1. Preparing the Peppers:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Peppers: Wash the bell peppers, slice off the tops, and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Lightly brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Preparing the Filling:
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Other Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Assembling the Stuffed Peppers:
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling mixture into the prepared bell peppers, pressing down gently to pack the filling and making sure each pepper is well-stuffed and slightly overfilled.
4. Cooking the Stuffed Peppers:
- Place in Air Fryer: Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook: Air fry the stuffed peppers at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. The cheese should be melted and slightly golden on top.
5. Finishing Touches:
- Garnish: Once the peppers are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed peppers hot, either on their own or with a side salad, garlic bread, or a light soup.
Tips for Success:
- Pepper Sizes: Choose bell peppers that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- Filling Options: Customize the filling to your preference. Consider adding vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach, or using a different protein such as ground chicken or sausage.
- Rice Alternatives: Substitute the rice with quinoa, couscous, or a grain blend for a different texture and flavor.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses such as feta, provolone, or pepper jack to add unique flavors to the filling.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Replace the meat with a mixture of black beans, corn, and diced vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning to the filling, use black beans and corn, and top with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Italian Style: Use Italian sausage, add a bit of marinara sauce to the filling, and top with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil.
Conclusion:
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and nutritious meal that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. The combination of tender bell peppers and a flavorful filling creates a satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the convenience of using an air fryer to achieve perfectly cooked stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time. Happy cooking!