If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dinner that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, this Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine tender bell peppers bursting with a savory mix of seasoned ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese—all cooked perfectly in your air fryer for a faster, fuss-free cooking experience. This dish brings together colors, textures, and bold flavors in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a weeknight warrior or a weekend chef, these stuffed peppers promise a satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients create the foundation of this dish, each adding something special to the flavor, texture, or appearance of the stuffed peppers. From the sweetness of the bell peppers themselves to the hearty, spiced filling, every element plays its part perfectly.
- 4 bell peppers (tops removed and cored): Choose vibrant colors for an eye-catching plate and a sweet crunch.
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil: Helps sauté the onion and beef while adding richness—Bertolli extra virgin works beautifully here.
- 1 small onion: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized with the beef.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty heart of the filling; choose lean or regular based on your preference.
- 15 oz diced tomatoes: I love using Hunt’s for its great texture and balanced flavor in the sauce.
- 8 oz tomato sauce: Gives a luscious, saucy moisture that binds the filling together.
- 2 cups cooked rice: The base of the filling for that perfect bite consistency; make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before mixing.
- 1.5 tbsp Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that elevate every mouthful.
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder: Adds just the right touch of garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and bring out all the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle kick to keep things interesting.
- 2.25 cups Colby Jack cheese (freshly shredded): Melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible golden cheesy crust.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Start by carefully removing the tops and seeds from your bell peppers. This not only creates the perfect little vessels for your filling but also ensures the peppers cook evenly in the air fryer. Set them aside while you focus on the savory filling.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the diced onion until it’s soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks for the best texture. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, and all the seasonings—Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything until well combined and let it simmer briefly to marry the flavors.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Carefully spoon the warm meat and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing them full but leaving a little room at the top for that glorious cheese topping. Once stuffed, sprinkle each pepper generously with freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese for a melty finish that will turn golden in the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the stuffed peppers upright in your air fryer basket. Set the temperature around 350°F and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. This air fryer method is a game changer—giving you a beautifully cooked dish in a fraction of the time.
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can add a fun final touch. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley, a little extra shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top to brighten the plate and add creaminess. These small additions elevate the dish and make it feel even more special.
Side Dishes
Serving these stuffed peppers with a light side salad or roasted vegetables creates a balanced meal. If you want something heartier, garlic bread or a simple pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs complements the Italian-seasoned filling wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the peppers halved lengthwise for easier sharing or plate them on a vibrant bed of mixed greens for a visually stunning arrangement. You could even top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or your favorite hot sauce to customize the flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When done properly, they maintain their juicy, cheesy goodness and are perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to make this Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe a freezer-friendly meal, wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then pop the peppers into the air fryer or oven until hot and bubbly again. This keeps that delicious crispy cheese top intact, which microwave reheating tends to sacrifice.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe if you prefer a leaner option. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed and season well to keep plenty of flavor.
Do I have to cook the rice before stuffing the peppers?
Yes, it’s best to use cooked and cooled rice to get the perfect texture inside the peppers. Uncooked rice won’t have enough time to soften during air frying.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely—swap out ground beef for cooked lentils, beans, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just adjust seasoning and moisture to keep your filling tasty and satisfying.
What size air fryer is best for cooking stuffed peppers?
A standard 4-6 quart air fryer basket fits 4 medium stuffed peppers comfortably. If you have a smaller air fryer, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.
How do I prevent the peppers from tipping over in the air fryer?
Cut the bottoms of the peppers slightly flat if needed so they stand upright. You can also nestle them close together in the basket for stability during cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about biting into a warm, cheesy stuffed pepper packed with a flavorful filling, especially when it’s made using this Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe. It’s quick, straightforward, and delivers that homemade comfort food vibe that everyone loves. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your meal rotation—you might even find yourself craving these colorful, cheesy beauties on regular nights!
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Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers are a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and melted colby jack cheese, these stuffed peppers are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, delivering a flavorful and satisfying dish with minimal effort and time.
Ingredients
Bell Peppers
- 4 bell peppers (tops removed and cored)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
Tomato Mixture
- 15 oz diced tomatoes (such as Hunt’s)
- 8 oz tomato sauce
Grains and Seasonings
- 2 cups cooked rice (cooled to room temperature)
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin, e.g., Bertolli)
- 1.5 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Cheese
- 2.25 cups Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Remove the tops and cores from the 4 bell peppers, setting the tops aside and making sure the peppers are hollowed out and ready to be stuffed.
- Sauté Onion and Ground Beef: Heat 1.5 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in 15 oz diced tomatoes and 8 oz tomato sauce to the cooked beef mixture. Season with 1.5 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1.5 tsp garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Mix in Rice: Remove the beef mixture from heat and fold in 2 cups cooked rice that has been cooled to room temperature, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each hollowed bell pepper with the beef, tomato, and rice mixture. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket or tray.
- Add Cheese: Top each stuffed pepper with the freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese, about 2.25 cups total divided over four peppers.
- Air Fry the Peppers: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Cook the stuffed peppers for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the peppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your quick, flavorful stuffed bell peppers!
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting results.
- Cook rice in advance and allow it to cool to avoid soggy stuffing.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Ensure the stuffed peppers fit comfortably in your air fryer basket without overcrowding for even cooking.
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based substitute to customize the dish.
