Zesty Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe for Fun Dinners

Bursting with flavor and packed with a delightful stuffed pepper filling, this air fryer stuffed peppers recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal that’s both easy and delicious.

Bell peppers brimming with savory ground beef, rice, and melted cheese create a hearty dinner that satisfies every craving.

The air fryer elevates these peppers to crispy perfection, ensuring a golden exterior with a tender, juicy interior.

Lean ground beef and fluffy rice blend seamlessly with aromatic seasonings, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Nutritious and colorful, these stuffed peppers offer a balanced meal that comes together in minutes.

Each bite promises a delectable combination of textures and robust flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to add this quick and impressive recipe to your weekly dinner rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Stuffed Pepper Ingredient List for the Air Fryer

• Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant, firm peppers with smooth skin and sturdy bottoms for easy standing; look for peppers without blemishes or soft spots.

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Select lean meat for healthier option; freshness ensures better flavor and texture.
• Rice: Pre-cooked rice adds perfect moisture and binds filling; white or brown rice work wonderfully.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create depth and savory undertones in the filling.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and tangy richness to the stuffing mixture.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Blend of spices that elevates overall taste profile and adds warm, complex notes.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a golden, creamy topping that adds luxurious finish.

• Fresh Parsley, Basil: Bright herbs that introduce fresh, crisp flavor and beautiful green color to the dish.

Tools That Help You Load and Crisp Peppers

• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking stuffed peppers evenly and quickly without heating up the whole kitchen.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing onions and garlic before mixing the filling.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients safely.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for cutting pepper tops, removing seeds, and trimming bottoms.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for breaking up meat and stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add precise amounts of seasonings and spices.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for shredding cheese if not using pre-shredded cheese.

Air Fry Peppers with Meat and Cheese Filling

• Slice and Clean Peppers

Remove pepper tops and clear out inner seeds. Ensure peppers can stand steadily by slightly trimming bottoms if needed.

• Create Savory Filling

Brown ground meat in hot skillet, breaking into small pieces. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until vegetables soften. Mix in cooked rice, tomato blend, herbs, and seasonings. Simmer mixture until everything melds together beautifully.

• Stuff and Prepare Peppers

Carefully pack meat mixture into hollowed peppers, pressing gently to fill completely.

• Air Fry to Perfection

Heat air fryer to 360F. Place peppers upright in basket. Cook for 10 minutes. Sprinkle generous cheese layer over peppers. Continue cooking 3-5 minutes until cheese transforms into golden, bubbling goodness.

• Plate and Serve

Transfer peppers to serving dish. Optional: Scatter fresh herbs on top. Offer extra tomato sauce alongside for dipping and added flavor excitement.

Tips for a Tender Outside and Melted Inside

• Slice bell peppers evenly to ensure they stand stable and cook uniformly in the air fryer basket.
• Use lean ground meat to prevent excess grease while maintaining a juicy, flavorful filling that won't become dry during cooking.
• Allow cheese to rest for 1-2 minutes after air frying to create a perfect, gooey texture that doesn't immediately separate from the peppers.
• Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version, or use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free alternative that keeps the dish protein-packed and satisfying.
• Prepare stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before air frying, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation a breeze.

Serve Hot with Fresh Herbs or Sauce

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve these stuffed peppers as a complete meal with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for a satisfying dinner.
• Flavor Boosters: Top with a dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped chives, or a sprinkle of extra herbs to add exciting layers of taste and texture.
• Mediterranean Twist: Pair with a side of tzatziki sauce, kalamata olives, and a light Greek-style salad to transform the dish into a Mediterranean-inspired dinner experience.
• Leftover: Store any remaining stuffed peppers in an airtight container for quick lunches or reheat in the air fryer for a crispy, delicious next-day meal.

Store Peppers for Easy Meals Later

• Prepare the stuffed peppers in advance by assembling and storing them unbaked in sealed containers within the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing quick cooking when hunger strikes.
• Wrap individual stuffed peppers tightly in aluminum foil, then place inside freezer-safe bags. These can remain frozen for 2-3 months, providing convenient meal solutions during busy weeks.
• Store leftover cooked peppers in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crisp texture and prevent soggy results.
• Create smaller mini peppers for individual servings or lunch-sized portions. These compact versions cook faster and offer perfect single-serving meal possibilities for meal planning enthusiasts.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Do I need to precook the rice before adding it to the filling?

No, you can use leftover cooked rice or instant rice. If using uncooked rice, you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

• How do I prevent the peppers from falling over in the air fryer?

Trim the bottoms slightly to create a flat base, or use a small rack or crumpled foil to help them stand upright and stable.

• Can I make these peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from cold.

Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired air fryer stuffed peppers deliver a spicy celebration of zesty flavors and wholesome ingredients. Quick preparation methods ensure delicious results that will satisfy hearty appetites.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 4 medium bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup (240 ml) diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup (240 ml) cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pepper Preparation: Decapitate bell peppers, eliminating seeds and membranes. Trim bottoms for stable positioning, creating edible vessels for the upcoming culinary adventure.
2. Meat Foundation: Sear ground meat in a skillet until deeply bronzed. Incorporate onions and garlic, allowing their aromatic essences to intertwine and intensify the flavor profile.
3. Filling Creation: Blend cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a symphony of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until ingredients harmonize into a unified, flavorful mixture.
4. Stuffing Technique: Densely pack each pepper with the seasoned filling, ensuring a robust yet balanced distribution that promises a delectable bite.
5. Air Frying Process: Preheat air fryer to 360°F. Nestle peppers upright in the basket, cooking for 12-15 minutes to develop a tender texture and concentrate flavors.
6. Cheese Finale: Crown peppers with a lavish layer of shredded cheese, returning to the air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
7. Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, offering a vibrant touch. Serve with extra tomato sauce for those craving an additional flavor dimension.

Notes

• Prep Peppers Carefully: Choose peppers with flat bottoms for stable cooking, trimming bases gently to ensure they stand upright in the air fryer without toppling.
• Control Meat Moisture: Brown ground meat thoroughly and drain excess fat to prevent soggy filling and maintain a perfectly textured stuffed pepper.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese during the final 3-5 minutes of cooking to achieve a golden, bubbly top without overcooking or burning the delicate surface.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or quinoa for vegetarian options, or use lean turkey for a lower-fat protein source.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg