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Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey

crispy air fryer stuffed bell peppers - featured image
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These crispy air fryer stuffed bell peppers are filled with savory ground turkey and rice, delivering a quick, easy, and delicious meal with a perfect crunchy exterior and juicy filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, preferably red or orange)
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (day-old rice preferred)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil to help with crisping in the air fryer. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey mixture with the cooked rice. Mix until evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, packing gently but not overstuffing. If using cheese, sprinkle some on top of each stuffed pepper.
  7. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 12-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and slightly crispy around the edges. If using cheese, add it in the last 3 minutes to melt perfectly.
  8. Use a fork to test the tenderness of the peppers. They should be soft but still hold their shape. Let cool for a minute or two before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping. Use day-old rice for better texture. If peppers brown too quickly, lower the temperature and extend cooking time. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Leftover rice from other meals can add flavor. Avoid poking peppers during cooking to keep filling intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer stuffed peppers, ground turkey stuffed peppers, crispy stuffed bell peppers, quick dinner, healthy stuffed peppers, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/crispy-air-fryer-stuffed-bell-peppers-with-ground-turkey-recipe-easy-and-perfect/