4 Amazing Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers That Melt in Your Mouth

Oh my gosh, you have to try these Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers! They’re my go-to when I need something fast, healthy, and absolutely packed with flavor. I’ll never forget the first time I made them – I was skeptical that the air fryer could get those peppers perfectly tender while keeping the filling juicy, but wow was I wrong! Now they’re on our weekly rotation because they’re ready in under 30 minutes and cleanup is a breeze. The best part? You can stuff them with whatever you’ve got in the fridge – ground turkey, leftover rice, even quinoa works. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never bake stuffed peppers in the oven again!

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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Let me tell you why these stuffed peppers are about to become your new obsession. First off, they’re crazy fast – ready before your takeout would arrive! But what really gets me is how:

• The air fryer gives the peppers that perfect tender-crisp texture without turning them to mush
• You get all the comfort food vibes with half the guilt (we’re talking under 300 calories per pepper!)
• Cleanup takes two minutes – just one little basket to wash
• The flavors get better as leftovers, making next-day lunches a breeze

Seriously, it’s like magic how something this good can be so simple. My kids even eat the peppers instead of picking around them – that’s how you know it’s a winner!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Here’s what you’ll need to make this super simple dish – trust me, you probably have most of this in your kitchen already! The beauty is in the flexibility, but these are my go-to ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color you like – I love using red and yellow for sweetness)
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (I often use 93% lean)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice works)
• ½ cup finely diced yellow onion (trust me, tiny pieces distribute better!)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar is classic, but pepper jack adds nice kick)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 fresh cloves, minced)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (regular works too, but smoked adds depth)
• Salt and pepper to taste (I do about ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper)

See? Nothing fancy – just good, wholesome ingredients that come together for something magical in the air fryer!

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Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s the short and sweet list of what you’ll need to make these peppers – I promise it’s nothing fancy!

• An air fryer (of course – any size works, but you might need to cook in batches)
• A medium mixing bowl (for that delicious filling)
• A skillet (to brown your meat to perfection)

No air fryer? No worries! You can bake these at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes – they’ll still be delicious, just not quite as speedy. For more on air frying, check out this guide from the FDA.

Love hearty, flavor-packed meals? Then you’ll be obsessed with our cheesy Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls—a comfort food classic reimagined with a creative twist that’s just as satisfying as these stuffed peppers.

How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Okay, let’s get cooking! These peppers come together so easily – I’ll walk you through each step just like I do when teaching my niece how to cook. You’ll be amazed how quickly everything comes together!

Preparing the Peppers

First things first – let’s get those peppers ready! I like to pick peppers that can stand upright on their own (makes life easier). Slice about ½ inch off the top – save those tops! They make great little “lids” if you want to get fancy. Now scoop out all the seeds and membranes with a spoon. Pro tip: Try to make all your peppers roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly. Too thin and they’ll collapse; too thick and they won’t cook through.

Cooking the Filling

While your peppers are prepped, let’s make that delicious filling! Brown your ground meat in a skillet over medium heat – I like to get some nice crispy bits for texture. Drain any excess fat (though leave a little for flavor!), then toss in your onions and cook until they’re translucent. Now dump everything into a bowl – the meat, rice, cheese, and spices. Mix it all together with your hands – yes, your hands! It’s the best way to evenly distribute everything. The mixture should hold together when pressed – if it’s too dry, add a splash of broth or water.

Air Frying the Stuffed Peppers

Here’s where the magic happens! Stuff your peppers generously – really pack that filling in there. Place them in your air fryer basket standing up (they can touch, but don’t overcrowd). Set to 375°F and cook for 12-15 minutes. At the halfway point, give the basket a little shake if your peppers are leaning. You’ll know they’re done when the peppers are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape, and the filling is heated through with melty, golden cheese on top. Oh, that smell is incredible!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Alright, let me share my hard-earned secrets for stuffed pepper perfection! Always use pre-cooked rice – it absorbs flavors better and prevents dry filling. For vegetarian friends, swap in crumbled tofu or mushrooms for the meat. Cheese lovers? Try a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for extra gooeyness! The real test is the fork check – peppers should be tender but still have some bite. My biggest tip? Let them rest 5 minutes after cooking – the flavors melt together beautifully. Oh, and if your peppers won’t stand upright, just slice a tiny bit off the bottom to level them!

Variations for Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

One of my favorite things about this recipe? You can mix it up a million ways! Swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs. Vegetarian? Use crumbled tofu or lentils instead of meat – just add an extra egg to bind it. Cheese lovers, try feta with spinach or pepper jack for a kick. Even the peppers can vary – poblanos make a fun spicy version! The possibilities are endless.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed peppers are perfect on their own, but I love serving them with a simple side salad or some warm crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. For a low-carb meal, pair them with roasted veggies instead! They’re naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for different diets – my vegetarian friends rave about the meatless version.

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Here’s the best part – these peppers taste even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags – they’ll keep for 2 months. When reheating, I always use the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep that perfect texture. Microwave works in a pinch (about 90 seconds), but they’ll lose that crispy edge. Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating for that just-made taste!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. For one generously stuffed pepper (using 93% lean turkey and white rice), you’re looking at:

• 280 calories – perfect for a satisfying meal
• 12g fat (5g saturated) – not bad for something this flavorful!
• 20g protein – keeps you full for hours
• 24g carbs (3g fiber) – great energy boost

Want to lighten it up? Swap in cauliflower rice and reduced-fat cheese – you’ll save about 50 calories per pepper without sacrificing taste!

Craving more air fryer inspiration and easy dinner wins? Check out our Pinterest boards where we share drool-worthy recipes and clever cooking hacks every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask about these air fryer stuffed peppers:

Now it’s your turn – try this recipe and tag me with your delicious results!