Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The air fryer cooks these stuffed peppers in about 20 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight dinner.

• Healthy: Packed with veggies, lean protein, and whole grains, these stuffed peppers are a wholesome and filling meal.

• Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling to suit your preferences—add extra vegetables, use different proteins, or switch up the seasonings.

• Low-Maintenance: The air fryer does most of the work, leaving you with minimal cleanup and a meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)

• 1/2 cup cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)

• 1/2 cup black beans (optional, for added protein)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Prepare the Peppers: Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly drizzle or spray the peppers with olive oil, then set them aside.

2. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in the cooked rice, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

3. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out bell peppers, packing the mixture tightly. Top each stuffed pepper with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

4. Air Fry the Peppers: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, standing upright. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Optional Marinara: If you like, top the stuffed peppers with a spoonful of marinara sauce after they come out of the air fryer for added flavor.

6. Serve: Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or additional cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 (1 stuffed pepper per person)

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, and veggies for a vegetarian version.

• Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.

• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to keep it low-carb and keto-friendly.

• Cheese Lovers: Add extra cheese to the top or inside the peppers for a more indulgent version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the stuffed peppers individually in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use any type of rice, such as brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa. You can also use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too soft?

Make sure not to overcook the peppers in the air fryer. They should be tender but still hold their shape. If you’re worried about them being too soft, cook them at a slightly lower temperature (around 350°F) and check for tenderness after 12-15 minutes.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just stuff the peppers and cook them in the air fryer when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat are great alternatives. Adjust the seasoning to match the flavor profile of your protein choice.

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes! You can bake the stuffed peppers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a delicious, customizable, and easy-to-make meal that brings together savory flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you enjoy them with beef, turkey, or a vegetarian filling, they make for a healthy, hearty dish that’s perfect for any weeknight. Plus, with the air fryer doing the heavy lifting, you’ll have a flavorful meal in no time!

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a quick, healthy, and customizable meal made with bell peppers, ground beef (or turkey), rice, beans, and a blend of spices, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This easy recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or a fun family meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and healthy.

---

Ingredients

For the Peppers:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling or spraying)

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1/2 cup cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb option)

• 1/2 cup black beans (optional)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Optional Topping:

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers:

   • Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly drizzle or spray the peppers with olive oil. Set aside.

2. Cook the Filling:

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

   • Add the ground beef (or turkey), and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

   • Stir in cooked rice, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

3. Stuff the Peppers:

   • Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out bell peppers, packing the mixture tightly.

   • Top each stuffed pepper with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

4. Air Fry the Peppers:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

   • Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, standing upright. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches.

   • Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Optional Marinara Topping:

   • If desired, top the stuffed peppers with marinara sauce after cooking for added flavor.

6. Serve:

   • Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or additional cheese if desired.

---

Notes

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with quinoa, black beans, and vegetables for a vegetarian version.Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for extra heat.Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a keto-friendly, low-carb version.Cheese Lovers: Add extra cheese inside or on top for a gooier, cheesier version.