If you’ve ever dreamed of a quick weeknight dinner that feels both hearty and homey, these Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are exactly what you need. Bright, tender bell peppers cradle a savory blend of beef, rice, and tomatoes, all crowned with gooey, melty mozzarella. It’s a recipe that delivers the cozy flavors of classic stuffed peppers with a fraction of the effort, thanks to your trusty air fryer. You’ll fall in love with the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen just as quickly as your family falls in love with every bite!

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers prove that simple ingredients can create something truly special when combined in just the right way. Each component plays its role—bringing color, depth, or a hint of Mediterranean flavor that takes this dish over the top.

Bell peppers (6 large): The heart of this recipe; red, yellow, or green choose your favorite for bursts of color and flavor.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness and helps brown the meat and vegetables perfectly.
Onion (diced): Adds sweet, mellow flavor that develops while sautéing.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a punch of aromatic depth that infuses every bite.
Ground beef (14 ounces): Gives the filling its hearty, satisfying base.
Cooked rice (1 3/4 cups): Provides structure and soaks up all the tasty juices for a perfect texture.
Canned tomatoes (14 ounces, diced): Add juiciness and just enough acidity to balance rich flavors.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Elevates and binds all the individual flavors together.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Lends a gentle kick for background warmth.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings robust flavor and a subtle hint of heat.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a smoky, vibrant color the filling can’t do without.
Thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers an herby note that complements the hearty beef beautifully.
Parsley (1 teaspoon): Freshens up the filling with a pop of green and subtle flavor.
Mozzarella cheese (1 1/4 cups, shredded): Melts into a blanket of gooey goodness over the peppers.

How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer

Before you do anything else, get your air fryer preheating to 190°C (375°F). This ensures your peppers start cooking as soon as you pop them in—creating that all-important tender texture without any guesswork.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers

Slice off the tops of your bell peppers and gently scoop out seeds and membranes, creating little colorful bowls. Set them aside, and don’t toss the tops—they make for a charming garnish or can even be chopped and added to the filling for extra flavor and zero waste.

Step 3: Cook the Savory Filling

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant. Next comes the ground beef—cook it until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly. Stir in your cooked rice, diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, thyme, and parsley. Let everything simmer together until the mixture bubbles gently and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

It’s stuffing time! Carefully spoon the savory, hot beef-rice mixture into the prepared bell peppers, pressing gently and filling them right to the brim. Don’t worry if they’re overflowing a bit—that’s part of their irresistible charm!

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange your stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they sit upright and have a little room between them for air to circulate. Air fry for 15 minutes, then sprinkle each with shredded mozzarella. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional two minutes—just long enough for the cheese to melt into golden, bubbly perfection.

How to Serve Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of extra paprika adds color and flair. For even more excitement, drizzle with a bit of tangy Greek yogurt or dollop on sour cream—creamy contrasts play so well with the hot, cheesy filling.

Side Dishes

These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a satisfying meal on their own, but they also shine alongside a crisp green salad or a plate of roasted vegetables. Serve with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up those delicious juices, or add a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes for comfort food heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Give each guest their own whole pepper for a fun, personal touch, or slice the peppers in half lengthwise for a colorful tray of halves that make grab-and-go portions. For parties, try stuffing mini bell peppers for the perfect bite-sized appetizer that will disappear in no time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers, let them cool to room temperature before sealing in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to four days, making them excellent meal-prep fare for lunches and quick dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cooled stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap and foil, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for two to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

Reheating leftover Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers couldn’t be easier. Pop them back in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 5–7 minutes to restore that perfect texture, or microwave in 60-second bursts until heated through. Either method keeps them warm, melty, and irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well if you’d like to switch things up or need a lighter option. Just cook them as you would the beef, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Can I prepare Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the filling and stuff the peppers the night before, storing them in the fridge. When ready, just pop them straight in the air fryer—no extra prep required.

Do I have to pre-cook the rice?

It’s best to use cooked rice in this recipe, as the air fryer doesn’t provide enough moisture or time to fully cook raw rice along with the other ingredients.

What if my peppers don’t fit in the air fryer?

If you’re working with a small air fryer, simply cook the peppers in batches. They retain their heat well, or you can return them all to the basket at the end for a minute or two to reheat before serving.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Definitely! Just skip the mozzarella or use a plant-based shredded cheese alternative. The filling is flavorful enough to carry the dish, cheese or not.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed peppers just became a whole lot easier and more tempting, thanks to your air fryer. Give these Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers a try and let their melty, flavorful filling and colorful presentation turn a regular night into something unforgettable. Bon appétit!

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love. Bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings, then topped with melted cheese for a satisfying dish.

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 190C/375F.
Prepare Peppers: Cut off the tops from peppers, clean the insides, and set aside.
Cook Filling: In a skillet, saute onions and garlic, then add ground beef, rice, seasonings, and tomatoes. Cook until boiling.
Fill Peppers: Scoop the mixture into the peppers, filling them to the top.
Air Fry: Place the filled peppers in the air fryer basket and air fry for 15 minutes. Add shredded cheese and air fry for another two minutes until melted.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Feel free to add more vegetables to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: American