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- 4 large bell peppers (any color, tops cut off and seeds removed) - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained These main ingredients create a great base for our stuffed peppers. The bell peppers provide a sweet and slightly crunchy shell. Cooked quinoa adds a nutty flavor and a filling texture. Black beans give extra protein and fiber, making these peppers satisfying. - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend) - Fresh cilantro for garnish Seasoning is key to making these stuffed peppers pop with flavor. Cumin brings warmth, while smoked paprika adds depth. Salt and pepper round out the taste. Topping with cheese adds a creamy layer, and cilantro gives a fresh burst at the end. - Additional vegetables (like diced onions or corn) - Different types of cheese (like mozzarella or pepper jack) - Spices and herbs for variation (like chili powder or oregano) Feel free to get creative with your stuffed peppers! You can add extra veggies for more nutrition or swap cheeses for a different taste. Choosing spices like chili powder can kick up the heat if you like it spicy. Prepping the bell peppers Start with four large bell peppers. You can pick any color you like. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds. Rinse them under cold water to clean. This helps get rid of any dirt. Set the peppers aside for now. Preparing the quinoa mixture In a big bowl, combine one cup of cooked quinoa. Add in a small onion, finely chopped, and two cloves of minced garlic. Next, mix in one can of black beans, rinsed and drained, and one cup of corn. You can use fresh or frozen corn based on what you have. Sprinkle in one teaspoon each of cumin and smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add one cup of diced tomatoes. Stir everything together well. Make sure all the ingredients mix evenly. Setting the air fryer Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Let it warm up for about five minutes. This step helps cook the peppers evenly. Cooking times and techniques Now, it’s time to stuff the peppers. Fill each pepper with the quinoa mixture. Press down lightly to pack it in. Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, making sure they stand upright. They should not touch each other. This ensures they cook evenly. Air fry them for 15 to 20 minutes. You want them to be tender and slightly charred on top. Adding cheese during cooking With five minutes left, take one cup of shredded cheese and sprinkle it on top of each pepper. This will melt beautifully and add extra flavor. Cooling and garnishing Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro. This adds a nice touch and enhances the flavor. Enjoy your delicious air fryer stuffed peppers! - Best temperature settings: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature cooks the peppers evenly and helps them become tender. - How to avoid soggy peppers: To keep your peppers firm, do not overstuff them. Leave a little space at the top. Also, ensure they are upright in the air fryer for good air circulation. - How to cook quinoa perfectly: Rinse the quinoa before cooking. Use a ratio of 2 cups of water to 1 cup of quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes until all water is absorbed. - Alternative cooking methods for quinoa: You can also cook quinoa in a rice cooker or Instant Pot. Both methods give you fluffy quinoa with little effort. - Serving suggestions: Serve the stuffed peppers on a large platter. Drizzle with olive oil and add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color. - Plating ideas for a beautiful meal: Cut the peppers in half for a colorful display. Use a bed of greens or quinoa to elevate the peppers and create height on your plate. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in stuffed peppers. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These options add a hearty touch. For a plant-based twist, try black beans or lentils. They pack protein and fiber too. You can even use tempeh for a nutty flavor. Spices can change the game for stuffed peppers. Try adding chili powder for some heat. If you love smokiness, add more smoked paprika. Cheese also adds richness. Cheddar is great, but mozzarella or pepper jack can add fun flavors. Think about what to serve with your stuffed peppers. A fresh salad pairs well for a light meal. You can also serve rice or quinoa on the side. For gatherings, cut the peppers into smaller pieces. This way, guests can easily enjoy them. Presentation matters, so arrange them on a colorful platter. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color. To store cooked stuffed peppers, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Make sure to wrap each pepper in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This extra layer helps prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date to track freshness. You can freeze stuffed peppers either before or after cooking them. If you freeze them raw, prepare and stuff them, then freeze. Place them in a single layer on a tray until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer bags. If you freeze cooked peppers, let them cool completely first. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, air fry at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This warms them through and restores some crispness. Stuffed peppers can last in the fridge for up to four days. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or mushy texture. If you see mold or any unusual color, it's best to toss them. When properly frozen, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time? Yes, you can make stuffed peppers ahead. Prepare them up to the cooking step and store them in the fridge. They stay good for 1-2 days. When you are ready, just pop them in the air fryer. This makes meal prep easy and saves time. What is the best air fryer for stuffed peppers? The best air fryer for stuffed peppers has a good size and even heating. Look for one that fits 4 large peppers comfortably. Brands like Ninja and Instant Pot are great choices. They cook evenly and have easy controls. How healthy are quinoa-stuffed peppers? Quinoa-stuffed peppers are very healthy. They are low in calories and high in fiber. They also provide protein and essential vitamins. This dish is a great choice for a balanced meal. What are the nutritional benefits of quinoa? Quinoa is a super grain. It is packed with protein and fiber. It also has vitamins and minerals like magnesium and iron. Quinoa helps keep you full and is gluten-free. This makes it perfect for a healthy diet. What can I use instead of quinoa? You can use rice, couscous, or farro instead of quinoa. Each will change the flavor and texture a bit. Choose what you like best or what you have on hand. Can I use frozen peppers for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen peppers. Just thaw them first and drain any extra water. This helps avoid soggy peppers when cooking. They can still taste great and be a quick option! You now have all the tools needed to make delicious quinoa-stuffed peppers. We covered the key ingredients like bell peppers, cooked quinoa, and black beans, along with great seasoning tips. I shared step-by-step instructions for prep and cooking. I also offered helpful tips, variations, and storage info to make your cooking experience easier. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and designs. These stuffed peppers are tasty, healthy, and fun to prepare. Get cooking and share your creations!

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa

Elevate your dinner with these delicious Air Fryer Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers! This easy recipe combines vibrant bell peppers, nutritious quinoa, black beans, and spices for a satisfying meal. Perfectly air-fried for a tender texture and topped with melted cheese, these stuffed peppers are both healthy and flavorful. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to create this tasty dish that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

4 large bell peppers (any color, tops cut off and seeds removed)

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

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

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped onion, minced garlic, black beans, corn, cumin, smoked paprika, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

      Stuff each bell pepper generously with the quinoa mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure they are filled.

        Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other for even cooking.

          Air fry the peppers for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly charred on top.

            In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper to allow it to melt.

              Once done, carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.

                Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving for an added burst of flavor.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4