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Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer stuffed peppers with this easy baking recipe. These peppers feature a flavorful filling of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, perfectly cooked in an air fryer for that ideal tender-crisp texture without the hassle of traditional oven baking.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
12 mins
Serves:
4 stuffed peppers
An overhead shot of colorful stuffed bell peppers arranged on a rustic ceramic platter, their tops slightly charred revealing the bubbling cheese and hearty filling beneath. A cross-section view shows the perfectly cooked layers of seasoned ground beef and rice nestled inside a tender pepper shell. Soft natural light highlights the caramelized edges and melted cheese topping, while sprigs of fresh parsley add vibrant green accents. Steam rises gently from the just-cooked peppers, with droplets of savory juices trickling down their sides onto the warm wooden serving board.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large bell peppers (any color)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g lean ground beef (or turkey/plant-based alternative)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g cooked rice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g canned diced tomatoes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon tomato paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp knife</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Cut the tops off each bell pepper and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse the insides and set aside. If needed, trim a tiny slice from the bottom of each pepper so they stand upright without tipping over.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes while you prepare the filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cooked rice, mixing thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Brush the outside of each pepper with the remaining olive oil – this helps them become tender while cooking and prevents drying out in the air fryer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Spoon the filling mixture into each pepper, packing it in gently but not too tightly (as the rice may expand slightly during cooking). Leave a small space at the top for the cheese.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers. The cheese will form a delicious golden crust and help seal in moisture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Place the stuffed peppers in your air fryer basket, ensuring they're standing upright. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Air fry at 180°C for 10-12 minutes until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape, and the cheese is melted and golden. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your peppers – I recommend checking at the 8-minute mark and adjusting as needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer (they'll be hot!) and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to serve.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 13</h4>Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. These peppers pair beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe?

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers require bell peppers, lean ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, paprika, grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar), olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional fresh parsley for garnish.

How to cook Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers by preparing bell peppers, making a filling with browned beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and rice, then stuff the peppers, top with cheese, and air fry at 180°C for 10-12 minutes until the peppers are tender and cheese is golden. This method is quicker and healthier than traditional oven baking.

Can I make these stuffed peppers vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based mince, lentils, or a mushroom and walnut mixture for texture. For vegan stuffed peppers, use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of regular cheese. The cooking time remains the same in your air fryer.

How should I store leftover air-fried stuffed peppers?

Allow leftover stuffed peppers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 160°C until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes for a quicker option.

What can I serve alongside stuffed peppers to make a complete meal?

Stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a light tomato soup. For a more substantial meal, consider serving with a side of steamed broccoli, couscous, or quinoa to complement the flavours.

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The cheese will form a delicious golden crust and help seal in moisture." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Arrange in air fryer", "text": "Place the stuffed peppers in your air fryer basket, ensuring they're standing upright. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cook", "text": "Air fry at 180°C for 10-12 minutes until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape, and the cheese is melted and golden." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Rest", "text": "Carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to serve." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Garnish and serve", "text": "Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. These peppers pair beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Maria Rodriguez", "datePublished": "2023-06-18", "reviewBody": "These stuffed peppers are amazing! So much faster in the air fryer than the oven. My whole family loved them, even my picky eaters. I added a bit of cumin for extra flavor.", "name": "Perfect Weeknight Dinner", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sanjay Patel", "datePublished": "2023-06-22", "reviewBody": "I've been trying to get my children to eat more vegetables and these stuffed peppers did the trick! They devoured them and asked for seconds. The air fryer gives them a perfect texture.", "name": "Kids Actually Ate Vegetables!", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lucia Martinelli", "datePublished": "2023-06-30", "reviewBody": "I made these with ground turkey instead of beef for a healthier option, and they were still delicious! The air fryer method uses so much less oil than traditional recipes. Will definitely make again.", "name": "Healthier Than Traditional Version", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Ahmed Hassan", "datePublished": "2023-07-05", "reviewBody": "These air fryer stuffed peppers cook in less than half the time of oven-baked ones! I was skeptical at first, but they turned out perfectly - tender peppers with a juicy filling and that wonderful cheese crust.", "name": "Quicker Than Oven Method!", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Charlotte Kim", "datePublished": "2023-07-11", "reviewBody": "I made a batch of these on Sunday for meal prep, and they reheated beautifully throughout the week. They're filling, nutritious and so flavorful! I added some chili flakes for extra heat. Fantastic recipe!", "name": "Great Meal Prep Option", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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