Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and healthy meal that comes together quickly in the air fryer. These peppers are stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice or quinoa, cheese, and seasonings, then air-fried to perfection. The result is a tender, flavorful filling encased in a crispy bell pepper shell. This dish is highly customizable to meet dietary preferences, including vegetarian or gluten-free options. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a hearty, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – 1 unit
- Skillet: 1 unit (for cooking the meat and preparing the filling)
- Cutting Board: 1 unit
- Knife: 1 unit
- Spoon: 1 unit (for stuffing the peppers)
- Measuring spoons (1 set)
- Shredded cheese: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 4 medium bell peppers any color
- 1 lb 450g ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese mozzarella or cheddar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato sauce or salsa optional
- 1 tbsp olive oil for air frying
Instructions
- Prepare the peppers: Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and ribs. Optionally, trim the bottoms to help them stand upright.
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If using additional vegetables, sauté them with the meat until softened.
- Prepare the filling: Add the cooked rice or quinoa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir in 1 cup of cheese and mix everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon the stuffing mixture into each pepper, pressing down gently to pack it in. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Air fry the peppers: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket and air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve: Allow the peppers to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Vegetarian option: Replace the ground meat with plant-based alternatives, black beans, or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Make ahead: Prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze uncooked stuffed peppers for up to 3 months.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add more spices, such as chili powder, paprika, or cumin, to match your taste preferences.
- Air fryer size: Depending on your air fryer, you may need to cook the peppers in batches to ensure they cook evenly.