If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and healthy twist on a classic dish, Greek Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are exactly what you need! Combining the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with the convenience of an air fryer, this recipe is a perfect choice for anyone who wants a quick, satisfying meal.
The air fryer helps achieve the ideal balance of tender peppers with crispy, golden edges, all while keeping the stuffing light, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking a weeknight dinner, or hosting a Mediterranean-inspired feast, these Greek-stuffed peppers are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers offer an irresistible combination of speed, flavor, and health benefits. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Quick and Easy: Using the air fryer drastically reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods, making these stuffed peppers perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Mediterranean Flavors: With ingredients like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley, these peppers are bursting with the vibrant, tangy flavors of Greece.
- Healthy & Light: By using the air fryer, you can enjoy the delicious crunch of stuffed peppers without the added oil of deep frying or baking. This recipe is also easily customizable for a variety of dietary preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).
- Versatile & Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling to suit your tastes—whether that’s switching up the grains, adding protein like ground lamb, or making it vegan-friendly. The possibilities are endless!
What Are Greek Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers?
Greek Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a modern take on a Mediterranean classic. Traditionally, stuffed peppers are filled with rice, vegetables, and spices, then baked in the oven. This recipe takes the classic dish up a notch by incorporating quintessential Greek ingredients such as creamy feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley. The stuffing can be made with quinoa or rice, making it hearty yet healthy.
By using the air fryer, this recipe achieves the same delicious outcome as traditional stuffed peppers but in less time and with less oil. The air fryer’s circulating hot air helps to cook the peppers evenly while providing a slightly crispy texture on the outside, while the stuffing stays perfectly moist and flavorful inside. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy, tender, and savory in every bite.
Ingredients for Greek Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
To make Greek Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients that evoke the essence of Mediterranean cuisine:
- Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers serve as the base for the stuffing. They’re sweet and tender when cooked in the air fryer.
- Quinoa or Rice: Use quinoa for a light, protein-packed base, or choose your favorite rice (brown rice is a great option for extra fiber).
- Feta Cheese: This crumbly, salty cheese is a hallmark of Greek cuisine and brings richness to the dish.
- Kalamata Olives: These olives add a briny, savory punch to the stuffing, complementing the feta perfectly.
- Fresh Herbs: Oregano, parsley, and basil give the stuffing a fresh, fragrant flavor.
- Onion & Garlic: For a savory depth of flavor, sauté onions and garlic before mixing them into the stuffing.
- Olive Oil: For drizzling on the peppers before air frying to ensure they get that perfect crispy exterior.
- Lemon Juice (Optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, adding a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the feta and olives.
Optional ingredients include ground meat (such as ground lamb, chicken, or turkey) for a heartier, non-vegetarian version. You can also use gluten-free grains for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
How to Make Greek Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Making Greek Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers is straightforward and easy, thanks to the efficiency of the air fryer. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal:
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Start by slicing the tops off the bell peppers and removing the seeds and membranes. If you want them to cook more evenly, trim the bottoms slightly to create a stable base for stuffing. Set the peppers aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa or Rice
If you’re using quinoa, rinse it thoroughly and cook it according to package instructions. If you prefer rice, cook it as usual. Once done, fluff it with a fork to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a pan, heat a small amount of olive oil and sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant. Add your cooked quinoa (or rice) to the pan and mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Stir everything together and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Carefully stuff the prepared bell peppers with the quinoa and feta mixture, pressing gently to ensure the filling is packed but not overstuffed. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tops of the stuffed peppers to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
Step 5: Air Fry the Stuffed Peppers
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are standing upright. Air fry for about 12–15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the tops of the stuffing are lightly browned and crispy. For extra crispiness, you can spray a bit of cooking oil on top halfway through the cooking time.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, and serve with a side of tzatziki or Greek salad. Enjoy!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely since these are so delicious!), store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze them if you want to make a larger batch. Just wrap each stuffed pepper in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating Leftovers
To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend. Simply place the stuffed peppers back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, though they might not get quite as crispy. If you’re using the microwave, cover the peppers with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes, but keep in mind that the texture may not be as perfect as when freshly made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Greek Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers without an air fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the stuffed peppers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the stuffed peppers for about 25–30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the stuffing is golden.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! If feta isn’t your favorite, try crumbled goat cheese, ricotta, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that feta adds a tangy, salty kick that complements the other Greek ingredients beautifully.
3. Can I use a different grain for the stuffing?
Yes! If you prefer, you can swap quinoa for rice, couscous, or even farro. Each will bring a slightly different texture but still work wonderfully in this recipe.
4. Can I add meat to the stuffing?
Yes, if you’d like to make these peppers heartier, you can add ground lamb, chicken, or turkey to the stuffing. Simply brown the meat before mixing it into the quinoa or rice mixture for added protein and flavor.
5. Can I make Greek Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers and store them in the fridge for 1-2 days before air frying. Alternatively, you can freeze them before cooking. When ready, simply air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
Greek Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are the perfect blend of convenience and Mediterranean flavors. They’re quick to make, bursting with fresh ingredients, and can be customized to fit any dietary preference. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, these stuffed peppers will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Try them today and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and flavorful in every bite!
Greek Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer (6-quart)
- 1 Large skillet for sautéing
- 1 Medium saucepan for cooking quinoa or rice
- 1 Cutting board and knife for chopping ingredients
- 1 Spoon for stuffing peppers
- 1 Cooking spray (optional for air fryer)
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 cup quinoa or rice, cooked
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives chopped
- 1/4 cup onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Trim the bottoms slightly to ensure they can stand upright while cooking. Set aside.
- Cook quinoa or rice: In a medium saucepan, cook quinoa according to package directions (or rice, if preferred). Once cooked, fluff with a fork.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Make the filling: Add the cooked quinoa (or rice) to the skillet, followed by the crumbled feta, chopped olives, parsley, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2 more minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Stuff the peppers: Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, packing it gently but tightly.
- Air fry the peppers: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the stuffed peppers inside. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Air fry for 12-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the tops are golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the peppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- Customizations: You can swap quinoa with rice or couscous, or even add ground lamb or chicken to the stuffing for a non-vegetarian option.
- For Vegan Option: Use dairy-free feta or leave out the feta entirely and add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
- Freezing: Stuffed peppers can be frozen before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, wrap them tightly and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Air fry from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes to the cook time.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs according to your taste. You can also sprinkle some extra feta on top just before serving for added richness.
