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 are a delightful and nutritious meal, perfect for air frying.

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

Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat, add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
Add minced beef or turkey, cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
Add chopped tomatoes, cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, simmer for 10 minutes.
Preheat air fryer to 180°C.
Stuff bell peppers with the filling mixture, top with grated cheddar cheese.
Place stuffed peppers in air fryer basket, cook for 15-20 minutes until tender and 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