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Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers - A Quick, Flavor-Packed Dinner

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops sliced off and seeds removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or plant-based ground)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (plus more for serving, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
  • Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)

Method
 

  1. Prep the peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers. Remove seeds and membranes. If they wobble, trim a thin slice off the bottoms so they stand upright without cutting into the cavity.
  2. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 360°F (182°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook the aromatics: Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Season and mix: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let the mixture simmer 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Stuff the peppers: Spoon the filling into the peppers, packing it in gently and mounding slightly on top. Sprinkle about half the cheese over the filling.
  7. Air fry: Arrange the peppers upright in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F for 10 to 12 minutes until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
  8. Add more cheese: Open the basket, top with the remaining cheese, and air fry 2 to 4 more minutes until melted and lightly browned.
  9. Finish and serve: Let the peppers rest 3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve with extra tomato sauce if you like.