Looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy a healthy meal? These quinoa stuffed air fryer bell peppers are packed with flavor and come together quickly. You’ll love this simple spin on a classic dish, perfect for your collection of Healthy Air Fryer Recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bell Peppers: Use any color you like; red, yellow, and orange are sweeter.
- Quinoa: Brown rice or couscous work as a substitute.
- Vegetable Broth: Water or mushroom broth can be used.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes are good alternatives.
- Black Beans: Kidney beans or chickpeas are great if you prefer.
- Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned sweet corn works well.
- Cheese: Use a dairy-free alternative if you avoid dairy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- Tools Needed: Air fryer, medium saucepan, mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Quinoa
First, combine the uncooked quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
2. Prepare the Filling
While the quinoa cooks, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir everything well to combine, then season with salt and pepper to your taste.
3. Stuff the Bell Peppers
Carefully spoon the quinoa mixture into each bell pepper half. Don’t overfill them; ensure the filling is secure. This preparation makes these healthy air fryer recipes so appealing.
4. Air Fry the Peppers
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed bell peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You might need to cook them in batches.
5. Add the Cheese
Air fry the peppers for 20-25 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Variation Ideas
- Add Vegetables: Mix in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the quinoa filling for extra nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a kick.
- Herb Freshness: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley after cooking for bright flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover quinoa stuffed air fryer bell peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the bell pepper is tender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed peppers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.
What kind of bell peppers work best?
Any color bell pepper works! Red, yellow, and orange tend to be sweeter, while green bell peppers have a slightly more robust flavor.
Can you make these without cheese?
Absolutely! The cheese adds flavor and texture, but these healthy air fryer recipes are delicious even without it.
How do you prevent the peppers from tipping over in the air fryer?
If your bell peppers are wobbly, you can trim a small slice from the bottom of each half to create a flat base.
Is this a complete meal?
Yes, these quinoa stuffed air fryer bell peppers are a balanced and complete meal on their own, offering protein, fiber, and vegetables.
Can you bake these in an oven instead?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
