Air Fryer Italian Stuffed Tomatoes: A Quick & Delicious Recipe

Craving Italian flavors but short on time? These Air Fryer Italian Stuffed Tomatoes are the perfect solution! Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The air fryer cooks the tomatoes to perfection, creating a slightly blistered skin and tender interior, while the savory filling bursts with Italian herbs, sausage, and cheese. This dish is ideal as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy in under 30 minutes!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven baking.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of Italian sausage, herbs, cheese, and ripe tomatoes is simply irresistible.
* **Versatile:** Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the filling to your preferences by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins.
* **Healthy(ish):** Compared to traditional stuffed tomato recipes that might use more oil and higher-fat ingredients, air frying minimizes oil usage and allows for healthier ingredient swaps.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Tomatoes:** 4 large, ripe tomatoes (Roma or beefsteak tomatoes work best)
* **Italian Sausage:** 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing (sweet, mild, or hot, depending on your preference)
* **Onion:** 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning)
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Fresh Basil:** For garnish (optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Air Fryer
* Large Bowl
* Small Bowl
* Knife
* Cutting Board
* Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop
* Measuring Cups and Spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create these delectable Air Fryer Italian Stuffed Tomatoes:

### 1. Prepare the Tomatoes

* Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry.
* Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top of each tomato, about 1/2 inch down. Set the tops aside; you can chop them and add them to the filling if you wish, or discard them.
* Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, scoop out the pulp and seeds from the inside of each tomato, leaving a hollow shell. Be careful not to puncture the sides of the tomatoes.
* Sprinkle the inside of each tomato with a pinch of salt and black pepper. This will help draw out any excess moisture.
* Place the hollowed-out tomatoes upside down on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess liquid while you prepare the filling.

### 2. Prepare the Filling

* In a large bowl, combine the Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
* Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage mixture and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
* Transfer the cooked sausage mixture to the large bowl.
* Add the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the sausage mixture.
* Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil or a small amount of tomato pulp.

### 3. Stuff the Tomatoes

* Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
* Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
* Using a spoon, carefully stuff each tomato with the sausage and cheese filling, mounding it slightly on top. Press the filling down gently to ensure it is packed tightly.
* If desired, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella cheese or Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed tomatoes.

### 4. Air Fry the Tomatoes

* Place the stuffed tomatoes in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
* Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
* Check the tomatoes periodically during cooking. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil.

### 5. Serve and Enjoy!

* Carefully remove the air-fried stuffed tomatoes from the air fryer basket using a spatula or tongs.
* Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
* Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Type of Sausage:** Feel free to use any type of Italian sausage you prefer. Sweet sausage will provide a milder flavor, while hot sausage will add a spicy kick. You can also use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a healthier alternative.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses in the filling. Provolone, ricotta, or even a sprinkle of Gorgonzola would be delicious.
* **Vegetables:** Add other chopped vegetables to the filling, such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables with the onion and garlic before adding them to the sausage mixture.
* **Herbs:** Use fresh herbs, such as parsley, oregano, and basil, for a more vibrant flavor. Add them to the filling just before stuffing the tomatoes.
* **Breadcrumbs:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe. You can also use crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning and oregano to your preference. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
* **Tomato Pulp:** Don’t discard the tomato pulp! You can use it to make a simple tomato sauce or add it to soups or stews. Alternatively, you can chop it finely and add it to the sausage filling for extra flavor and moisture.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply stuff the tomatoes and air fry as directed.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve these stuffed tomatoes as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping. They also make a great side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or pasta. For a light meal, serve them with a side salad.
* **Don’t Overcrowd:** Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the tomatoes from cooking evenly. Cook them in batches if necessary.
* **Prevent Sticking:** Make sure to grease the air fryer basket well to prevent the tomatoes from sticking. You can also use parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers.

## Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

* Calories: 250-350
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g

(Note: Nutritional information varies depending on the specific ingredients used.)

## Troubleshooting

* **Tomatoes are too watery:** Make sure to drain the tomatoes well after scooping out the pulp. You can also sprinkle the inside of the tomatoes with a little cornstarch to absorb excess moisture.
* **Filling is too dry:** Add a tablespoon of olive oil or a small amount of tomato pulp to moisten the filling.
* **Filling is too wet:** Add more breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.
* **Tomatoes are browning too quickly:** Loosely cover the tomatoes with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Filling is not cooked through:** Increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

## Conclusion

These Air Fryer Italian Stuffed Tomatoes are a delightful and convenient way to enjoy classic Italian flavors. With minimal effort and ingredients, you can create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to savor the taste of Italy! This recipe is a guaranteed winner for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish. Enjoy!