Description
Stuffed bell peppers are a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish prepared in the air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful filling. This recipe offers a healthy and customizable meal option with a protein-packed filling of quinoa or rice mixed with ground meat or beans, seasoned with oregano, and complemented by diced tomatoes. Perfect for a nutritious and colorful family dinner, these peppers bring comfort and wholesome ingredients together in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
Filling
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef (or black beans for vegetarian option)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- Cooking spray
- Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for topping
- Optional: Fresh spinach or olives for added nutrition
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for cooking the stuffed peppers evenly with a crispy finish.
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove all the seeds and membranes, creating hollow shells ready for stuffing.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa or rice, ground turkey or beef (or black beans if vegetarian), drained diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each hollowed bell pepper with the prepared mixture, pressing lightly to pack the filling in without causing spillage.
- Prepare for Cooking: Lightly spray the outside of each stuffed pepper with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy skin during air frying.
- Air Fry the Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving. You may also fold fresh spinach or olives into the filling before cooking for extra flavor and nutrients.
Notes
- Choose colorful bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a higher protein content and added nutrition.
- Incorporate fresh spinach or olives into the filling to boost flavor and nutritional value.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
- This recipe is easily adaptable for vegetarians by using black beans instead of meat.
