Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe | Healthy & Delicious

An Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers recipe is a quick and healthy way to enjoy a delicious meal packed with flavor. This recipe typically involves bell peppers halved and hollowed out, filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, cooked rice or quinoa, diced vegetables, and seasonings. The air fryer creates a perfectly roasted texture, with the peppers becoming tender yet slightly crisp around the edges. To prepare, stuff the peppers with your chosen filling, top with shredded cheese if desired, and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the peppers. The result is a satisfying dish that’s easy to customize with different ingredients, like vegetarian options or spicy flavors. Not only is this method faster than traditional oven baking, but it also reduces the need for added oils, making it a healthier choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe | Healthy & Delicious Dinner Idea

Air fryer stuffed peppers are a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner option that brings together vibrant bell peppers and a savory filling of your choice. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a balance of protein, veggies, and carbs while cutting down on cooking time thanks to the efficiency of the air fryer. The peppers turn out tender on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside, with a filling that’s flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb, vegetarian, or classic stuffed pepper recipe, this dish can be easily customized to suit your preferences.

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Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers recipe

Stuffed peppers are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes. They are a popular dish in various cuisines, including Mediterranean, American, and Mexican. Stuffed peppers can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner, accompanied by a side salad or crusty bread. They're also great for meal prep, as they can be made in advance and reheated when needed. Packed with protein, vegetables, and grains, stuffed peppers are a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 19 minutes mins

Total Time 34 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American, Mediterranean, Mexican

Servings 4 people

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spoon or spatula
• Oven mitts

Ingredients

  

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup diced zucchini
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

 

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey or beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, onion, mushrooms, zucchini, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it tightly.
• Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, standing upright.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
• Lightly spray the tops of the peppers with olive oil spray.
• Cook in the air fryer for 18-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the meat is cooked through.
• Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer using oven mitts.
• Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Tips:

• Choose bell peppers that are large and firm for easier stuffing.
• Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as different vegetables, grains, or cheeses.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables or cooked lentils or beans.
• Make sure to pack the filling tightly into the peppers to prevent them from collapsing during cooking.
• Check the doneness of the peppers by inserting a fork or knife into the side to ensure they're tender.
• Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or air fryer.

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Ingredients

For the peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the filling:

• 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat substitute
• 1 cup cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Wash and slice the tops off the bell peppers. Remove the seeds and membranes.
2. Brush the outside of each pepper lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground meat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
4. Remove from heat and mix in half of the shredded cheese.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill each bell pepper with the prepared mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure the filling is packed in.
2. Top with a spoonful of tomato sauce and the remaining shredded cheese.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for air circulation.
3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (makes 4 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 18g (adjust based on rice type)
• Fiber: 4g
• Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 480mg

Tips for Success

1. Customize the Filling: Add black beans, corn, or diced vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
2. Meal Prep: Assemble the stuffed peppers in advance and air fry when ready to serve.
3. Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or omit it for a keto-friendly dish.

This air fryer stuffed peppers recipe is not only simple but also versatile, making it a family favorite. Enjoy this healthy and hearty meal packed with flavor in no time!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.