5-minutes air fryer stuffed bell peppers: Insanely Delicious
I still remember the first time I tried stuffed bell peppers as a kid. My mom’s kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of roasted peppers, mingled with the savory scent of perfectly seasoned beef and a cheesy, melty topping that I couldn’t wait to dig into. But, let’s be honest making stuffed peppers the traditional way can be a bit of a project. The oven takes forever, and you’re left waiting for what feels like an eternity.
But then came the air fryer my kitchen superhero. With this little gadget, stuffed bell peppers go from a weekend-only dish to an anytime favorite. Quick, easy, and oh-so-cheesy these air fryer stuffed bell peppers are a game-changer. Whether you’re a busy mom juggling a million things or just someone who craves a comforting, hearty meal without the wait, this recipe has your back.
If you love quick and cheesy air fryer snacks, you’ll also love our Air Fryer Pizza Bombs!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These air fryer stuffed bell peppers
- Faster Than Traditional Methods: The air fryer drastically reduces cooking time.
- Perfectly Cheesy: The cheese melts into a gooey, golden layer with a slight crisp on top.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein, veggies, and the right amount of indulgence.
- Customizable: Use your favorite fillings, from classic beef and rice to vegetarian options.
- Minimal Cleanup: No need for multiple pots and pans your air fryer does it all.
These cheesy stuffed peppers pair perfectly with our Air Fryer Roasted Carrots.
How to Use an Air Fryer to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers
Using an air fryer for stuffed bell peppers is a breeze. Here’s how you can do it:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set it to 360°F. This helps with even cooking.
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice off the tops, remove the seeds, and lightly spray the insides with olive oil.
- Make the Filling: Cook your filling of choice (meat, rice, veggies) on the stovetop.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling into the prepared peppers, then top with cheese.
- Air Fry: Arrange the peppers upright in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Ingredients to make air fryer stuffed bell peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green, or orange)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions for air fryer stuffed bell peppers
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Slice the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly spray the insides with olive oil.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned. Add onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked rice and mix well.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Pack it in gently but don’t overfill. Top each with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they stand upright. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer. Let them cool for a minute or two, then serve with a side salad or some crusty bread.
Tips for Perfect air fryer stuffed bell peppers
- Choose Peppers Wisely: Opt for peppers that can stand upright easily for even cooking.
- Don’t Overfill: Gently pack the filling without overstuffing to avoid spillage.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: It ensures even cooking and a golden cheesy top.
- Experiment with Fillings: Make it your own with ground chicken, beans, or even quinoa.
- Use Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup, place a small piece under the peppers.
Want to keep it healthy? Serve these stuffed peppers with our Air Fryer Green Beans.
FAQs about air fryer stuffed bell peppers
Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the peppers and filling ahead, stuff them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just air fry them when you’re ready.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
Can I reheat these stuffed peppers? Yes, just like our Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites, they stay cheesy and delicious.
Make It Your Own!
These air fryer stuffed bell peppers are incredibly versatile. Swap the meat for a plant-based option, try different cheeses, or spice up the filling with jalapeños. However you make them, they’re bound to be a hit.
Looking for more easy and delicious air fryer recipes? Check out our Best Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes.
5-Ingredient Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers red, yellow, green, or orange
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F.
- Slice the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly spray the insides with olive oil.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned. Add onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes. Stir in cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Top with shredded cheese.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
