.
Step 4: Air Fry the Stuffed Peppers
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the stuffed peppers into the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your peppers. The peppers should be tender but slightly firm, and the cheese should be melted and bubbling.
- Halfway through cooking, drizzle a little chicken broth or water into the bottom of the air fryer to prevent the filling from drying out.
Step 5: Serve and Enjo
- Carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot!
Tips for Success
- Pre-cooked rice: Using pre-cooked rice saves time and ensures everything cooks evenly in the air fryer.
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to mix in different vegetables, beans, or quinoa instead of rice for a different twist.
- Air fryer tray or basket: For best results, cook peppers in a single layer in the air fryer. If they’re too large, consider cooking in batches.
Optional Variations
- Vegan Option: Swap out the meat with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or chickpeas, and use a dairy-free cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy twist.
- Cheesy Crust: Sprinkle additional cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking for a crispy, golden crust.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a healthy, flavorful meal that comes together in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, they’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling but easy to make. The air fryer ensures that the peppers stay tender while crisping up the cheese, giving you a delightful combination of textures in every bite!