If you’re craving a comforting, vibrant, and delicious meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you absolutely have to try this Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe. This dish brings together juicy bell peppers filled with a savory combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, and rich tomato flavors, topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Using the air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also gives the peppers a perfectly tender texture with a slightly crisp edge that you’ll love. It’s a true weeknight hero or weekend treat that brightens your plate and your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is the first step to making this Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe a hit. Each one is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, resulting in a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.
- 1 lb. ground beef: The savory, hearty base that brings richness and depth.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds an umami punch and balances the sweetness of tomatoes.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Offers aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to infuse a Mediterranean vibe.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- 1¾ cups cooked rice: Provides a soft, chewy texture and stretches the filling.
- 15 oz. diced tomatoes: Brings juiciness and fresh acidity.
- 6 oz. tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for richness and color.
- 4 whole bell peppers (any color): The colorful, crunchy vessels that hold all the goodness.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible gooey finish.
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish): Adds a pop of bright green and freshness.
How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook your ground beef until it’s beautifully browned. This browning step creates amazing flavor through caramelization. After the beef is cooked, drain off the excess grease to keep the filling satisfying but not greasy. Then, stir in soy sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. This combination will transform the beef into a savory, aromatic filling that’s absolutely crave-worthy.
Step 2: Mix in Rice and Tomatoes
Next, add your cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly, ensuring the tomato paste coats the mixture evenly while the tomatoes add moisture and freshness. Let it cook together for about three minutes so all the flavors meld and heat through, giving you a perfectly balanced filling with tender bites and robust tomato goodness.
Step 3: Prepare and Fill the Bell Peppers
Now, it’s time to prepare those bell peppers. Carefully cut off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes so you have hollow “bowls” ready for filling. Stuff each pepper generously with your savory beef and rice mixture, pressing down lightly to fill them evenly. Because they’re a bit snug in the air fryer basket, you might need to cook the stuffed peppers in two batches.
Step 4: Air Fry the Peppers
Place the stuffed peppers in your air fryer basket and set the temperature to 360°F. Cook them for 10 minutes, which is just enough time for the peppers to soften nicely while the filling finishes cooking through. The air fryer ensures the peppers have a slight crispness on the edges while staying tender inside—a perfect texture contrast you won’t want to miss.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
After the peppers come out of the air fryer, sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top, and add chopped parsley for optional freshness and a beautiful pop of color. Return the peppers to the air fryer for another 3 minutes. This short time lets the cheese melt into a golden, bubbly topping that locks in all those delicious flavors and adds a creamy finish to each bite.
Step 6: Plate and Enjoy
Finally, carefully transfer the peppers to plates and serve immediately. The melty cheese topping, tender pepper, and savory filling make this Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe an absolutely delightful meal to enjoy solo or share with loved ones!
How to Serve Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a lovely green contrast to the rich colors of your stuffed peppers. If you want to up the indulgence, a spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of balsamic glaze pairs beautifully, adding creaminess or a subtle tang that complements the savory filling.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds texture and brightness to your meal. For something hearty, garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are fantastic for soaking up every last bit of sauce and cheese that escapes from the peppers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the filling out before cooking and stuff mini bell peppers or even tomato halves to create appetizer-sized bites. Or top your finished stuffed peppers with a fried egg for a brunch-worthy version. Presentation is all about making this recipe your own, and the versatility means you can adapt this Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed peppers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep everything tasting fresh, try to save any garnishes separately and add them when reheating. The peppers may continue to soak up the filling’s flavors, making them even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe ahead for busy nights, freeze them before adding cheese. Wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months, so you’ve always got a tasty, homemade meal ready to go!
Reheating
To reheat frozen or refrigerated stuffed peppers, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted again. Using the air fryer preserves that delightful texture, making leftovers just as enjoyable as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in this Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe if you prefer a leaner option. Just brown it the same way, and you might want to add a bit of extra seasoning for flavor.
Do I need to pre-cook the bell peppers?
No need! The air fryer cooks the peppers through during the recipe’s cooking time, leaving them tender but still sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat alternative. With the seasonings and tomato base, the filling will still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
What size air fryer should I use?
A standard 5-6 quart air fryer is ideal. Since the peppers are bulky, you might have to cook them in batches like the recipe suggests, but if you have a larger model, you can fit more at once.
Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?
Definitely! While the air fryer speeds things up and adds a unique texture, you can bake the stuffed peppers in a 375°F oven for about 30-35 minutes covered, then uncover and add cheese for 5 more minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s colorful, comforting, and packed with flavor—and the air fryer makes it faster and fuss-free. Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for yourself or feeding friends and family, these stuffed peppers will bring smiles and full bellies every single time. Give it a try—you’ll be adding it to your go-to recipe list before you know it!
Print
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers recipe combines juicy bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings. It’s a simple, flavorful dish made quickly using the air fryer for a perfectly cooked, cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Filling 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
Main Ingredients
- 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 the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and then stir in soy sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt to season the meat thoroughly.
- Mix in Rice and Tomatoes: Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook for an additional 3 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove seeds and membranes. Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, filling them evenly.
- Air Fry the Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers into the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, cook in two batches. Cook them at 360°F for 10 minutes to soften the peppers and heat the filling completely.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the peppers from the air fryer and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley. Return the peppers to the air fryer for an additional 3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Carefully remove the stuffed peppers and plate them. Serve hot for a hearty, delicious meal.
Notes
- You can use any color bell peppers according to preference or availability.
- If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in a low oven while the second batch cooks.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat substitutes.
- Cooked rice should be fully cooled before mixing for the best texture.
- Ensure air fryer basket is not overcrowded for proper cooking and even heat circulation.
