These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are tender, flavorful, and filled with a delicious mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese. They’re quick to prepare and cook faster than traditional oven-baked stuffed peppers, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

Peppers

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Filling

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Green onions, sliced

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

1. Wash the bell peppers.
2. Slice each pepper in half lengthwise.
3. Remove seeds and membranes.
4. Lightly brush the peppers with olive oil.

Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Heat a skillet over medium heat.

Add:

• Ground beef
• Onion

Cook until beef is browned.

Drain excess grease.

Add:

• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook for 1 minute.

Stir in:

• Cooked rice
• Diced tomatoes

Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Remove from heat.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Fill each pepper half generously with the beef mixture.

Top with:

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 5: Air Fry

Place stuffed peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 12–15 minutes until:

• Peppers are tender
• Cheese is melted and golden
• Filling is heated through

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove carefully from the air fryer.

Garnish with:

• Fresh parsley
• Green onions

Serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers

Choose Similar-Sized Peppers

This ensures even cooking.

Pre-Cook the Rice

Using cooked rice speeds up preparation.

Don’t Overstuff

Leave a little room for the cheese topping.

Check Early

Air fryer models vary, so check at the 10-minute mark.

Flavor Variations

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Add:

• Taco seasoning
• Black beans
• Corn
• Cheddar cheese

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Add:

• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan
• Italian sausage

Low-Carb Version

Replace rice with:

• Cauliflower rice

Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Replace ground beef with:

• Shredded chicken

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Use:

• Black beans
• Chickpeas
• Mushrooms
• Rice

instead of meat.

What to Serve With

Side Dishes

• Garden salad
• Caesar salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables

Healthy Options

• Steamed broccoli
• Cucumber salad
• Green beans

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze cooked stuffed peppers for up to 3 months.

Wrap individually for easy reheating.

Reheating

Air Fryer

Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes.

Microwave

Heat for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (Approximate)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the peppers up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Do I need to pre-cook the peppers?

No. The air fryer softens them perfectly during cooking.

Can I use ground turkey?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works great as a lighter option.

What color bell peppers are best?

Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a more savory flavor.

Can I use uncooked rice?

It’s best to use fully cooked rice for proper texture and even cooking.

Recipe Notes

✅ Quick and easy.

✅ Air fryer-friendly.

✅ Great for meal prep.

✅ Family-friendly.

✅ Easy to customize.

Make-Ahead Tip

Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers the night before. Refrigerate and air fry when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestion

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. 🫑🧀✨

Chef’s Secret

Mix 2 tablespoons of cream cheese into the warm beef mixture before stuffing the peppers. It creates an extra creamy, rich filling that keeps the peppers moist and flavorful. 😋🫑🧀✨

FAQs

Can I use mini sweet peppers?

Yes! Reduce cooking time to 8–10 minutes.

How do I know they’re done?

The peppers should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the filling should be hot throughout.

Can I make them keto-friendly?

Yes! Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Pepper Jack are all excellent choices.

Can I freeze them before cooking?

Yes. Freeze assembled peppers and air fry from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the cooking time. 🫑🧀