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Air Fryer Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe

Stuffed tomatoes are a delightful dish, perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side at dinner. When you elevate this classic recipe by using an air fryer, you achieve a beautifully cooked, flavour-packed meal in a fraction of the time. The air fryer not only cooks the tomatoes to perfection but also provides a crispy topping that’s hard to resist. This article will guide you through a delicious stuffed tomato recipe that you can easily prepare right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 4 large ripe tomatoes
• 200g cooked rice (white or brown)
• 100g grated cheese (Cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 50g cooked minced meat or diced vegetables (optional for vegetarians)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil) for garnish
• Olive oil for drizzling

Equipment

• An air fryer
• A sharp knife
• A mixing bowl
• A spoon for scooping
• A brush for oil (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Tomatoes

1. Begin by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. Cut the tops off each tomato and carefully scoop out the insides using a spoon, ensuring to leave enough flesh around the edges to keep their shape. Set the scooped-out flesh aside for later use.

2. Lightly season the inside of the tomatoes with salt and pepper. This will enhance their flavour during cooking.

Step 2: Making the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, grated cheese, minced meat or vegetables, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, and the reserved tomato flesh. Mix until well combined.

2. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.

Step 3: Stuffing the Tomatoes

1. Generously fill each tomato with the rice mixture, packing it in to avoid any air pockets. If you like, you can top each stuffed tomato with a little extra cheese for that golden, bubbling finish.

Step 4: Air Frying

1. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Once ready, arrange the stuffed tomatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

2. Lightly drizzle the tops with olive oil or spray with cooking oil to help them crisp up.

3. Cook the tomatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

Step 5: Serving

1. Once cooked, carefully remove the stuffed tomatoes from the air fryer. Allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

2. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or basil for an added touch of freshness. These stuffed tomatoes are best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian variant, you can increase the quantity of vegetables such as courgettes, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Adding nuts or seeds can also provide extra texture and nutrition.

• Spice it Up: Consider adding chilli flakes or fresh chillies to the filling if you enjoy a bit of heat.

• Servings: This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on your needs. Furthermore, leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer for a quick meal.

Conclusion

Air fryer stuffed tomatoes are a versatile and nutritious option that can easily be tailored to suit your tastes. Not only is this dish a burst of flavour and colour on your plate, but it also showcases the convenience and efficiency of cooking with an air fryer. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and flavours while relishing this healthy twist on a classic recipe. Bon appétit!

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