Introduction: Stuffed peppers have been a beloved dish for generations, offering a delightful combination of sweet, roasted peppers and a savory, hearty filling. Now, in the age of modern kitchen gadgets, we’ve found a way to elevate this classic recipe to a whole new level of deliciousness. Enter the air fryer, a culinary game-changer that imparts a remarkable crispy texture to your stuffed peppers, all while keeping them delightfully moist on the inside. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of preparing Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers.

Historical Context: The concept of stuffed vegetables dates back centuries and spans cultures. It’s believed that the Moors introduced stuffed peppers to Spain in the Middle Ages. Over time, the recipe evolved, incorporating ingredients like rice, meat, and various seasonings. The air fryer, a relatively recent invention, has revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. Combining these two culinary traditions, we bring you the Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers.

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

• Wash the bell peppers and cut off the tops. Remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. Trim the bottoms slightly if needed to ensure they sit flat in the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

• In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften.
• Add the minced garlic and ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
• Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

• Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it in tightly.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.

Step 5: Air Fry the Stuffed Peppers

• Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they stand upright. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender, and the cheese is golden and bubbly. You may need to rotate them halfway through for even cooking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer using tongs.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of your favorite sauce, such as marinara or sour cream.