Description
Air fryer stuffed peppers deliver restaurant-quality results with significantly less cooking time than traditional methods. With a crisp exterior and perfectly cooked filling, these stuffed peppers are a revolutionary weeknight dinner option that’s both nutritious and satisfying. The combination of savory ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese creates a delicious meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color, though red are sweetest)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 cup cooked rice (brown rice adds extra nutrition and a nutty flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut the tops off your bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to create a flat surface so they stand upright.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Fold in the cooked rice, let cool slightly, then add 3/4 cup of cheese, reserving the rest for topping.
- Carefully fill each pepper with the mixture and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, standing upright and not touching. Cook for 8-10 minutes until peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
- Remove carefully using tongs and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Choose peppers of similar size for even cooking
- Look for peppers with flat bottoms to help them stand in the air fryer
- For vegetarian options, substitute ground beef with Beyond Meat or a mixture of cooked lentils and mushrooms
- If peppers won’t stand up, create a “nest” using crumpled aluminum foil
- These peppers actually taste even better the next day after flavors have melded
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer stuffed peppers, healthy stuffed peppers, quick stuffed peppers, easy weeknight dinner, low calorie stuffed peppers, bell peppers air fryer, ground beef peppers