Dinners are a special time for anyone in the family and there is no reason why they have to be complicated all the time.
So, if you want to impress your friends and family, you should try these Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers that are just savory, cheesy and incredibly delicious.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into it.
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Learn how to make these Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers that are perfectly cooked, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 whole bell peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes
- 1 8 ounce can of tomato sauce
- 2 cups rice cooked
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese shredded
Substitute Ingredients
No ground beef? No problem! Swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
Out of white rice? Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier spin.
No mozzarella? Cheddar, pepper jack, or even feta can add a tasty twist. Get creative with seasonings too. Taco seasoning or smoked paprika can take these peppers to the next level!
Instructions
1. Prep the Peppers: Start by giving your bell peppers a good rinse, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
Slice off the tops and carefully remove any seeds and white veins inside using a spoon or small knife.
This creates the perfect hollow base for stuffing. Don’t toss those tops just yet. They make great lids or garnishes later!
2. Sauté the Onion and Brown the Beef: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and cook until it’s softened and fragrant. It’ll take about 3-4 minutes.
Then, toss in the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and crumbled, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Make sure there’s no pink left before moving to the next step!
3. Mix in the Filling: Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and cooked rice.
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
The mixture should be thick, hearty, and ready to become the ultimate stuffing for your peppers.
4. Stuff the Peppers: Take your cleaned-out peppers and pack them generously with the filling mixture, pressing lightly to ensure they’re full but not overflowing.
Arrange them upright in the basket of your air fryer, making sure they’re spaced out so the hot air can circulate evenly.
If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches.
5. Air Fry to Perfection: Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook the stuffed peppers for about 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
For an extra gooey, cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper and pop them back into the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer. They’ll be hot! Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these air fryer stuffed peppers with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for extra flavor, or drizzle with hot sauce if you like a little heat.
They also pair perfectly with roasted veggies or tortilla chips for scooping up any extra filling.
Whatever you end up deciding, there is one thing we can agree on. When it comes to dinner or meal prep, these peppers absolutely steal the show!