Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers – Easy and Flavorful Dinner Recipe
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a quick and delicious meal made with tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings. Cooking stuffed peppers in the air fryer makes them perfectly tender while keeping the filling juicy and flavorful.
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it requires simple ingredients and minimal preparation. The air fryer reduces cooking time while still giving you classic stuffed pepper flavor. Serve these stuffed peppers as a complete meal or alongside a fresh salad for a satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy dinner recipe
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Simple ingredients
- Juicy and flavorful filling
- Healthy and filling meal
- Great for meal prep
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken or turkey)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Wash the bell peppers and cut the tops off. Remove the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Press gently to pack the filling.
Top with shredded cheese.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Stuffed Peppers
Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Step 6: Serve
Remove carefully and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm as a main dish or with a side salad.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
- Choose peppers that can stand upright in the air fryer
- Do not overfill the peppers
- Use pre-cooked rice for faster preparation
- Add extra cheese for a richer flavor
- Ground turkey or chicken works great as a lighter option
Variations
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Replace the meat with black beans, lentils, or chopped vegetables.
Low-Carb Stuffed Peppers
Replace the rice with cauliflower rice.
Mexican Style Stuffed Peppers
Add taco seasoning, corn, and black beans and use Mexican cheese blend.
Spicy Stuffed Peppers
Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes until heated through.
These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick homemade dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
