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:
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4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling or spraying)
For the Filling:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
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1/2 cup cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb option)
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1/2 cup black beans (optional)
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1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Peppers:
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Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly drizzle or spray the peppers with olive oil. Set aside.
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Cook the Filling:
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Add the ground beef (or turkey), and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Stir in cooked rice, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
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Stuff the Peppers:
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Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out bell peppers, packing the mixture tightly.
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Top each stuffed pepper with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
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Air Fry the Peppers:
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Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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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.
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Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Optional Marinara Topping:
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If desired, top the stuffed peppers with marinara sauce after cooking for added flavor.
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Serve:
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Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or additional cheese if desired.
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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.