Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers—a colorful, flavor-packed dinner that’s both comforting and surprisingly easy to pull off on a busy weeknight. The peppers come out perfectly tender in the air fryer, stuffed to the brim with a savory beef, rice, and veggie filling, all bubbling hot beneath a blanket of melty cheese. If you’re craving a dish that feels hearty and homemade but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this one’s for you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers is that the ingredient list is refreshingly simple, but each element plays a starring role in flavor, color, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some easy tips to make every bite count!

• Olive oil: For sautéing, adding just a hint of richness and keeping everything silky.
• Yellow onion: Diced and cooked until sweet and aromatic, it builds the foundation of flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a punchy, comforting aroma—don’t skip it!
• Bell peppers (any color): The stars of the show; their natural sweetness deepens as they air fry, and different colors make for an eye-popping presentation.
• Ground beef: Hearty and satisfying, providing protein—swap for other ground meat if preferred.
• Italian seasoning: This dried blend brings herby zest and warmth to the filling.
• Salt: Just the right amount to make the flavors pop.
• Diced tomatoes (canned): Not draining them keeps the filling juicy and loaded with tomato flavor.
• Coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a little tang; whatever you have on hand works.
• Uncooked white or brown rice: Acts as the hearty filler—choose white for classic, brown for extra fiber and chew.
• Water: Helps the rice cook right in the mixture for less fuss.
• Shredded cheddar cheese or vegan cheese (optional): A gooey, golden finish on top—totally magical if you’re a cheese fan!

Variations

One of my favorite things about Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers is how easily you can make them your own. Whether you’re working around allergies, feeding kids, or just craving something new, there’s a version for everyone!

• Low-Carb: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice—just add it after browning the meat for a lighter, veggie-packed option.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese on top or use a plant-based alternative for a delicious, allergy-friendly meal.
• Meatless: Use lentils, black beans, or a favorite plant-based ground “meat” in place of beef—still hearty and oh-so-tasty.
• Extra Fiber: Swap in brown rice and stir in some drained black beans after cooking the rice for a heartier, more filling pepper.

How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer and Prep the Peppers

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F—just a quick 3-5 minutes depending on your model. Meanwhile, slice the tops off the bell peppers, scoop out the seeds and membranes, and dice the tops to use in your filling. This uses every part of the pepper and adds extra flavor and color!

Step 2: Soften the Peppers

Place the cleaned peppers in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes. Pre-softening helps ensure that the shells are tender (but not mushy!) by the time your filling is perfectly cooked.

Step 3: Cook the Filling

While the peppers are doing their thing, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the onion and your diced pepper tops; sauté until soft and fragrant. Toss in the garlic, let it sizzle for a couple more minutes, then add ground beef. Cook until no pink remains and the mixture is rich and savory.

Step 4: Build the Flavor & Simmer the Rice

Season the browned beef with Italian seasoning, salt, diced tomatoes (liquid included!), and coconut aminos or Worcestershire. Stir everything together, then add uncooked rice and water. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes—or as long as your rice package suggests—until the grains are cooked and everything is juicy and cohesive.

Step 5: Fill & Air Fry Again

Divide the beef and rice filling evenly among your pre-softened peppers. Nestle them back into the air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F, and cook for 4 minutes. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it generously on top, then return the peppers to the air fryer for another 4 minutes until golden, melty, and absolutely irresistible. (If you’re skipping cheese, cook for 8 minutes total after stuffing.)

How to Serve Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil does wonders for adding a burst of color and herbaceous pop right before serving. A dollop of tangy sour cream or a swirl of your favorite hot sauce can elevate these Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers and make every plate feel a little more special.

Side Dishes

Serve these peppers alongside a crisp green salad, some roasted broccoli, or a pile of garlicky green beans for a well-rounded meal. A slice of crusty bread is always welcome to soak up any juices from the filling, especially if you want a super hearty dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging several colors of Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers on a platter for a vibrant, rainbow-inspired main course at your next dinner party. You can also halve the peppers lengthwise before stuffing for mini, shareable boats—perfect for appetizers or as a fun twist for kids.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover peppers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Their flavor actually gets even better as the filling melds together overnight—making lunch prep a breeze!

Freezing

To freeze, pop the cooled Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 months. Just make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply place the chilled or thawed stuffed peppers back in the air fryer basket and heat at 400°F for about 10 minutes. The filling will be piping hot and the cheese on top will melt all over again—just like the first night!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy but crowd-pleasing dinner, I can’t recommend these Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers enough. Bright, comforting, and packed with flavor—they’re the kind of meal you’ll find yourself craving all week long. Give them a try and let your kitchen fill with the mouthwatering aroma of something truly special!

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