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Deliciously Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a classic dish filled with vibrant flavours and nutritious ingredients, and they can be surprisingly simple to prepare. With the advent of air fryers, this comfort food favourite has become even easier and quicker to make, all while achieving a beautifully cooked result. In this article, we’ll guide you through a deliciously easy recipe for air fryer stuffed peppers that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer not only cuts down on cooking time but also significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making it a healthier option compared to traditional frying or baking methods. The air fryer circulates hot air, ensuring that your stuffed peppers are cooked evenly and come out delightfully tender with a slight crispness on top.

Ingredients

To make four servings of air fryer stuffed peppers, you’ll need:

• 4 medium bell peppers (any colour)
• 200g (about 1 cup) cooked rice (white, brown, or even quinoa for a twist)
• 250g (about 9 oz) minced meat (beef, chicken, turkey, or a plant-based alternative)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200g (about ½ can) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 100g (about 1 cup) grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

1. Wash and Cut: Start by washing your bell peppers. Slice the tops off each pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Keep the tops if you want to use them as a garnish or blend into the filling for added flavour.

2. Blanch (Optional): If you prefer soft peppers, you might want to blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes before stuffing. This step is optional and depends on your desired pepper texture.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Cook the Mince: In a pan over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add your minced meat and cook until browned.

2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in half of the grated cheese, reserving the other half for topping.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill: Generously spoon the filling into each bell pepper, pressing down lightly to pack it in well.

2. Top with Cheese: Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pepper.

Step 4: Air Fry the Peppers

1. Cook: Set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer using tongs. Allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the stuffed peppers hot, accompanied by a side salad or some crusty bread to mop up the delicious filling.

Variations and Tips

1. Vegetarian Options: You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by using black beans, lentils, or more vegetables in place of meat.

2. Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add chopped jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the filling.

3. Cheese Lovers: Try mixing different cheeses for a unique flavour – a combination of feta and mozzarella can be delightful.

4. Freezing: Stuffed peppers can be made ahead of time and frozen before cooking. Simply defrost before air frying.

Conclusion

Air fryer stuffed peppers are a nutritious, delicious, and hassle-free meal that can be tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun and colourful dish to impress guests, this recipe is bound to become a family favourite. So grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delightful flavours of these stuffed peppers!

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