Air fryer stuffed poblano peppers

Introduction

Air fryer stuffed poblano peppers are a flavorful, lighter alternative to traditional oven-baked stuffed peppers. Roasting the poblanos in the air fryer brings out their natural smoky flavor while keeping the filling moist and savory. You can stuff them with a combination of cheese, rice, beans, or ground meat for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Peppers

4 large poblano peppers
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling

Choose one of the options below or combine for a hearty mix:

Vegetarian Filling:

1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
½ cup diced tomatoes
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)

Meat Filling:

250 g ground beef, turkey, or chicken
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup shredded cheese

Equipment

Air fryer
Knife and cutting board
Skillet (if cooking meat filling)
Mixing bowl

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Wash the poblano peppers thoroughly.
Slice each pepper lengthwise down one side and carefully remove the seeds and membranes.
Brush the peppers lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Set aside while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

For Vegetarian Filling:

In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stir in half of the shredded cheese.

For Meat Filling:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the filling into each poblano pepper, pressing gently to pack it without overstuffing.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.

Air Frying Instructions

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Peppers

Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 12–15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
If the tops are browning too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil.

Serving Instructions

Step 6: Serve

Remove the peppers from the air fryer and let them rest for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Serve as a main dish or alongside a fresh salad or rice.

Tips for Best Results

Choose large, firm poblano peppers for easy stuffing.
Dry the peppers well before brushing with oil to achieve slight crispiness.
Do not overstuff; leave a little space for the cheese to melt.
Check doneness at 12 minutes; cooking times may vary depending on pepper size and air fryer model.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 170°C (340°F) for 3–5 minutes to refresh the texture.