Ingredients
- Costco stuffed peppers (pre-made from the store)
- Olive oil spray (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Substitutions:
- For a vegetarian option, choose Costco’s vegetarian stuffed peppers or make your own filling with a mix of quinoa, black beans, corn, and cheese.
Instructions
1. Preparation:
- Begin by removing the Costco stuffed peppers from their packaging. If they have been refrigerated, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for more even cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This ensures the air fryer is ready to cook the peppers evenly from the start.
2. Washing and Drying:
- While Costco stuffed peppers are pre-made and ready to cook, if you’re using fresh peppers for a homemade version, wash them thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture.
3. Selecting the Right Peppers:
- When choosing peppers, look for ones that are large and firm, with even shapes. This ensures they will hold their filling well and cook evenly in the air fryer.
4. Seasoning:
- Costco stuffed peppers typically come pre-seasoned, but you can enhance their flavor by lightly spraying them with olive oil spray and then sprinkling with a bit of salt and black pepper.
- For additional flavor, consider adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning before cooking.
5. Cooking Temperature and Time:
- Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow for optimal air circulation.
- Cook at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, gently turn the peppers to ensure even crisping and cooking.
6. Importance of Cooking Temperature and Time:
- The set temperature and time are crucial for ensuring the peppers are cooked through while achieving a crispy outer layer and a warm, flavorful filling.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the peppers and your air fryer’s specific model, as cooking times can vary.
7. Arranging for Optimal Cooking:
- Proper placement in the air fryer basket is key. Space the peppers apart to allow hot air to circulate freely, ensuring even cooking and a crispy texture on all sides.
8. Serving Ideas:
- Serve the air-fried stuffed peppers with a side of rice, a drizzle of your favorite sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Always preheat your air fryer for the best results. This helps achieve a crispy texture on the outside of the peppers.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference. While simple salt and pepper work great, experimenting with different herbs and spices can elevate the dish.
- Monitor the peppers towards the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking, especially if your air fryer cooks more efficiently.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (for pre-made Costco peppers)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: ~250-350 per pepper
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies
Keywords: Air Fryer Costco Stuffed Peppers