Air-Fried Stuffed Sausage Peppers with Creamy Rotel Filling
Ingredients:
- 2-4 bell peppers, any color (cored and seeds removed)
- 1 roll of breakfast sausage
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil (for brushing peppers)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned and cooked through. Break it up into crumbles using a spatula as it cooks.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the drained Rotel tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Allow them to cook together for 2-3 minutes, letting any excess moisture evaporate.
- Cut the cream cheese block into smaller cubes and add them to the sausage and tomato mixture. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined, creating a creamy filling. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Carefully stuff each cored pepper with the sausage and cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are well-filled.
- Brush the outside of each stuffed pepper with a little olive oil to help achieve a crispy exterior in the air fryer.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper during the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt and become bubbly.
- Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious Air-Fried Stuffed Sausage Peppers with Creamy Rotel Filling
Here are some tips to ensure your Air-Fried Stuffed Sausage Peppers with Creamy Rotel Filling turn out perfectly:
- Choose the Right Peppers:
- Select fresh, firm peppers for stuffing. Bell peppers work well for this recipe, and you can choose a mix of colors for a vibrant presentation.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Make sure to preheat your air fryer before cooking to ensure even and consistent cooking throughout.
- Drain Rotel Tomatoes:
- Drain the Rotel tomatoes well to prevent excess moisture in the filling. This helps maintain a creamy consistency without making the peppers soggy.
- Customize the Sausage:
- Experiment with different flavors of breakfast sausage to add variety. You can try spicy sausage for a kick or a milder version depending on your preference.
- Adjust Cream Cheese Amount:
- If you prefer a creamier filling, you can add more cream cheese. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
- Seasoning:
- Season the filling with salt and pepper according to your taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
- Brush Peppers with Oil:
- Brushing the outside of the stuffed peppers with olive oil helps them achieve a crispy texture in the air fryer. It also adds a nice golden color to the peppers.
- Monitor Cooking Time:
- Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking. Air fryer temperatures can vary, so check the peppers periodically to ensure they are cooking to your liking.
- Melted Cheese on Top:
- Adding shredded mozzarella cheese on top during the last minutes of cooking allows it to melt and become gooey. Adjust the quantity based on your cheese preference.
- Garnish Creatively:
- Garnish the finished peppers with chopped fresh parsley or other herbs for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve Promptly:
- Air-fried dishes are best enjoyed right after cooking. Serve the stuffed peppers promptly to maintain their crispiness and ensure the filling is warm and creamy.
- Experiment with Air Fryer Settings:
- If your air fryer has adjustable temperature settings, you can experiment with slightly higher or lower temperatures to achieve your desired level of crispiness