Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large bell peppers (any color)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g lean ground beef (or turkey/plant-based alternative)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g cooked rice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g canned diced tomatoes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon tomato paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp knife</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Cut the tops off each bell pepper and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse the insides and set aside. If needed, trim a tiny slice from the bottom of each pepper so they stand upright without tipping over.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes while you prepare the filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cooked rice, mixing thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Brush the outside of each pepper with the remaining olive oil – this helps them become tender while cooking and prevents drying out in the air fryer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Spoon the filling mixture into each pepper, packing it in gently but not too tightly (as the rice may expand slightly during cooking). Leave a small space at the top for the cheese.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers. The cheese will form a delicious golden crust and help seal in moisture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Place the stuffed peppers in your air fryer basket, ensuring they're standing upright. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Air fry at 180°C for 10-12 minutes until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape, and the cheese is melted and golden. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your peppers – I recommend checking at the 8-minute mark and adjusting as needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer (they'll be hot!) and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to serve.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 13</h4>Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. These peppers pair beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.</li></ol>