Air Fryer Recipe

Stuffed bell peppers

Name: Stuffed bell peppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange); 250g minced beef or turkey; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can chopped tomatoes (400g); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 100g grated cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 25 min
Serves: 4
Category: Mains

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Stuffed bell peppers make a colourful, satisfying meal, and they come out beautifully in the air fryer.

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange)
250g minced beef or turkey
1 cup cooked rice
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can chopped tomatoes (400g)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
100g grated cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

Cut the tops off the bell peppers, then scoop out the seeds and membranes.
Warm the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat, add the onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
Add the minced beef or turkey and cook until browned, then drain off any excess fat.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.
Fill the bell peppers with the mixture, then scatter the grated cheddar cheese over the top.
Set the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, until tender and the cheese is melted.

Why this works in an air fryer

The air fryer uses rapid convection to evenly cook the stuffed peppers, ensuring the filling is heated through while the cheese melts and browns, enhancing flavour through Maillard reactions.

Equipment notes

Assumes a standard 3.5-litre basket; in dual-zone models, cook in a single drawer for even heat distribution, rotating halfway if needed.

Common pitfalls

Filling is undercooked? Ensure rice is fully cooked before stuffing, as raw rice won't cook through in the air fryer.
Peppers collapsing? Choose peppers with flat bottoms for stability, and avoid overstuffing.
Cheese burning by minute 10? Lower the temperature by 10°C and check every 2 minutes.

Variations & substitutions

Substitute quinoa for rice for a nuttier texture and slightly shorter cooking time.
Use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a milder taste and more stretch in the cheese.
Replace minced beef with lentils for a vegetarian option, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Storage & reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C for 5-7 minutes; keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 250