How To Cook Stuffed Peppers In The Air Fryer

Elevate your dinner game with our Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers recipe—simple, flavorful, and ready in a flash. Enjoy a crispy exterior and savory filling as your air fryer effortlessly transforms this classic dish into a hassle-free culinary delight.

If you’re craving a delicious and hassle-free meal, it’s time to turn to your trusty air fryer. Today, we’re diving into the world of savory delights with a recipe that’s both simple and bursting with flavor – Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers. 

Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty meal without the fuss.

If you love air fryer meals you should also try my Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos or my Air Fryer Fish Tacos.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE AIR FRYER STUFFED PEPPERS

3. Speedy Cooking Time: Experience the convenience of the air fryer’s rapid cooking, turning what would traditionally be an oven-baked dish into a quick and satisfying meal in minutes.
4. Customizable Fillings: Tailor the stuffing to your taste, experimenting with a variety of ingredients to create a personalized flavor profile that suits your cravings and dietary preferences.
5. Healthier Alternative: With minimal oil usage, the air fryer offers a healthier approach to cooking, allowing you to indulge in the rich flavors of stuffed peppers without the excess grease.
6. Versatile Meal Option: Whether enjoyed as a stand-alone dinner or part of a meal prep routine, these air fryer stuffed peppers prove to be a versatile and delightful dish suitable for various occasions.
7. Picture-Perfect Results: Achieve consistent and visually appealing results with the air fryer, as it ensures an even cook, golden exteriors, and a picture-perfect presentation of your stuffed peppers.
8. Efficient Meal Prep: Ideal for batch cooking, these air fryer stuffed peppers make meal prepping a breeze, providing a convenient and tasty option for reheating throughout the week.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE AIR FRYER PEPPERS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this easy air fryer recipe (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Large bell peppers – green bell peppers, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers or orange bell peppers.
• Lean ground beef – can use any ground meat such as ground turkey, ground chicken or Italian sausage.
• Cooked rice or quinoa – perfect to use up leftover rice
• Onion
• Garlic cloves
• Marinara sauce – any type of pasta sauce or tomato sauce
• Shredded cheese – cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese
• Spices such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, or simple just taco seasoning.
• Optional – black beans, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, cream cheese, 
• Fresh cilantro, green onions or parsley for garnish
• Olive oil  or avocado oil for brushing

HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY DINNER

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops of the peppers off, remove the seeds, and gently brush the outsides with olive oil. This step helps achieve a golden and slightly crispy exterior during air frying.
3. Cook the Ground Meat: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add all seasonings.
4. Mix in the Good Stuff: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat with cooked rice, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Stuff Those Peppers: Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the delicious mixture, pressing it down gently. Top each pepper with the remaining shredded cheese.
6. Air Fry to Perfection: Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re stable and not touching each other. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once done, garnish your air fryer stuffed peppers with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve them hot, and get ready for a burst of flavors with every bite!

STORING THE LEFTOVER STUFFED PEPPERS

1. Cooling Down:Allow the stuffed peppers to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container.
2. Separate the Peppers:If you have multiple stuffed peppers, consider storing them individually. This prevents them from sticking together and preserves their distinct flavors.
3. Airtight Container:Transfer the cooled stuffed peppers to an airtight container. This helps maintain their moisture level and prevents any external odors from affecting the taste.
4. Refrigeration:Store the airtight container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature helps slow down bacterial growth and keeps your stuffed peppers fresh for an extended period.
5. Labeling and Dating:If you’re preparing multiple batches or planning to store them for a few days, label the container with the date. This ensures you can keep track of freshness.

FAQS

CAN I PREP STUFFED PEPPERS IN ADVANCE FOR A QUICK DINNER?

Certainly! Prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The next day, simply bake or air fry for a convenient and delicious dinner.

CAN I ADD SUNDRIED TOMATOES FOR ADDED FLAVOR?

Absolutely! Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of savory sweetness to stuffed peppers. Chop them finely and mix them into the stuffing for an extra layer of deliciousness.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT STUFFED PEPPERS FROM STICKING TO THE PAN DURING COOKING?

Use cooking spray to lightly coat the pan or skillet before baking or air frying stuffed peppers. It ensures they won’t stick and helps achieve a golden exterior.

CAN I FREEZE STUFFED PEPPER HALVES FOR AN EASY WEEKNIGHT DINNER?

Yes! Wrap individual stuffed pepper halves tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for weeks, providing a convenient option for future meals.

DOES IT MATTER IF I USE GREEN PEPPERS OR RED PEPPERS IN THIS EASY RECIPE?

No, you can use either or, or both! Mixing green and red peppers not only adds visual appeal but also brings a diverse flavor profile to your stuffed pepper recipes, making them even more delightful.

Other Air Fryer Comfort Food Recipes You May Like To Try!

• Air Fryer Jalapeno Cheddar Protein Bagel
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Easy Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bagels
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
• Frozen Chicken Nuggets In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza Recipe

IF YOU TRIED THIS BUSY WEEKNIGHT DINNER RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails