Tasty Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Bell peppers packed with savory ground turkey and quinoa become magical when prepared in an air fryer.

My kitchen experiments have revealed incredible shortcuts for creating delicious meals quickly.

Crisp pepper shells cradle rich, hearty fillings that transform simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Everyone can master this foolproof technique with minimal kitchen skills.

Perfectly seasoned and tender, these stuffed peppers emerge golden and bubbling from the air fryer basket.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with this protein-packed marvel.

Come join me in discovering how simple ingredients can become an extraordinary meal that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Crave Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Again

• Transform boring bell peppers into a crispy, cheesy dish using the air fryer, which cuts cooking time and ensures perfectly cooked peppers without heating up the entire kitchen.
• Swap ground meat for turkey, use different cheeses, or add extra spices to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable to dietary needs.
• Packed with protein from meat, complex carbohydrates from rice, and vitamins from bell peppers, this one-dish meal delivers a complete and wholesome eating experience that satisfies both kids and adults.

What Goes into Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Main Ingredients:

Bell Peppers: Perfect vessel for the delicious filling, these colorful peppers provide a nutritious and visually appealing base for the dish. Choose firm, thick-walled peppers that can stand upright.

Ground Meat: Hearty protein that adds richness and depth to the filling. Lean ground beef or turkey works best for a healthier option.

Rice: Fluffy base that helps bind the filling and adds substantial texture. Leftover or freshly cooked rice works well.

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Provide moisture and tangy flavor to the filling. Fresh or canned diced tomatoes add brightness.

Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatic ingredients that build a flavor foundation. Fresh ingredients offer the most robust taste.

Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice blend that creates a well-rounded and complex flavor profile. Adjust to personal taste preferences.

Topping and Finishing Ingredients:

Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that adds creamy richness and golden color. Choose a cheese that melts well like mozzarella or cheddar.

Fresh Parsley or Basil: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, bright finish. Adds a pop of color and herbal note to the dish.

How to Make Stuffed Peppers in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare Colorful Bell Peppers

Remove tops from bell peppers and clear out seeds and inner membranes. Trim bottoms gently to help peppers stand steadily in the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Create Hearty Filling

• Cooked rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook until ingredients blend perfectly and warm through.

Step 3: Stuff Bell Peppers

Carefully spoon meat mixture into each pepper, pressing gently to fill completely.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Warm air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Position stuffed peppers upright in basket. Cook for 10 minutes. Sprinkle shredded cheese over peppers. Continue cooking 3-5 minutes until cheese melts beautifully and turns golden.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Serve with extra tomato sauce on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for, Stuffed Peppers at Home

• Maximize Pepper Stability: Trim the bottoms carefully to ensure peppers stand upright in the air fryer basket, preventing tipping and uneven cooking.
• Choose Pepper Perfection: Select bell peppers with thick, sturdy walls that can hold the filling without collapsing during air frying.
• Prevent Stuffing Spillage: Pack the filling gently but firmly to avoid overflow and create a neat, compact stuffed pepper.
• Customize Filling Freedom: Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Boost Cheese Melt: Let the cheese rest for a minute after cooking to achieve a perfect, glossy melted texture that clings beautifully to the stuffed peppers.

Best Way to Keep Stuffed Peppers Tasting Fresh

• Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the peppers completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Warm individual peppers for 1-2 minutes on medium power, stopping halfway to stir and ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle fresh cheese on top for extra flavor.
• Wrap cooled peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Goes Great with Stuffed Peppers

• Crisp Greek whites like Assyrtiko or Spanish Albariño perfectly complement the peppers' savory tomato and herb flavors, cutting through the rich meat filling.
• Fresh cucumber salad or tzatziki sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy stuffed peppers, balancing the dish's robust profile.
• Crusty sourdough or garlic bread become ideal vessels for soaking up extra tomato sauce, enhancing the meal's overall texture and flavor experience.
• Quick-pickled vegetables or a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette add zingy acidity that lifts the hearty stuffed pepper's earthiness.

Stuffed Pepper Variations for New Flavors

• Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like lentils, quinoa, or black beans. Add extra vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for hearty texture.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap rice with cauliflower rice, use ground turkey or beef, and increase cheese content. Ensure minimal carbohydrate ingredients for low-carb diet compatibility.
• Gluten-Free Option: Confirm all seasonings and sauces are gluten-free certified. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them entirely. Choose ground meats without additional fillers.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs like oregano. Use lamb instead of traditional ground beef for authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers deliver a zesty flavor explosion packed with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Crispy pepper shells cradle savory filling, creating a quick and delicious meal that satisfies dinner cravings in less than 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef, turkey, or chicken

Vegetables and Base:

• 4 medium bell peppers (any color)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) tomato sauce (plus extra for serving)

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Transform vibrant bell peppers by slicing off their crowns and meticulously removing inner seeds and membranes. Delicately trim bottoms to ensure stable positioning during cooking.
2. In a sizzling skillet, brown ground meat thoroughly, creating a rich foundation. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence.
3. Integrate cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Allow ingredients to meld and warm through, creating a cohesive filling.
4. Generously fill each prepared pepper with the savory mixture, ensuring a compact but not overly dense stuffing.
5. Warm the air fryer to 360°F, positioning peppers upright within the basket. Initiate cooking for 10 minutes to develop initial flavor and texture.
6. Sprinkle a luxurious layer of shredded cheese atop each pepper, returning to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crown.
7. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh, vibrant parsley or fragrant basil. Accompany with a side of extra tomato sauce for those desiring an additional flavor boost.

Notes

• Select bell peppers with flat bottoms to ensure stable standing during air frying, preventing tipping and uneven cooking.
• Choose lean ground meat like turkey or chicken for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content without compromising flavor.
• Prevent stuffed peppers from drying out by adding a splash of water or broth to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking, creating steam and maintaining moisture.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower rice into the filling for extra nutrients and fiber.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg