Air Fryer Stuffed Pepper Nachos
Recipe posted in: Flex Meals & Snacks, Snacks, Lunches & Dinners, Appetizers, SnacksPicture a plate of vibrant, colorful peppers, generously stuffed with a flavorful blend of lean ground turkey, black beans, pico de gallo and a medley of spices. Topped off with a sprinkle of low-fat cheese, these Air Fryer Stuffed Pepper Nachos are a sight to behold. A symphony of flavors and textures, they combine the satisfying crunch of bell peppers with the comforting warmth of a traditional nacho filling.
This isn’t just a feast for the senses, though. These Air Fryer Stuffed Pepper Nachos are packed with essential nutrients, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a healthy, well-rounded meal. High in protein thanks to the lean turkey and black beans, they’re also brimming with fiber from the bell peppers. Not to mention, they’re low in fat and calories, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. With an air fryer at hand, preparation becomes a breeze. Just stuff the peppers, pop them in the air fryer, and let it work its magic. The air fryer delivers perfectly cooked peppers every time.
Another advantage of this recipe is its versatility. It can be easily adjusted to accommodate different dietary needs or preferences. Vegetarian? Swap the turkey for quinoa or tofu. Lactose intolerant? Opt for dairy-free cheese. The possibilities are endless.
These Air Fryer Stuffed Pepper Nachos truly embody the essence of modern cooking – quick, easy, healthy and delicious. They’re the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner, a lazy Sunday lunch, or even a get-together with friends. With their striking appearance and mouthwatering taste, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them. So why wait? Dive into the world of air fryer cooking and discover the wonders it can bring.
Satisfying and Healthy: Air Fryer Stuffed Pepper Nachos
Nutritional Value and Servings
The Air Fryer Stuffed Pepper Nachos recipe, offering four servings, is a low-calorie delight with just 221 calories per serving. On the Nutrisystem program, you can count it as one PowerFuel, two Extras and two Vegetable servings.
Required Ingredients
The ingredients needed are half a pound of lean ground beef, half a teaspoon each of chili powder and cumin, black pepper to taste, one cup of black beans, half a cup of pico de gallo, twelve mini bell peppers halved and seeded, and half a cup of reduced fat shredded Mexican cheese.
Initial Cooking Steps
To begin, a skillet is sprayed with cooking spray and set on medium heat on the stove. The ground beef, chili powder, cumin and black pepper are added and cooked until the meat is fully done. The black beans and a quarter cup of pico de gallo are stirred in next.
Preparing the Air Fryer and Stuffed Peppers
Simultaneously, the air fryer is preheated to 350 degrees and the basket is lined with parchment paper. The bell peppers are then stuffed with the beef mixture, placed in the air fryer basket, and topped with shredded cheese.
Final Cooking Steps and Serving
The dish is then air-fried for six to eight minutes, until the cheese has melted. Once removed from the air fryer, the stuffed peppers are topped with the remaining pico de gallo, completing this mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Customizing the Air Fryer Stuffed Pepper Nachos
Vegetarian Version
For vegetarians, the ground beef can be substituted with a plant-based meat alternative or a mixture of rice and beans for added protein. You could also consider adding tofu or tempeh, both of which take on flavors well and provide a satisfying texture.
Adding Heat
If you like your food spicy, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture before stuffing the peppers. Alternatively, you could use a spicier cheese blend, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before air frying.
Dairy-Free Option
For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, there are many vegan cheeses available that melt well and can be used as a substitute for the shredded Mexican cheese. Another option is nutritional yeast, which has a cheesy flavor and is often used as a cheese substitute in vegan cooking.
Extra Protein and Fiber
To add more protein and fiber to the dish, consider adding some cooked quinoa or lentils to the beef mixture. You could also top the stuffed peppers with a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost.
Remember, the best part about cooking at home is making the recipe your own. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor profiles to create a dish that suits your personal preferences and dietary needs. Check out the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide for more information on add-ins!
*Please note that all air fryers cook differently. Before trying any recipe, always refer to the manufacturer safety instructions provided with your specific air fryer.
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 221
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 2 Extras and 2 Vegetables
Ingredients:
- ½ lb. lean ground beef
- ½ tsp. chili powder
- ½ tsp. cumin
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup black beans
- ½ cup pico de gallo, divided
- 12 mini bell peppers, halved and seeded
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese, reduced fat
Directions:
- Spray a skillet with cooking spray and set to medium heat on the stove. Add the ground beef, chili powder, cumin and black pepper. Cook until meat if fully cooked.
- Stir in the black beans and ¼ cup of pico de gallo.
- Meanwhile, preheat air fryer to 350°F. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the beef mixture. place them into the air fryer basket and top with shredded cheese.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the air fryer and top with remaining pico de gallo.
- *Please note that all air fryers cook differently. Before trying any recipe, always refer to the manufacturer safety instructions provided with your specific air fryer.