Go Back
- 4 large bell peppers (any color) - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup black olives, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish To make these stuffed peppers, you need fresh and vibrant ingredients. Start with four large bell peppers. They can be red, yellow, or green. Each color brings a unique taste and look to the dish. Next, you’ll want to include a cup of cooked quinoa. This adds a hearty base and great texture. Quinoa is a superfood, packed with protein. You will also need a cup of canned chickpeas. Rinse them well to get rid of excess sodium. Chickpeas add a nice bite and boost the fiber content. Now, let’s add some color and flavor! Chop one cup of cherry tomatoes in half. They bring sweetness and juiciness to the mix. For the creamy element, use half a cup of crumbled feta cheese. This cheese gives a tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. Don't forget the black olives! A quarter cup, chopped, adds a briny depth that enhances the dish. To bring everything together, we need a few seasonings. Use two tablespoons of olive oil to keep things moist. A tablespoon of lemon juice adds brightness. One teaspoon of dried oregano gives a classic Mediterranean touch. One teaspoon of garlic powder adds warmth and depth. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, fresh parsley makes for a beautiful garnish. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. Now you're ready to create a delicious meal! First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the air fryer so it cooks evenly. Next, take your bell peppers and cut the tops off. Remove the seeds and membranes inside. This makes space for your tasty filling. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped black olives. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything blends well. Now it’s time to fill the peppers! Carefully stuff each one with your mixture. Press down gently to pack it in. This ensures you don’t waste any space inside the pepper. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to do this in batches. Air fry the peppers for 12-15 minutes. They should be tender and have a nice char on the edges. To get the best peppers, cook them at 350°F (175°C). This temperature gives a nice, tender texture. Air fry for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want them soft but not mushy. If you like a bit of char, leave them in for a few extra minutes. Add more flavor with spices! Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth. A dash of cumin can give a nice twist. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra zest. Don’t forget to taste as you mix. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your palate. Make your dish pop! Serve the stuffed peppers on a bright plate. Drizzle some olive oil on top for shine. Crumble extra feta over the peppers for a nice touch. Finish with fresh parsley for a splash of color. These small details make a big difference in how the dish looks! {{image_2}} You can mix it up by using other grains. Try brown rice or farro instead of quinoa. If you want a protein boost, add cooked chicken or turkey. For a heartier option, mix in some ground beef or lamb. Each choice brings unique flavors and textures. You can even use lentils for a nutty twist. Be creative with your fillings and have fun! To make this dish fully plant-based, simply skip the feta cheese. Instead, use a vegan cheese or avocado for creaminess. The chickpeas and quinoa keep the dish filling. You can add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty meal! If you like spice, add some chili flakes or diced jalapeños. You can mix hot sauce into the stuffing for an extra kick. Adjust the heat to suit your taste buds. For milder flavors, stick with sweet peppers and skip the spice. This recipe is flexible, so you can cater to everyone’s preferences! To keep your stuffed peppers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool first. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. Use parchment paper to separate layers if stacking. This keeps them from sticking together. To freeze your stuffed peppers, first let them cool completely. Wrap each pepper in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, use your air fryer for the best results. Heat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the peppers in the basket and cook for about 8-10 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Just cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. This way, they won’t dry out. Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time. - To do this, make the stuffing and fill the peppers. - You can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - When ready to eat, just air fry them as directed. - This method saves time and keeps the flavors fresh. To keep your peppers from getting soggy, here are some tips: - Choose firm, fresh bell peppers for the best texture. - Avoid overcooking them in the air fryer. - Air fry at 350°F for just 12-15 minutes. - Ensure the stuffing is not too wet before filling. - Let them cool slightly before serving to hold their shape. Yes, you can cook these stuffed peppers in a conventional oven. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. - Add a little water to the dish to create steam. - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. - Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes for a nice brown top. - This method works well if you do not have an air fryer. This blog post guides you in making tasty stuffed peppers with quinoa and chickpeas. We’ve covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to enhance flavor. Remember, you can customize this recipe easily to fit your taste. Whether you want it spicy or plant-based, the options are endless. Store leftovers properly for future meals. Cooking should be simple and fun, and this dish makes it just that. Enjoy making these peppers in your air fryer!

Air Fryer Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

Discover the deliciously easy Air Fryer Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers! Packed with quinoa, chickpeas, and vibrant vegetables, these colorful bell peppers are not only healthy but bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal, this recipe is simple to follow and ready in just 30 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game with this delightful dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 large bell peppers (any color)

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup black olives, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

    While the air fryer is heating, prepare the bell peppers. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, black olives, olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

        Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, packing it down slightly to ensure it's filled.

          Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, standing them upright. If necessary, arrange them in batches depending on your air fryer capacity.

            Air fry the stuffed peppers for 12-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly charred on the edges.

              Once cooked, carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.

                Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffed peppers on a colorful plate, drizzling a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of extra feta on top for added flavor and visual appeal.