Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

I just love being able to meal prep my favorite recipes ahead of time. When I can take a great dinner recipe and make it even better, I get excited. Even more so when I can cook something in an Air Fryer. Some of my favorite recipes are for things like air fryer side dishes.  Growing up, my mother loved making stuffed bell peppers and everyone she made them for loved them as well. This is such a quick and easy recipe. It freezes beautifully, looks amazing, and is fairly low in cost. We hope that this Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers recipe inspires you. 

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 5 peppers, mixed colors
• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp chipotle seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Greek yogurt as needed
• fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Brown ground beef, drain.
2. Add cream cheese, ground beef, and chipotle seasoning to a bowl and mix.
3. Cut 3 peppers in half, remove seeds, and discard. Wash the peppers thoroughly.
4. Spoon the ground beef mixture into halved peppers. Top generously with cheese.
5. Place into the air fryer on the sheet tray lined with foil. Cook for about 8-10 minutes on the convection setting.
6. When the peppers are golden brown remove from the air fryer. Garnish with cilantro and a scoop of Greek yogurt.

Print Recipe

Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers in Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 5 peppers, mixed colors
• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp chipotle seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Greek yogurt as needed
• fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef, drain.
2. Add cream cheese, ground beef, chipotle seasoning to a bowl and mix together.
3. Cut 3 peppers in half, remove seeds and discard. Wash peppers thoroughly.
4. Spoon the ground beef mixture into halved peppers. Top generously with cheese.
5. Place into air fryer on the sheet tray lined with foil. Cook for about 8-10 minutes on the convection setting.
6. When the peppers are a golden brown remove from air fryer. Garnish with cilantro and a scoop of Greek yogurt.

History of Stuffed Peppers

The history of stuffed peppers is a delicious and global one, with variations of the dish popping up in various cultures throughout history. While pinpointing the exact origin is tricky, let's take a glimpse into the mouthwatering journey of this culinary creation:

Early Beginnings

• Pre-Columbian Era: While bell peppers, the stars of our story, are native to the Americas, evidence suggests similar stuffing techniques were used with other vegetables like grape leaves and eggplants in ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome.
• 15th Century: The arrival of bell peppers in Europe with Christopher Columbus opened doors for culinary experimentation. Though initially treated as decorative plants, their mild flavor and versatility soon made them prime candidates for stuffing.

Regional Delights

• Spain: “Pimientos rellenos” are a staple of Spanish cuisine, often featuring sweet piquillo peppers stuffed with meats like chicken or cod, bathed in a rich tomato sauce.
• Hungary: “Töltött paprika” is a national treasure, boasting a hearty blend of ground pork, rice, and spices nestled within bell peppers.
• Eastern Mediterranean: Dolma, a family of stuffed dishes in Ottoman cuisine, includes variations using peppers, typically filled with rice, vegetables, or even seafood.
• Asia: From Korean stuffed gochugaru peppers to Indian bharwan mirch with spiced potato and lentil fillings, Asian cuisines offer a vibrant array of pepper-based delights.

Evolution and Beyond

• 19th Century: Stuffed peppers gained popularity in cookbooks across Europe and North America, with variations featuring different meats, grains, and vegetables.
• 20th-21st Centuries: The dish's versatility continues to shine, with vegetarian and vegan fillings, alternative cooking methods like grilling, and international fusion flavors adding new twists to the classic recipe.

So, the next time you savor a stuffed pepper, remember its rich history and the countless cultures that have contributed to its delicious evolution. It's a testament to the universal appeal of simple, flavorful food that brings people together around the table. We hope that this Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers recipe inspires you. Happy cooking!