Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

$- 4 large bell peppers (any color) - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack) - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) When I make stuffed peppers, I love using bright bell peppers. They add color and taste. You can pick any color you like: red, yellow, or green. The filling is where the magic happens. I use cooked quinoa as a base. It adds texture and protein. Black beans bring a nice creaminess and also pack a protein punch. Corn adds sweetness and a nice crunch. For the tomatoes, you can choose fresh or canned. Both work well in this recipe. The spices make the filling pop! Cumin and paprika add warmth. Garlic and onion powders give it depth. Don't forget the salt and pepper! They help bring all the flavors together. The cheese is the final touch. Cheddar gives a classic taste, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick. Finally, I love adding fresh cilantro as a garnish. It adds freshness and a pop of color. Every bite of these stuffed peppers is a burst of flavor! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. Let it warm up for about 5 minutes. Cut the tops off the bell peppers. Remove the seeds and membranes inside. Set the prepared peppers aside. They should be ready for stuffing. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Mix well until everything is combined. Now, gently fold in 3/4 cup of shredded cheese. This will give the filling a creamy texture. Take each bell pepper and generously pack it with the filling. Press down lightly to get a snug fit. Make sure they fit snugly in the air fryer basket. This helps them cook evenly. Air fry the peppers for 12-15 minutes. They should be tender and slightly charred. In the last 2 minutes, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pepper. This will melt nicely. Once done, carefully remove the peppers and let them cool for a minute. Enjoy your tasty creation! - Adjusting cooking time based on pepper size: Larger peppers take longer to cook. If your peppers are big, add a few more minutes. Small peppers cook faster, so keep an eye on them. - Ensuring even cooking by arranging peppers correctly: Place the peppers upright in the air fryer. Make sure they do not touch each other. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice char. - Substituting quinoa with other grains: If you don’t like quinoa, you can use rice or couscous instead. They work well and still taste great. - Adjusting spiciness level: Want it spicy? Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. For mild heat, skip the spicy additions. - Choosing the best types of cheese for melting: Cheddar and pepper jack are perfect for melting. They add great flavor and gooeyness to the dish. - Mixing cheeses for diverse flavors: Try mixing mozzarella with cheddar for a creamy texture. You can also add feta for a tangy twist. The combinations are endless! {{image_2}} You can mix things up with different beans or grains. If you want a twist, try using chickpeas or lentils instead of black beans. For grains, swap quinoa for rice or farro. Each change brings a new taste and texture to your dish. Adding more vegetables can also boost the flavor. Consider using diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach. These veggies add color and nutrients. You can also include proteins like ground turkey or beef for a heartier meal. To elevate your stuffed peppers, you can incorporate various spices or herbs. A pinch of chili powder or oregano can make a big difference. These spices add depth and warmth to the filling. Try fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright finish. Switching up the cheese is another great way to enhance flavor. Instead of cheddar, use mozzarella for a gooey texture. Feta cheese adds a tangy bite, while pepper jack gives it a spicy kick. Experimenting with cheese makes every bite exciting. You can take your stuffed peppers global with different styles. For a Mexican flair, add taco seasoning to the filling. Top with avocado or salsa for an extra kick. If you prefer Mediterranean flavors, use feta and olives in the mix. Herbs like dill or thyme can brighten the dish. These international styles make your meal fun and fresh. To keep your stuffed peppers fresh, refrigerate them right away. Place them in an airtight container. They will last for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. This way, they stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, the air fryer works best for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the filling warm and the peppers tender. To avoid sogginess, do not cover them while reheating. Checking them halfway through will help ensure they heat evenly. You can tell when stuffed peppers are done by checking for tenderness. Gently poke a pepper with a fork. If it feels soft, that’s a good sign. Look for a little char on the outside too. This adds flavor and shows they are cooked well. Yes, you can make stuffed peppers ahead of time. Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers. You can store them in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the air fryer. This saves time on busy days. The best air fryer temperature for stuffed peppers is 375°F (190°C). This temperature cooks the peppers evenly. It also melts the cheese perfectly without burning it. Preheating your air fryer for five minutes helps get the best results. Stuffed peppers are quite healthy. They are low in calories and high in nutrients. The bell peppers provide vitamins A and C. Quinoa adds protein and fiber. Black beans are also packed with protein. Corn and tomatoes give you important antioxidants, making this dish both tasty and good for you. We covered a simple and tasty air fryer recipe for stuffed peppers. You learned how to prepare the filling, cook the peppers, and even store leftovers. With the tips and variations provided, you can easily customize this dish to fit your taste. Experiment with different ingredients for unique flavors and enjoy nutritious meals every time. Try this recipe, and watch it become a family favorite. You can make healthy eating fun and delicious!$

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Air Fryer Fiesta Stuffed Peppers! Packed with quinoa, black beans, and vibrant spices, this easy recipe is perfect for a healthy meal or fun gathering. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy colorful, cheesy, and nutritious stuffed peppers that are sure to impress. Click to discover the full recipe and bring a fiesta to your table! #AirFryerRecipes #StuffedPeppers #HealthyEating #CookingInspiration

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Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (any color)

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Start by preparing the bell peppers. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes. Set them aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese into the mixture, reserving the remaining cheese for topping.

Stuff each bell pepper generously with the filling mixture, pressing down lightly to pack it in.

Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer's basket, making sure they fit snugly without falling over.

Air fry the peppers for 12-15 minutes or until they are tender and slightly charred.

In the last 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.

Once done, carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or so.

Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4