Description
Delicious air fryer stuffed peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and cheese, perfect for a gluten-free meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can no salt added tomato sauce
- 21/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 11/2 teaspoon paprika
- 11/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/21/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Air Fry & Par-Cook Peppers: Start by preheating the air fryer and popping in your halved peppers. You will see them start to soften up after a quick cook, which helps them retain moisture. This step is key if you want melt-in-your-mouth bites later. Just be careful to not overdo it; a minute or two too long, and they could become mushy.
- Mix & Season Filling: While those peppers are getting cozy in the air fryer, grab a bowl and mix up your filling. You want the aroma to fill the kitchen and get everyone excited for the meal. Adding some extra sauce or spices will help keep the filling juicy. Do not skip seasoning; blandness can happen if you rush this part.
- Stuff & Pack Filling: Once the peppers are ready, fill them with that yummy mixture. Make sure to pack it in there snugly so they do not come out looking floppy. A well-stuffed pepper means every bite is full of flavor. Watch out for overstuffing; it can cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
- Air Fry & Brown: Now, it is time to air fry those stuffed beauties until they are golden. You will love the way they smell as they cook. This step creates a lovely crispy top while keeping the insides nice. Just keep an eye on them as the timing can vary depending on your air fryer’s temperament.
- Rest & Serve Warm: Let the stuffed peppers chill out for a few minutes after cooking. This is when everything settles, and they are easier to handle. You will want to avoid burning your tongue in the eagerness to dig in. Serve them warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350F for five minutes or microwave for a couple of minutes.
- Expert Tips: If the filling seems dry, a tablespoon of sauce can enhance moisture and flavor. Taste it before you stuff the peppers.
- For softer peppers, a quick five-minute air fry before stuffing can make a difference. You will appreciate the upgrade in texture.
- When you want cheese to melt beautifully, slightly raising the air fryer temperature in the last couple of minutes works wonders.
- If the peppers are not tender enough after cooking, simply add two-minute increments to cooking time until they reach your preferred softness.
- Using frozen rice is a time-saver; just make sure to adjust the cooking time to allow it to heat through properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 452
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 857mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 92mg