Introduction

Air fryer stuffed peppers are a quick and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, then topped with melted mozzarella, these peppers come out tender and perfectly cooked in a fraction of the time.

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
1¾ cups cooked rice
15 oz. diced tomatoes
6 oz. tomato paste
4 whole bell peppers (any color)
1 cup mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the grease, then stir in the soy sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Step 2: Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir thoroughly and cook for 3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds. Fill each pepper with the ground beef mixture.
Step 4: Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 5: Cook the peppers in the air fryer at 360°F for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Remove the peppers from the air fryer, top each with mozzarella cheese and chopped parsley if using, then return to the air fryer for an additional 3 minutes to melt the cheese.
Step 7: Carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer and plate them.
Step 8: Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use any variety of bell peppers for different colors and flavors.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add chopped onions or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra texture.
Top with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different twist.
For a spicier version, mix in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed peppers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Cook them fresh in the air fryer just before serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, then add the cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 126 reviews

This Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a healthier twist. Ground beef is seasoned and mixed with rice and tomatoes, then stuffed into colorful bell peppers and cooked perfectly in the air fryer. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley, this dish is delicious, easy to prepare, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 stuffed peppers 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasonings

1 lb. ground beef
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt

Rice and Tomato Mixture

1¾ cups cooked rice
15 oz. diced tomatoes
6 oz. tomato paste

Vegetables and Toppings

4 whole bell peppers (any color)
1 cup mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown 1 lb. of ground beef. Once cooked through, drain the excess grease to keep the dish light and flavorful. Then, stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and ½ tsp salt to season the meat evenly.
Add Rice and Tomato Mixture: Incorporate 1¾ cups of cooked rice, 15 oz. of diced tomatoes, and 6 oz. of tomato paste into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and cook for an additional 3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Prepare Bell Peppers: While the mixture cooks, prepare 4 whole bell peppers by cutting off the tops and carefully removing the seeds and cores to create hollow vessels ready for stuffing.
Stuff the Peppers: Fill each of the hollowed bell peppers with the beef and rice mixture, ensuring they are generously filled but not overstuffed to allow even cooking.
Air Fry the Stuffed Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in two batches. Cook at 360°F for 10 minutes to allow the peppers to soften and the filling to heat through.
Add Cheese and Garnish: Carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer, top each with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly distributed, and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Return the peppers to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly.
Serve: Remove the peppers from the air fryer and plate them for serving. Enjoy warm as a hearty and delicious meal.

Notes

If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or cooked lentils.
Use any color of bell peppers based on your preference or what’s available.
Make sure to drain excess grease after browning the beef to reduce fat content.
You can prepare the rice and beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate before stuffing the peppers.
Air fryer basket sizes vary; adjust the number of peppers cooked at once accordingly.
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture.

Keywords: air fryer stuffed peppers, stuffed bell peppers, ground beef peppers, easy air fryer recipes, healthy stuffed peppers