Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe

If you’re craving a colorful, hearty, and impossibly easy dinner, these Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are about to become your new weeknight obsession! Sweet bell peppers loaded with a savory, herbed beef and rice mixture, finished with a blanket of gooey, bubbly cheese — all in just 30 minutes. Trust me, dinner doesn’t get much cozier (or more impressive) than this.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers is that each ingredient plays a delicious role — nothing is wasted, and every bite is packed with vibrant color and savory goodness. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need and how each piece brings the dish together.

• Olive oil: Sautéing in olive oil mellows the onion and ensures the filling is rich, not dry.
• Yellow onion: The starting flavor note; diced small, it melts into the filling for sweetness and aromatic backbone.
• Garlic: Just two cloves, but they infuse everything with irresistible warmth and depth.
• Bell peppers (any color): The natural edible “bowls” — use a rainbow for maximum visual (and nutritional) impact!
• Ground beef: Hearty and satisfying, forming the protein-packed base for the stuffing (swap for turkey or vegan crumbles if you like).
• Italian seasoning: A simple blend that brings herby Italian vibes to every bite.
• Salt: The essential that pulls all the savory elements together — don’t skip or skimp!
• Canned diced tomatoes (not drained): Lends juiciness and tang, keeping the rice and beef moist and flavorful.
• Coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce: A splash of umami for extra savory depth (choose based on preference or dietary needs).
• Uncooked white or brown rice: The heart of the stuffing — it soaks up all those delicious juices as it cooks.
• Water: Necessary for cooking the rice right in the pan with the beef and tomatoes, so the filling comes out fluffy and not dry.
• Shredded cheddar cheese or vegan cheese (optional): Melts gloriously over the top for a classic, comforting finish.

Variations

The beauty of Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers is how easily you can tailor them to your mood, your fridge, or your guests! Here are a few irresistible ways to mix it up, make it your own, and keep dinner exciting every time.

• Go Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for a can of lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu for a hearty plant-based version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes to the filling for a punch of heat.
• Different Grains: Use cooked quinoa or farro instead of rice for a nutrient boost and lovely texture.
• Cheese Swap: Mozzarella, pepper jack, or dairy-free cheese alternatives all melt beautifully on top — pick your favorite or clean out the cheese drawer!
• Lean & Green: Sub ground turkey or chicken for beef, and add chopped spinach or kale to sneak in extra greens.

How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Peppers

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F — smaller fryers need just 3 minutes, while larger baskets appreciate the full 5. Grab your bell peppers, slice off the tops (but don’t toss them!), and scoop out those seeds so they’re ready for filling. Dice up those pepper tops and set them aside; we’ll sneak them into the stuffing mix for zero waste and bonus flavor.

Step 2: Give the Peppers a Head Start

Arrange your hollowed-out peppers upright in the hot air fryer basket, working in batches if needed so they’re not crowded. Air fry for 6 minutes. This pre-cook softens them up just enough, so they’ll finish perfectly tender later without turning soggy.

Step 3: Make the Savory Filling

While the peppers are par-cooking, heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced onion and reserved pepper pieces, sautéing for a few minutes until soft and fragrant. Next, add minced garlic for that signature kick, giving it another minute to bloom. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns — you want no pink left for the safest, juiciest stuffing.

Step 4: Season & Simmer

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and salt, then pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices!). Add the coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce and your uncooked rice. Splash in the water, stir everything together, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes — just long enough for the rice to absorb all the savory goodness.

Step 5: Stuff, Air Fry, and Finish with Cheese

Spoon the warm, saucy beef and rice mixture evenly into each pre-cooked bell pepper. Nestle them back into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes, then (if you’re a cheese lover — highly encouraged!), remove the basket, top each pepper generously with shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese, and air fry for 4 more minutes until perfectly melted and golden. If you skip the cheese, just cook for 8 minutes straight.

How to Serve Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil makes these Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers truly pop, both for the eyes and the palate. A dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or a swirl of sour cream on top adds cool contrast to every cheesy, savory bite.

Side Dishes

Keep things fresh and simple with a crisp green salad or a plate of roasted veggies. For heartier appetites, pair with garlic bread, a scoop of quinoa, or even an herbed couscous. The peppers are filling, but a fun side makes it a true feast!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve each pepper upright on a vibrant platter for that classic, wow-worthy look, or slice them in half and nestle over greens for a deconstructed salad feel. For parties, use mini bell peppers for adorable, two-bite appetizers everyone will grab!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight — you might even love them more the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, let the peppers cool completely, then wrap each individually in foil or parchment and stash in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months — perfect for a speedy heat-and-eat meal later.

Reheating

For best results, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes; this keeps the filling moist and perks up the peppers. You can also use the microwave for a quick lunch, heating in 1–2 minute bursts until warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a meal that’s as fun to look at as it is satisfying to eat — and these Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers check every box. I hope you treat yourself and your loved ones to this joyful, flavor-packed recipe soon. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, colorful bite!

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