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Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers (Picadillo Style)

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Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers (Picadillo Style) — If you’re looking for a tasty, easy-to-prepare meal that is both healthy and packed with flavor, look no further!

Air fryer stuffed peppers are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or any time you want to enjoy an authentic Latin American dish.

Our version of this delicious dish features ground beef sautéed with onions and bell peppers combined with fragrant spices. The filling gets tucked inside sweet bell peppers, then air-fried until tender-crisp and dotted golden brown. Top them off with a sprinkle of cheese, and you have a satisfying meal that will please your whole family.

So get ready to tantalize your taste buds – these air fryer stuffed peppers picadillo style are definitely worthy of being served on your dinner table tonight!

Can You Cook Stuffed Peppers In Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook stuffed peppers in an air fryer! The air fryer provides an even cooking environment, making it perfect for crisping the outside of the pepper while ensuring the stuffing inside is well-cooked.

Check out my Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Without Rice recipe if you love stuffed papers.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers (Picadillo Style)

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional stuffed peppers? Air fryer stuffed peppers (Picadillo style) might be the ideal weeknight dinner for your family. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make! It only takes a few simple ingredients to prepare in under 30 minutes.

With the air fryer technique, these peppers cook faster than if you bake them in the oven. Plus, since they’re cooked with minimal oil or fat, they can provide an impressive nutritional value that will leave everyone feeling full and satisfied. We invite you into our kitchen today as we share with you this greater-than-great recipe!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Bell Peppers: Large bell peppers, any color. Ensure they’re firm and stand upright. These will be the vessels for your Picadillo stuffing.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef or lean ground pork. This forms the primary base for the Picadillo filling.
Onion & Garlic: The onions provide a savory base, while the garlic adds a touch of aromatic flavor.
Tomatoes: This adds moisture and tang to the filling.
Raisins: Traditional in Picadillo, they offer a sweet contrast.
Green Olives: They introduce a briny, salty element.
Almonds: These nuts give an unexpected crunch.
Spices: Ground cumin. A warming spice that’s essential for Picadillo and ground cinnamon. Adds a unique, slightly sweet flavor.
Capers (optional): These add a briny depth, though they can be omitted if preferred.
Stock: Helps to meld the flavors together and keep the filling moist.
Cooking Oil or Spray: For brushing or spraying the outside of the peppers before air frying.
Garnish (optional): Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped. Adds a burst of color and freshness. Cheese (like queso fresco or cheddar), if desired. Provides a melty topping.

Now that your ingredients are laid out, you can prepare and cook your Picadillo-stuffed peppers in the air fryer. Adjust the seasonings according to your preferences, as Picadillo recipes vary widely.

How To Make Cuban Stuffed Peppers In Air Fryer

Are you ready to explore the incredible tastes of Cuban cuisine without having to travel? Cuban stuffed peppers are a traditional dish made easily in an air fryer – succulent pepper halves filled with flavorful ground beef, savory rice, and plenty of herbs and spices!

Below, we’ll share how to whip up these delicious treats for your next meal quickly. These mouthwatering stuffed peppers are gluten-free, low-carb, and packed with flavor – guaranteed to please any palate. Plus, they’re perfect for using up leftovers in tasty new ways! So get out your air fryer, and let’s dig into making some zesty Cuban Stuffed Peppers – you won’t regret it!

Preparation:

Wash the bell peppers, cut off the tops, and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.
If you have leftover rice, you can use it; otherwise, cook 1/4 cup of raw rice according to package instructions.

Filling Preparation:

Over medium heat, cook the ground beef, pork, or turkey in a skillet, breaking it apart as it browns. Add the onions and garlic to the pan and sauté until translucent.
Add the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, followed by the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, green olives, and raisins. Stir well.

Pour in the stock and white wine (if using) and let the mixture simmer until the liquids have reduced slightly. The filling should be moist but not overly liquid. Stir in the cooked rice, making sure everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

Stuffing Peppers:

Fill each bell pepper with the Cuban meat and rice mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling.

Air Frying:

Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees °F (182°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Lightly brush or spray the outside of the stuffed peppers with olive oil or cooking spray.
Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. You’ll need to cook in batches if they don’t all fit at once.
Set cook time for 15-20 minutes or until the peppers are tender and have a slightly crisp exterior.

Serving:

Carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and any optional toppings of your choice.

Enjoy your Cuban Stuffed Peppers made effortlessly in the air fryer! This dish is a flavorful and fun way to experience Cuban cuisine.

Pro Tips For Cooking Stuffed Cuban Peppers In Air Fryer

Choose the Right Peppers: Opt for bell peppers that can stand independently and cook more evenly in the air fryer. The flatter the bottom, the better they’ll stay upright during cooking.
Partial Pre-Cooking: If you prefer a softer pepper exterior, pre-cook the cleaned-out bell peppers in the air fryer for about 5 minutes before stuffing them. This softens them a bit and reduces the final cooking time.
Ensure Even Cooking: Don’t overstuff the peppers. Leave a little space at the top to ensure the cooking of the filling.
Liquid Balance: The filling should be moist but not watery as the air fryer cooks by circulating hot air. If there’s too much liquid, the filling may become soggy.
Layering Flavors: Consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the filling for an added layer of flavor.
Temperature Monitoring: If the peppers are browning too quickly, but the inside isn’t fully heated, reduce the temperature by 20°F and increase the cooking time.
Cheese Topping: For those who enjoy a cheesy topping, add grated cheese in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. This ensures it melts but doesn’t burn.
Rotate for Even Cooking: Depending on your air fryer’s circulation, you might find that the peppers don’t cook as evenly as you’d like. Consider rotating them halfway through the cooking process if that’s the case.
Let Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the stuffed peppers rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld further and makes them easier to handle and eat.
Check for Doneness: Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the stuffing. It should read at least 165°F (74°C) for ground beef or turkey.
Use Compatible Flavors: While the given recipe has a traditional Cuban flavor profile, feel free to get creative! Just ensure that the flavors you add are complementary. For example, adding some diced plantains or black beans could give a different twist while staying true to Cuban influences.

Remember, air fryers can vary in capacity and power, so always watch your dish, especially if it’s your first time making it. Enjoy your meal!

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers (Picadillo Style) (5)

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating the air fryer for a couple of minutes is generally recommended to ensure even cooking.

Can I use other types of meat for the stuffing?
Absolutely! While ground beef or turkey is common, you can use ground chicken, pork, or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.

How do I prevent the peppers from tipping over in the air fryer?
Choose peppers with flat bottoms for stability. If they still wobble, you can create a small foil ring or base to help them stand upright.

How do I know when the stuffed peppers are fully cooked?
The peppers should be tender, and the filling should be hot throughout. A digital thermometer can be handy, ensuring the stuffing reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Can I prepare the stuffed peppers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the peppers in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and air fry them just before you plan to serve them.

I don’t have an air fryer. Can I use a conventional oven?
Certainly! Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked.

Why are my peppers too soft/dry after air frying?
Air fryers cook by circulating hot air, which can sometimes cause food to dry out. If your peppers are overcooked, reduce the cooking time on your next batch. If they’re too soft, you might have pre-cooked them too long initially.

How do I store leftovers?
Cool the stuffed peppers to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze cooked stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze them. Allow the cooked peppers to cool completely, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Can I add cheese to my stuffed peppers?
Of course! Add grated cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking for a delicious melty finish.

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