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- 4 large bell peppers (any color) - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Each stuffed pepper has about 300 calories. You get protein from quinoa and beans. The cheese adds calcium. Bell peppers give vitamins A and C. This meal is rich in fiber and filling. It helps you feel satisfied. When picking bell peppers, look for firm ones. Choose vibrant colors like red, yellow, or green. They should feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with soft spots. Fresh peppers are sweeter and crunchier. For this recipe, any color works. I love using a mix for a fun look. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get your bell peppers ready. Choose four large peppers. You can pick any color you like. Next, cut off the tops. Make sure to remove the seeds and membranes too. This helps keep the peppers tender. Place the peppers upright in a bowl. This way, they are ready for the filling. In a large bowl, combine your filling ingredients. Add one cup of cooked quinoa. Then, add one can of black beans that you rinsed and drained. Next, mix in one cup of corn. You can use fresh or frozen corn. After that, add one cup of diced tomatoes. This can be fresh or canned. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of cumin and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Then, add half a teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of onion powder. Mix everything well until it is all combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Now, it’s time to stuff the peppers. Take the filling and pack it into each pepper. Press down gently to fit in as much filling as you can. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket. Make sure to give them space for air to flow. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes. The peppers should be tender and the cheese should be bubbly and golden. Carefully take them out when they are done. If you like, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your tasty meal! To get the best texture from your stuffed peppers, use fresh bell peppers. Look for firm peppers with smooth skin. If you prefer a softer bite, cook them a little longer. The air fryer works wonders, so don't be afraid to experiment. You want the peppers tender, yet still holding their shape. For perfectly cooked stuffed peppers, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook them for 12 to 15 minutes. Check at the 12-minute mark. If the cheese is golden and bubbly, they are ready. If not, add a few more minutes. Each air fryer may cook slightly different, so keep an eye on them. If your peppers are too crunchy, try slicing them in half before stuffing. This helps them cook through. If the cheese isn't melting well, cover the peppers loosely with foil for a few minutes. This traps heat and helps the cheese melt faster. Always remember to check your peppers for doneness. Enjoy your cooking! Pro Tips Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of colorful bell peppers not only enhances the visual appeal of your dish but also adds subtle flavor variations. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the filling, such as cooked ground meat, sautéed vegetables, or different types of beans for added protein and flavor. Watch Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on the size of the peppers; check for tenderness and bubbly cheese to ensure they're perfectly cooked. Let Them Rest: Allow the stuffed peppers to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes them easier to handle when serving. {{image_2}} You can change the filling by using different proteins. Ground chicken, beef, or turkey works well. Cook the meat first, then mix it with the other filling ingredients. This adds flavor and protein. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option. Each protein brings a unique taste to your stuffed peppers. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, skip the meat altogether. You can use more beans or lentils instead. Chickpeas also add protein and texture. Try adding mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also use nuts or seeds for crunch. Make sure to use vegan cheese if you want a cheesy topping. This keeps the dish plant-based. You can change the flavor of your stuffed peppers easily. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or chili powder. If you prefer Italian flavors, mix in Italian herbs like oregano and basil. Using marinara sauce instead of tomatoes adds richness. For a Mediterranean vibe, add olives, feta cheese, and herbs like dill. Each variation makes the dish exciting and new. To store your stuffed peppers, let them cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have many leftovers, wrap them in plastic wrap before putting them in the container. This keeps them fresh longer. When you are ready to eat leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat the stuffed peppers for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the peppers with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Want to save some for later? You can freeze stuffed peppers! First, let them cool completely. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Stuffed peppers take about 12 to 15 minutes in an air fryer. The heat cooks the peppers well while melting the cheese on top. You want them tender but not mushy. Check around the 12-minute mark and adjust as needed. Yes, you can make stuffed peppers ahead of time. You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day before cooking. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to air fry. Just remember to cook them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed. If you want to swap out quinoa, there are several good options. You can use rice, farro, or even couscous. Each will add a different texture and flavor. Just make sure whatever you choose is cooked before adding it to the mix. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as written. Quinoa and black beans are both safe for gluten-free diets. If you use any other grains, check to ensure they are gluten-free. Always read labels to be sure! Stuffed peppers are a tasty and healthy choice. We explored the key ingredients, from bell peppers to different filling options. I shared easy steps for prep and cooking in an air fryer. You learned tips for great texture and how to solve common cooking problems. Plus, we discussed variations to suit your taste, storage information, and answered common questions. Now, it’s time to get cooking. Enjoy your meal and have fun experimenting!

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Delicious stuffed bell peppers filled with quinoa, beans, corn, and cheese, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange the peppers upright in a bowl.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  • Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stuff each bell pepper generously with the filling mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
  • Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining shredded cheese.
  • Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, spacing them out to allow for air circulation.
  • Cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.
Keyword air fryer, stuffed peppers, vegetarian